Salt River Sunset Kayaking Tour

Tour Highlights

• Sunset Views: Paddle through golden hour into early twilight as the sky reflects off the Lower Salt River.
• Evening Wildlife: Spot wild horses, bald eagles, herons, and other birds along the banks at dusk.
• Glowing Geology: Watch red rock cliffs and volcanic formations warm in the fading desert light.
• Family Friendly: Calm, beginner-friendly Class I water.

Tour Itinerary

As the afternoon heat begins to soften, you'll meet your guide at the Canal/Hawes Park & Ride and shuttle to the Lower Salt River launch. After a quick on-shore safety briefing, you'll push off into calm, beginner-friendly Class I water and begin a peaceful float downstream. The desert riparian corridor opens around you - lush riverbanks, towering mesquite bosques, and red rock cliffs catching the last warm light of the day.

Golden hour turns the water into a mirror of amber and violet, while the silhouettes of the Superstition Mountains rise in the distance. Herons and egrets drift home along the banks, and with a little luck, wild horses may appear at the water's edge. Your guide will pause at a scenic beach where you can stretch, sip water, and watch the sky shift from sunset into twilight. By the time you return to the take-out, the Sonoran Desert has settled into its quiet evening rhythm - and you'll carry the light of the river sunset with you.

Pricing

$148 per person (4-person minimum).
Single kayaks available for an additional $10 per person.
Private tours available for an additional $200.
Hotel pickup may be available for $295.
Contact us for groups over 9.

Requirements

• Skill Level: Beginner & Family Friendly; Class I moving water.
• Minimum Guest Weight: 35 lbs.
• Walking: Minimal; short distances between shuttle and river launch.
• Elevation: Mostly flat river environment with negligible gain.

What to Bring

• Water shoes or sport sandals
• Comfortable athletic clothing
• Change of clothing
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Light jacket or layer for cooler evening temperatures
• Medications & camera

What's Included

• Guides: Professional safety-certified guide.
• Equipment: Inflatable kayaks, paddles, PFDs, and dry storage.
• Permits: Tonto National Forest entry and parking fees.
• Provisions: Snacks and bottled water.
• Transport: Roundtrip shuttle from the meeting point to the river.

What's Not Included

• Guide gratuities.

Season & Departure Times

January - February: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
March - May 15: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
May 16 - August: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
September 1 - 15: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
September 16 - December: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Paddling time on the water is approximately 1.5-2 hours.

Important Notes

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: All river tours must be booked in advance to secure equipment and transport. Groups may be combined to meet the minimum.

Tour Itinerary Changes: Every attempt will be made to adhere to the tour itinerary. However, safety issues, weather, or other extenuating circumstances beyond our control may result in unexpected changes. Should these changes affect a guest's travel plans, CCO is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by the guest.

Cancellation Policy

This tour has a 72-hour cancellation policy. Please read your confirmation email for details.