The Complete Guide To Kayaking The Salt River

The Salt River is a popular destination for kayakers of all levels. The river offers a variety of scenery, from towering cliffs to lush forests, and the current is generally mild, making it a good choice for beginners. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about planning your kayaking trip on the Salt River, from choosing the right kayak to packing the right gear.

Planning Your Trip

The first step in planning your kayaking trip is to choose the right time of year. The Salt River is typically navigable from March to October, but the best time to go is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the water levels are high.

The Complete Guide to Kayaking the Salt River: Everything You Need to Know to Paddle the Lower Salt River

by R Scott Jones

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15874 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	110 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Once you have chosen a time of year, you need to decide how long you want to spend on the river. The Salt River can be paddled in one day, but most people prefer to spend two or three days on the river, camping overnight along the way.

If you are planning to camp overnight, you will need to obtain a permit from the Tonto National Forest. Permits can be obtained online or at the Tonto National Forest Visitor Center.

Choosing the Right Kayak

The type of kayak you choose will depend on your experience level and the type of paddling you plan to do. If you are a beginner, you will want to choose a kayak that is stable and easy to maneuver. Recreational kayaks are a good choice for beginners, as they are designed for stability and comfort.

If you are more experienced, you may want to choose a kayak that is more performance-oriented. Touring kayaks are a good choice for longer trips, as they are designed for speed and efficiency. Whitewater kayaks are designed for paddling in rough water, and are only recommended for experienced kayakers.

Packing the Right Gear

In addition to your kayak, you will need to pack the following gear:

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If you are camping overnight, you will also need to pack the following gear:

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Paddling the River

Once you have packed your gear, you are ready to start paddling the Salt River. The put-in for the Salt River is located at the Tonto National Forest Visitor Center. From the put-in, you will paddle downstream for approximately 25 miles to the take-out at Saguaro Lake.

The Salt River is a relatively easy river to paddle, with a few small rapids. The rapids are all Class I or Class II, which means that they are suitable for beginners.

As you paddle down the river, you will pass through a variety of scenery, from towering cliffs to lush forests. You may also see wildlife, such as deer, eagles, and coyotes.

Camping Overnight

If you are planning to camp overnight, there are several campsites located along the river. The campsites are primitive, with no running water or electricity. You will need to bring your own water and food.

To camp overnight, you must first obtain a permit from the Tonto National Forest. Permits can be obtained online or at the Tonto National Forest Visitor Center.

Getting Out of the River

The take-out for the Salt River is located at Saguaro Lake. From the take-out, you can either drive back to your starting point or arrange for a shuttle to pick you up.

Safety Tips

Kayaking the Salt River is a fun and rewarding experience, but it is important to remember that there are some risks involved. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

* Always wear a life jacket. * Paddle with a friend or group. * Stay hydrated. * Be aware of the weather forecast and avoid paddling in bad weather. * Be aware of your surroundings and avoid paddling near dams or other hazards.

The Complete Guide to Kayaking the Salt River: Everything You Need to Know to Paddle the Lower Salt River

by R Scott Jones

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15874 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	110 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE