After a nice camping trip driving along the Salt River over the holidays, I was thinking it might make for a nice kayaking trip as well. Has anyone kayaked the Salt from the 60 to 288? How long would it take? This would be my first kayak camping trip, what should I bring? Things to think about? Time of year?
There would be at least two people. I am thinking of me and some gear in the Element 15ft and a smaller kayak for my friend. I might think about bringing the dog as well.
TexGX
I took my first kayak camping trip on Saguaro Lake as a shakedown trip in a 12' hard kayak. Was glad that I did because it taught me some packing techniques to trim the boat out and let me get a feel for the handling.
Then, back in late March of last year, my buddy and I headed out to tackle the Verde River, which you might find to be a more enjoyable trip than the Upper Salt, but it all depends on flow rates. Scenery is spectacular on either trip.
A couple of things I learned:
Several smaller drybags seems to work better than fewer large ones
Plan for disaster...have everything tied down at all times!
A GPS is not needed since you will not be deviating from the trail, though a river map is nice to show you where you are.
AZ rivers can be brutal during low flow and a heavy boat. Bring the appropriate patch kit for your hull.
Pack for an ultralight backpacking trip, add 15 degrees of warmth to your kit for the anticipated conditions (even on a warm day, you might be a little cold when you set camp).
I prefer simple backpacking meals to real cooking since I'm pretty tired at the end of the day. A warm meal at dinner and breakfast is nice, with easy trail foods during the day. Keep a snack bag accessible while paddling.
Bring two pairs of warm cloths, packed in separate dry bags just in case of leak or loss...the water and air is cold during our short season here in AZ.
On my trips in December and late March, I wore wet suit shorts, a spray jacket with rash guard underneath, neoprene booties, and neoprene gloves. The water was cold, but the sun was hot. Periodically, I would pour a little water into my jacket to cool off. A farmer john would be nice if you are facing cooler weather or get cold easy.
Flow rates are highly variable here in Arizona when you are talking about the Salt or Verde. Low flow for kayaking on both the Salt and Verde is roughly 300 cfs, which will have you dragging on numerous spots. 500 cfs is better, but will be challenging to risky for newbies with limited skills. A short boat is probably easier to navigate the sketchy spots, though an inflatable is more forgiving than a hard sided boat in this case.
Moving water is much more difficult than the lake! Make sure you have the skills to spin your loaded boat quickly. Strainers are probably the most dangerous thing out there.
I would not advise bringing a dog with you unless you have excellent paddling skills and a well behaved water loving pooch. My short hair dogs would freeze pretty easy in either river and be distracted by all the wildlife.
Hope it helps,
