Kayaking the Salt River at Saguaro Lake Ranch in Mesa, Arizona

After the fun adventure we had tubing the Salt River in Mesa Arizona, I returned to do it again with a friend visiting from out of town. The crew at the ranch remembered me! That’s always such a pleasant uplifting thing to happen. The challenge was put forth for me to return and try their two hour kayaking trek. Ohhh, how I do love a challenge and invitation to try something new. I have kayaked on calm lakes before, but never on a flowing river with rapids! (Okay … this would be little baby rapids, but I knew I would still get bragging rights out of it.) It took me a bit of time, being new in town, but I found an amazing fellow travel minded spirit to join me in kayaking the Salt River at Saguaro Lake Ranch.

Girl’s Day Out!

Typically, when you rent a kayak, you are given the boat and paddle, and sent on your way to return when your time is up. In this case though, we got a full lesson and before we could officially leave, we had to get in the water and demonstrate our skills. Returning the kayak would be a different story too, as we would get picked up two hours down the river in an air conditioned van to be driven back.

Learning all the Skills Before Hitting the Water

I very quickly realized that kayaking is faster than tubing, and you don’t hit your butt on any rocks in shallow areas! I was able to bring a dry bag (available in the office for $5) in the boat allowing for snacks and phone storage to be able to take photos. Since the trip takes roughly two hours, you have plenty of time to both enjoy and live the experience full out, and to view some of it through the lens of a camera.

There is no, “Keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times” rule here!

Be careful with your phone or camera though ~ when you stop paddling to snap or record something, you could end up floating into a bush. Absolutely no devices out on the rapids! You will get splashed and jolted and will cry as you see your phone flying out of your hands. Instead what you want to do is hold onto your paddle, lift your arms in the air and scream with delight at how much fun you are having on the wavy ride.

Our Highlight Reel So You Can Pretend You Were With Us!