Saguaro Lake
A desert reservoir on the Salt River. Take a paddle-steamer cruise past canyons and giant saguaro cacti, or go tubing down the lower Salt River to spot wild horses.
Saguaro Lake lies in the Tonto National Forest, and its shores are covered with giant saguaro cacti. The tour boat Desert Belle takes about 90 minutes round trip, with views of cliffs and wildlife, and you can rent boats at the pier. Downstream on the Salt River, tubing is popular in summer, and wild horses are often seen along the riverbanks. A Tonto Recreation Pass is required (about USD 8 per vehicle). It is about 40 minutes' drive from Scottsdale.
Opening hours
Boats run seasonal schedules (usually from 10:00)
Nearby sights
- Canyon Lake
- Lost Dutchman State Park
- Goldfield Ghost Town
- Tortilla Flat
- Taliesin West
- Butterfly Wonderland
- OdySea Aquarium
- Old Town Scottsdale