Salt River Kayaking is an excellent way to explore the beautiful scenery of the region. It is very scenic and peaceful, but you should always know your limits when paddling. You can float for up to eight hours without worrying about a strong current.
The river is located in Apache County, Arizona, and is well known for its pristine water and majestic scenery. In fact, it is one of the few rivers in the United States that have been designated as a National Wild and Scenic River.
However, if you are planning longer kayaking trips, make sure you go through the guidelines. Upon disembarking, you should carefully watch out for rocks and other obstacles, and use your legs to absorb any shocks. Besides, you can have a look at the things that makes kayaking hard from this article.
Getting To The Salt River
Getting to the Salt is easy. The Salt River is divided into two sections: the upper section is where true whitewater is found. You need to get a permit before you can go up the river. After securing your permit, you can then start exploring the lower section. Most people choose to go up the upper section of the Salt River, but if you want to have a more leisurely trip, there are plenty of other options.
Upper Salt River Kayaking
The upper and lower Salt rivers are both beautiful, but the Upper Salt is the best for beginners. The river is often higher in late August, and the water is moving at about 1600cfs. While the Lower Salt is a little less scenic, it is still an excellent place for kayaking. In addition to being scenic, the Lower Salt River is also a great place for beginners.
The source water is fresh because of snowmelt. A deep snowpack may extend the season, but recent local rains can make it run low. When you’re kayaking during the winters, you must plan to paddle the upper salt river as you would any other river. If you’re planning to go kayaking in this area, make sure you have the right gear and know-how.
To access the upper Salt, you must travel east and then turn right at the bridge. After you cross the bridge, you should find a parking spot and follow it to the river. Then, head downstream to the Dunstan River.
Lower Salt River kayaking
Lower Salt River kayaking is best done in calm waters. You can find a private rental company if you’d like to avoid crowds. Luckily, the lower salt river offers a tranquil experience for beginners and families with young children. You should book a shuttle before heading out to enjoy the adventure.
The lower part of the Salt River is a relatively flat, easy-to-access location. You can get there by car or take the road to the upper section of the river.
In addition to kayaking, you can also enjoy other recreational activities in the area. Among them are swimming and tubing. If you’re looking for an activity that’s more challenging than normal, you might want to try rafting on the river. There are several ways to kayak in the river, including renting a tandem or a single kayak.
Best Kayaking Destinations In The Salt River
The Salt River in Arizona offers a ton of options for kayakers. You can go out on a calm river, or you can try some whitewater rapids that will ensure a good day of fun on the water. Below are some of the most popular destinations for people who want to experience the beauty and excitement of kayaking on this river. Here are the best kayaking destinations in the salt river;
LeGrand Cove
Kayaking in LeGrand Cove, Salt River is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This part of the river used to be a beautiful place to explore but it has been made off-limits to kayakers due to high water levels. The best way for kayakers to enjoy this spot is by going at low tide when there are gaps between boulders and rocks that were submerged just a few hours before.
Every morning you can find people paddling and kayaking in and around the cove. The sound of laughter, birds chirping and paddles hitting the water fills the air while onlookers watch from the bridge or alongside the riverbank. Most importantly, no one is more than a few feet away from a beautiful view of mountains and woodland.
The LeGrand Cove is a great place for kayaking for beginners and experts alike. The river’s water is fresh and has a tranquil feel to it. One can even see some wildlife from their kayak!
Apache Lake Marina & Resort
Kayaking in Apache Lake, Salt River, Arizona is an excellent way to spend a day! The sunsets are breathtaking and the serene atmosphere will have you feeling relaxed. Apache Lake is located on the Salt River Reservation which is home to many different types of wildlife. There are six lakes that make up the beautiful Apache Lake. At Apache Lake, there are plenty of places to launch your kayak which makes it great for beginners.
Apache Lake offers three different types of kayaks for rent: single, tandem, and children’s. Kayaks are rented for one hour at a time and can accommodate up to 12 people.
Miles from the pavement and left to the elements, kayakers will find a natural playground for adventurers of all levels. The pristine waters and serene views make this an enjoyable place for beginners to take their first paddle strokes and experts to hone their skills. Paddlers can also enjoy fishing, bird watching, or simply taking in the beauty of the desert before them. This is a hidden gem in the heart of Apache Country.
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Kayaking in Theodore Roosevelt Dam is a popular pastime for locals and tourists alike. With just a little effort and some preparation, anyone can enjoy these beautiful surroundings. The Theodore Roosevelt Dam Recreation Area offers many different kayak tours including the one that starts at the bottom of the dam and goes down to Bartlett Lake. These tours are all about an hour long and offer plenty of time to explore the clear blue waters of both reservoirs.
Theodore Roosevelt Dam, Salt River offers some great kayaking spots for all levels of experience. Miles of calm waters make this perfect for beginners who are looking to get their feet wet with kayaking.
The dam is one of several man-made lakes around the Valley that offer activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, and picnicking.
Burnt Corral Campground
If you’re looking for a place to kayak, Burnt Corral Campground in Salt River is the perfect location. Surrounded by mountains and canyons, campers who kayak here will be rewarded with amazing views and waterways. Be sure to bring your own equipment as this campground does not provide any kayaks or oars.
The Burnt Corral campground is located right on the water-side of the Rio Salado and offers easy access to scenic day trips like Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Point, and Painted Desert Point. Kayaking in Burnt Corral Campgrounds will let you explore many of these destinations without having to drive yourself there. The river water from the Salt River moves quickly from the mountains, making it ideal for canoeing and kayaking.
The campground is open year-round and offers several different campsites for tents or trailers.
Chunk Beach
Chunk Beach in Salt River is a popular destination for kayaking enthusiasts. The trip takes about an hour with a tour starting from the Chunk Beach Marina. The water is calm and clear, offering a stunning view of nature with no distractions.
At the shallowest point, you’ll find it spans about 2-3 feet deep. This is where you’ll find most of the fish, so bring your fishing poles along for some fun! If you’re not interested in fishing, there are plenty of other activities to do. Besides, Chunk Beach offers a variety of tours, so there’s something for everyone regardless of experience or skill level.
3 Mile Wash
Standing on the bank of 3 Mile Wash, you can smell the salt! The 3 Mile Wash is one of the first natural water features that visitors come across when they enter the Salt River recreation area. This river is a popular choice for kayakers who enjoy floating down it and exploring its many bends and curves.
Before starting your journey on this less-traveled part of the river, make sure to gear up with some life jackets, as well as other necessary safety equipment such as maps or a GPS device.
The natural beauty of the waterway is enough to keep you engaged for hours on end. If you want a more active experience, kayak upstream and explore the wildlife and submerged palm trees.
Salt River Kayaking 101
If you’re new to salt river kayaking, it’s a great way to explore this ancient waterway. Thousands of years ago, the indigenous Hohokam people relied on it for irrigation. Today, it is a popular destination for a growing metropolitan population. While the upper Salt River is full of Class III rapids, the lower section is more gentle and ideal for beginners. It is also a great place to watch birds and wildlife.
While the Salt River offers a wide variety of locations and activities. Despite being a mild river, there are still some safety considerations. If you’re kayaking with kids, you should wear a life jacket and a paddle. Similarly, you should bring a small oar if you’re in the middle of a current. Remember to wear a headlamp when you’re on the Salt River. It’s important to have a life jacket when paddling in the evening.
The Salt River can get very crowded on weekends. People in SUPs and tubes congregate on the river to cool off. To avoid this crowd, you should plan your trip to start early in the morning. There are usually fewer other kayakers, so you can spend more time on the water. Alternatively, you can choose to kayak in the middle of the day. A few hours is enough for you to paddle in one of the most beautiful locations.
Salt River Kayak Fishing
If you love catching fish, you may want to consider kayak fishing in the Salt River. While the river is usually flowing at about 1600cfs, it is still very challenging and exciting for novices as well as experienced paddlers. Plus, it’s a short drive from Phoenix. With a few cautions, you’ll be able to successfully enjoy a day out on the water. For more information, read below!
While fishing in the Salt is primarily about bass, there are other species of fish as well. The annual white bass spawning run draws anglers from all over the world. Flathead catfish and channel catfish are also plentiful. And you can catch a 40 to 60-pound bass during high water. And if you’re an experienced paddler, don’t be afraid of high water! A kayak fishing trip on the Salt River will make you feel like a pro.
Getting to the Salt River can be tricky. First of all, the Salt River is very user-friendly. Most of the shoreline is on private property, so securing a permit for your trip is essential. The river is also class I the entire way, and you’ll encounter plenty of fun riffles, islands, and sandbars. You’ll be able to enjoy your kayak fishing adventure on a weekend or a longer trip.
While kayak fishing in the Salt River, you should be aware that it’s not always easy to find fish. Aside from the fish, you’ll need a lot of patience to catch them. Remember that paddling is about catching fish and it’s best to take your time and enjoy the experience. You’ll be glad you did! After your trip, you can relax and enjoy the fresh air. You’ll be grateful you did.
Salt River Kayaking Guidelines
The Salt River is a great place for kayaking and is perfect for families, but you should take caution. When planning your trip, make sure to know how much preparation you’ll need. If you’re a beginner, you can take a half-day or even an entire day to paddle the Salt.
The river can be very hot in the summertime, so bringing water and snacks is important. It’s also a good idea to bring a plastic cooler to cool your drinks. Styrofoam coolers are prone to floating away in the rivers, so try to bring a non-styrofoam one. And finally, make sure to bring a dry bag for your personal items. You’ll want to keep this with you at all times.
During the summer, the river is notorious for being a party spot. Be sure to check out the rules before setting out. For example, the Lower Salt is a no-no-no zone. A designated driver should be arranged for this. If you are traveling by car, make sure to park on the edges of parking lots.
While kayaking on the Salt River, you should be aware of potential obstacles along the way. In particular, be aware of the rapids. These are caused by large rocks and boulders that are submerged and exposed in the water. Pay close attention to your surroundings to avoid them and to the water ahead. If you find anything that is choppy, paddle around it to avoid any possible accident. For an unforgettable Salt River Kayaking experience, consider hiring a guide or hiring a kayak rental company.
Moreover, it is important to remember to wear a life jacket and paddle to prevent injuries. If you have children, a small oar is a great option. And you’ll need a towel and glow sticks if you’re kayaking in the dark. You’ll also need a flashlight and a towel for exiting the Salt. If you’re a beginner, you’ll need to learn the rules of the water before hitting the waters.
When you’re kayaking, it’s important to have the proper gear for your trip. For example, while kayaking, it’s important to carry a backpack that can be easily tossed out. Besides, a life jacket is a great idea to keep your child safe as well as your cooler safe. While the Salt River is a relatively mild river, it is important to carry a life jacket and a paddle.
In conclusion, Salt River Kayaking is a great way to get in touch with nature and spend time with friends and family. There is no better time than now to see what this experience has to offer. Salt River offers a great kayaking experience for any level of experience or age, at affordable rates. The wide, calm water is perfect for beginners and experts alike, and their rates are unbeatable.
