Salt River: Wild Horses, Red Canyons and the Desert That Floats
Float with wild horses, climb to a lime kiln and sleep beside a desert river—Salt River makes the Sonoran feel both intimate and vast.
The first time the Lower Salt River let me go, it felt like the desert was holding its breath. We put in at a creek-mouth shaded by cottonwood and mesquite, the river’s surface a mirror for a sky the color of old denim. A great blue heron stalked along the bank, one leg bent like a hinge, while farther upstream a band of wild horses grazed on the slick, green ribbon of riverside grass. The current—never hurried, always purposeful—took our tandem kayak with a soft insistence, as if the river itself were a guide pointing us toward red-rock cliffs and saguaro silhouettes that rose like ancient sentinels.
Trail Wisdom
Bring a dry bag
Even guided trips include swims and unexpected flips—keep your phone and layers dry in a reliable dry bag.
Wear river shoes
Traction and toe protection make launch-and-exit points far more comfortable than flip-flops.
Book shoulder-season slots
Fall and spring offer cooler temps, smaller crowds, and better wildlife viewing compared with midsummer.
Respect wild horses
Observe from a distance; do not feed or attempt to touch them—approaching can stress animals and is unsafe for you.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Lime Kiln (Goldfield Ovens) — a short hike to pioneer-era limestone kilns
- •Early-morning side channels — quieter spots where otters and herons congregate
Wildlife
Wild horses, Great blue herons
Conservation Note
Tonto National Forest manages the river corridor—stay on designated access points, pack out trash, and never feed wildlife to protect fragile habitats.
The Salt River corridor was historically important to Indigenous peoples and later to miners and ranchers; remnants like lime kilns and abandoned mines trace that layered past.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflower blooms, Comfortable paddling temps, Birdwatching
Challenges: Higher camper numbers, Occasional runoff after storms
Spring brings pleasant air temperatures, active wildlife and good river flows—ideal for kayaking and guided floats but expect more visitors on weekends.
summer
Best for: Swimming, Long daylight hours
Challenges: High heat (100°F+), monsoon storms, flash flooding potential
Summer is hot and humid; morning launches and swims offer relief, but avoid midday heat and heed monsoon advisories.
fall
Best for: Crisp paddling conditions, Peak wildlife visibility, Less crowded trails
Challenges: Cooler mornings and evenings, Variable water release schedules
Fall is ideal—water levels moderate, temperatures cool and crowds thin; great for combining hikes with afternoon floats.
winter
Best for: Quieter rivers, Clear light for photography
Challenges: Cool water temps, chilly mornings, Shorter daylight hours
Winters are mild but can be chilly on the water—layering is key, and guided trips provide warmability via transport and brief onshore breaks.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
PFD (Personal Flotation Device)Essential
Often provided, but essential for safety—ensure a proper fit for any river activity.
Quick-dry clothing and swimwearEssential
Dries fast after swims or unexpected capsizes and keeps you comfortable on sunny days.
Water shoes with toe protectionEssential
Protects feet on rocky launches, improves traction in wet conditions and on trails.
Wide-brim hat and high-SPF sunscreenEssential
The Sonoran sun is intense—sun protection reduces heat fatigue and sunburn risk.
Common Questions
Are there wild horses on the Salt River and can I interact with them?
Yes—feral wild horses are regularly seen along the Lower Salt River; do not approach or feed them and observe from a respectful distance.
Do I need prior experience to kayak or raft here?
No for guided flatwater tours—guides handle steering and safety; unguided trips require basic paddling skills and comfort with wet exits.
When is the best time to visit to avoid extreme heat?
Late fall through early spring (October–April) offers the most comfortable daytime temperatures for on-water activities.
Can I camp by the river after a rafting trip?
Yes—packages like Raft & Camp include riverside camping; if camping independently, follow Tonto National Forest regulations and use designated sites when available.
Are trips family-friendly?
Many half-day guided floats and kayaking tours are family-friendly; check age and weight restrictions with the operator for specific trips.
Do I need a permit to access the Lower Salt River?
Some operators include National Forest entry fees; if arriving independently, check Tonto National Forest regulations and any day-use or parking fees before you go.
What to Pack
Hydration system (3L), quick-dry layers, water shoes, wide-brim hat — hydration and sun protection are critical; footwear protects on rocky shores and launches.
Did You Know
The Salt River is home to a well-known herd of feral horses—the Salt River wild horses—whose presence along the river has become an iconic symbol of the Tonto National Forest and draws wildlife watchers from across the region.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Book morning launches to avoid heat; 2) Confirm pickup points and drive times—operators often provide round-trip transport; 3) Bring ID and any medical needs; 4) Leave no trace—pack out all trash and don’t feed wildlife.
Local Flavor
The Salt River corridor sits within lands historically stewarded by Akimel O'odham and other Indigenous communities; nearby Scottsdale and Mesa serve up Sonoran cuisine—grilled mesquite flavors, prickly pear margs and local farm-to-table options that pair well with a day on the river.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest cities: Scottsdale/Phoenix (45–90 minute drive). Common trip lengths: 2–8 hours. Entry: Some operators include National Forest fees. Best for: paddlers, wildlife watchers, families and campers. Safety: PFDs required; do not approach wild horses.
Sustainability Note
Use commercial operators that follow Tonto National Forest guidelines, avoid single-use plastics, and maintain distance from wildlife to minimize human impact on the river’s fragile riparian zone.