Arizona, United States
Saguaro Lake is a 1,264-acre reservoir on the Salt River in the Sonoran Desert. It offers boating, kayaking, and hiking in the Tonto National Forest.
4.9 from 95 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Compare guided kayaking tours and off-road desert adventures.
Most booked* Please note this trip has a MINIMUM OF 2pp OR MORE to operate and will show sold out if less than 2pp is inputted on the first booking. What better way to see the...
Best valueExplore Saguaro Lake! Whether you’re a beginner or expert you can experience the beautiful lakes of Arizona! You will be given an orientation of basic safety and...
Small groupThis off‑road adventure explores the Four Peaks Wilderness in Tonto National Forest, passing Saguaro Lake before entering the sandy desert rolls through the Pobrecito...
From$300per person
Best for: thrill-seekers wanting rugged desert exploration
Explore
Learn about the marina, swimming beaches, and boat-in campsites.
3 spotsMain Boating HubThe central area for boat rentals, dining, and sightseeing cruises.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsBeach and HikingA popular day-use area with a sandy swimming beach and shoreline hiking.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsCamping & CanyonsRemote sections known for narrow canyons, boat-in camping, and fishing.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
Glass containers are strictly prohibited everywhere on the lake and shoreline.
Pack your food and drinks in plastic or metal containers.
Plan your visit
Plan for 2 to 4 hours for swimming or a cruise. Kayaking tours take about 3 hours.
October through April offers comfortable weather. Summer is peak season despite temperatures exceeding 100°F.
Drive 40 minutes northeast of Phoenix. Take the Beeline Highway and Bush Highway.
Buy an $8 Tonto Daily Pass in town before arriving. Passes are not sold at the lake.
The reservoir sits at an elevation of 1,500 feet within the Tonto National Forest. Motorized boats share the water with kayakers and the Desert Belle tour boat. All motorized watercraft must travel in a counter-clockwise direction.
The main access points are Main Boating Hub and Beach and Hiking. Butcher Jones provides a designated no-wake zone for safe swimming and paddleboarding. For more details on safe swimming, read our Swimming Guide guide.
Summer weekends get very busy. You should read about Summer Parking Tips to ensure you get a parking spot. Do not forget to buy your Tonto Pass Guide before you drive to the lake.
We map exactly where each kayak or UTV tour goes.
We list inclusions like equipment and parking fees upfront.
We note when tours require a minimum number of participants.
From Viator
95 reviews of the guided kayaking & paddle boarding on Viator
Very relaxing and enjoyed the whole experience. Staff were excellent and very reasonable prices.
such a relaxing day out on the water. Highly recommend going earlier in the day because there is less people out on the water. It felt very peaceful and the wild horses in the water were a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Amazing experience. They staff was great & fun to interact with! The river and scenery were beautiful. We will definitely be going again this summer.
I love this business! Everyone is always so kind and helpful. Of course the views are amazing.
The tour was amazing. Teri was a perfect guide and really knowledgeable about the area. Highly recommend, even for novice kayakers!
. Highly recommend this company if you want a nicely planned very enjoyable kayaking trip at the lake. Guided were great.
Beautiful location and the experience overall was outstanding. I would definitely go again.
Great experience, staff was friendly and very efficient. Definitely recommend the 3 hour extended trip, the back canyon is beautiful. Will definitely go again.
Never thought I would reach the Four Peaks in person. Ryan is a decisive and safe driver and knowledgeable about the area. Great scenery for us to see plus a fine lunch was provided with choice of beverages. It is true wilderness. Sad that lightning causes the fires. Whenever we stopped I would have valued hearing about more history of the area. It was truly a wonderful experience!
Travel tips
Tonto Pass GuideFind out how and where to buy your required Saguaro Lake parking passes.Read 
Boat RentalsHow to rent a pontoon or ski boat at Saguaro Lake Marina.Read 
Desert Belle GuideEverything to know about the Desert Belle sightseeing cruise.Read 
Swimming GuideGuide to swimming, picnicking, and trails at Butcher Jones Beach.Read 
Summer Parking TipsWhen to arrive at Saguaro Lake to avoid summer capacity closures.Read 
Boat-In Camping GuidePlan your overnight stay at the boat-access-only Bagley Flat Campground.Read Yes. You need an $8 Tonto Daily Pass per vehicle to park at recreation sites. If you launch a motorized boat, you need a $4 Watercraft Use Sticker. The $80 annual Tonto Discovery Pass is also accepted.
The Tonto Daily Pass costs $8 per vehicle. The Watercraft Use Sticker costs an additional $4 per day.
You must buy the pass online or at local retail vendors in town before you arrive. Passes are not sold at the lake.
Yes. Butcher Jones Beach is a popular sandy swimming area. The water there is a designated no-wake zone, making it safe for swimmers.
Yes. Visitors frequently spot wild horses near the water, especially along the Butcher Jones Trail and the shoreline.
Yes. You can rent pontoon and ski boats at the Saguaro Lake Marina. Book weeks in advance during summer.
Book your kayak rental or guided tour in advance for summer weekends.
