Canyon Lake Paddle Tour

Canyon Lake is one of the more unique and picturesque paddling tours within Tonto National Forest. Towering canyon walls and desert landscape give this paddling adventure a very immersive feel.

Kayaking and/or stand up paddleboarding instruction followed by a 3-4 mile (~2.5 hours) out-and-back paddle.
Notable sites on this tour include Tortilla Creek, Mormon Flat Dam, and First Water Bridge.
Wildlife is common here. Keep watch for bald eagles, native hawks, blue herons, bobcats, mule deer, and desert bighorn sheep that stand watch high on the canyon walls.
This adventure is great for paddlers of all levels. Please note that this is a water event and YOU WILL GET WET.

Trip Details

When:

This tour is available year round.
Days and times change depending on the time of year.
Where:

Tours launch from Acacia Recreation Site. Launch site subject to change based on weather and other variables.- Historic Apache Trail (State Route 88) is narrow and winding, but very scenic. Allow adequate travel time to arrive 15 minutes before your launch time.
What is Provided:

Kayak or stand up paddle board, paddle, PFD (life jacket), dry bag, Tonto Forest Parking Pass, water, light snacks.
What to Wear:

Hat, sunglasses, sun protective clothing, shoes or all-terrain sandals that can get wet.

What to Bring:

Extra water and snacks are always welcome, Sunscreen, Camera with a floating case, Change of Dry Clothes.
Launch site is equipped with vault toilets but NO RUNNING WATER.
Special Considerations:

Double kayak options available.
Contact us if you have children under 8 years old, special physical needs, exceed 275 lbs.
Children under 12 years old are required to be in a double kayak with an adult guardian.
We will do our best to accommodate your needs and share this beautiful adventure with us! Contact us directly at 480-463-6686 or email [email protected]

*The tour is subject to change or be canceled due to weather conditions. All participants must wear a PFD during the tour. No exceptions. Participants should be able to swim.

*Riverbound is an authorized outfitter operating under permit through the Tonto National Forest Mesa District. We are permitted to provide tours at Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, and the Lower Salt River. All tour guides are CPR certified and ACA (American Canoe Association) certified for instruction, guiding, and water safety.Canyon Lake is one of the more unique and picturesque paddling tours within Tonto National Forest. Towering canyon walls and desert landscape give this paddling adventure a very immersive feel.

Kayaking and/or stand up paddleboarding instruction followed by a 3-4 mile (~2.5 hours) out-and-back paddle.
Notable sites on this tour include Tortilla Creek, Mormon Flat Dam, and First Water Bridge.
Wildlife is common here. Keep watch for bald eagles, native hawks, blue herons, bobcats, mule deer, and desert bighorn sheep that stand watch high on the canyon walls.
This adventure is great for paddlers of all levels. Please note that this is a water event and YOU WILL GET WET.
Trip Details

When:

This tour is available year round.
Days and times change depending on the time of year.
Where:

Tours launch from Acacia Recreation Site. Launch site subject to change based on weather and other variables.- Historic Apache Trail (State Route 88) is narrow and winding, but very scenic. Allow adequate travel time to arrive 15 minutes before your launch time.
What is Provided:

Kayak or stand up paddle board, paddle, PFD (life jacket), dry bag, Tonto Forest Parking Pass, water, light snacks.
What to Wear:

Hat, sunglasses, sun protective clothing, shoes or all-terrain sandals that can get wet.
What to Bring:

Extra water and snacks are always welcome, Sunscreen, Camera with a floating case, Change of Dry Clothes.
Launch site is equipped with vault toilets but NO RUNNING WATER.
Special Considerations:

Double kayak options available.
Contact us if you have children under 8 years old, special physical needs, exceed 275 lbs.
Children under 12 years old are required to be in a double kayak with an adult guardian.
We will do our best to accommodate your needs and share this beautiful adventure with us! Contact us directly at 480-463-6686 or email [email protected]

*The tour is subject to change or be canceled due to weather conditions. All participants must wear a PFD during the tour. No exceptions. Participants should be able to swim.

*Riverbound is an authorized outfitter operating under permit through the Tonto National Forest Mesa District. We are permitted to provide tours at Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, and the Lower Salt River. All tour guides are CPR certified and ACA (American Canoe Association) certified for instruction, guiding, and water safety.