I'm a new local and was looking up things to do. I really wanted to check out the Salt River. And I was able to find Summer tickets on Viator. I'm so pleased with the experience from Saguaro Lake Ranch. Parking at the ranch was included. Check in and getting set up in the kayak was really easy. They guide you through the whole trail. The Fox Tail Trail was calm this day. We saw tons of catfish and even saw horses at the end of the experience. For someone who's never been kayaking before, I highly recommend for anyone who wants to try it out. We spent a little over 2 hours on the water. One down side was that there were a lot of people listening to music and smoking. We were able to move through the crowds and get some quiet times. One surprising upside was the van that picked us up. The driver gave us a small tour on the way back and was very friendly and informative. He loaded the kayaks for us and gave us iced water bottles. read more

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Fun rustic getaway! Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch offers a beautiful, nature-centric setting within easy reach of Phoenix. From the horseback riding to the kayaking and hiking, there are activities to fill numerous days. The launch site for those are all on the property, and there's a shuttle return for the kayaking, which keeps it simple and enjoyable. We also appreciated the close proximity of local recreation areas, for taking in views of the Salt River horses, and to Saguaro Lake (the Desert Belle wine cruise is great). The lodge itself is more of a four-star moment. It's understandable that the cabins are old (built for the construction of the Stewart Dam), but some general maintenance and a little TLC both inside and out would be helpful. For instance, a shower knob fell off in my hand, the curtain rods were crooked, a broken hook was on the door, the outdoor benches and chairs were dirty, and there were weeds and trash around the cabin perimeter. On the flip side, the staff is friendly, the main lodge offers homespun charm, the Bulldog rock formations are gorgeous, and the grounds in the main courtyard are an inviting place to indulge in the lodge's "easy living" motto. Beyond that, the food deserves its own special nod -- outstanding at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with rave reviews from all. That said, it would be nice to offer individual seating at dinner instead of the "single long table" ranch-style service. It can be awkward, or at least less relaxing, to sit across from strangers at each dinner each evening and make generic small talk. Overall, a wonderful getaway under starry skies! read more

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My husband and I had such an amazing time. We were in Arizona for 8 days on vacation and this was our absolute favorite activity that we did. The employees were fantastic and it was such a beautiful kayaking experience. 10/10 would absolutely do again! read more

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Amazing scenery, courteous staff and delicious food, what a nice evening , if you get lucky enough to get in it's a great experience, go on the waitlist, we were called right away read more

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This is my favorite activity in Arizona! The people are incredibly nice and the experience one in a million!

A long weekend at Saguaro Lake ranch was a perfect introduction to the Southwest. Incredible setting, hiking, rafting and horseback riding all nearby. Charming rustic but modern cabin, with a private front porch. Incredible food and cookouts with live music. I hope to come agan soon. read more

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My husband and I got married here a couple years ago which was an amazing experience. It's such a unique and gorgeous venue. All our guests were raving about how beautiful it was and people still comment to us about it to this day. We went back this year for a horseback ride and their cowboy cookout for our two year anniversary and it's still just as beautiful as we remembered and still has that historic/rustic charm but classy feel at the same. The staff were friendly, the horse ride was fun and the food was AMAZING! I highly recommend going to one of their dinners for a date night, an anniversary, a birthday or even just because. They're really fun and you couldn't ask for a more beautiful backdrop to enjoy some delicious food and live music to. read more

I can't say enough about the incredible experience we had at Saguaro Lake Ranch for my husband's 40th birthday celebration! From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by how accommodating and welcoming the entire team was. Every detail was taken care of, and they truly went above and beyond to ensure that everyone--adults and kids alike--had the best time possible. The setting is absolutely stunning. Surrounded by natural beauty and tranquil lake views, it provided the perfect backdrop for our celebration. The ranch is incredibly kid-friendly the ranch was. Our little ones had a blast with so many activities to keep them engaged. I can honestly say we had the best time at Saguaro Lake Ranch, and it turned out to be the perfect place to mark such a special occasion. The entire team was beyond attentive, and the atmosphere was nothing short of magical. If you're looking for an incredible venue for any event, I highly recommend Saguaro Lake Ranch--our experience was nothing short of perfect! Thank you for making my husband's 40th birthday celebration one we'll never forget! read more

This review is for their dining event, specially the "cowboy cookout". My friend and I booked this event which was sold out and rightfully so as it is quaint, enjoyable, and delicious food. It is set up as family seating dining style. The food consist of ribeye steak, chicken, potatoes, broccoli, and salad. There was a bar opened for additional charge. Live music which consist of one man band. He played awesome music. Nothing like eating a great meal while watching the sunset. It's little pricey ($60) but overall worth it for the experience. They have cozy cabins, activities such as horse back riding and kayaking on premise. I've tried the kayaking which was a lot of fun. Will go back again for their other events. read more

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Unreal, turnkey experience on the Salt River thanks to Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch. My wife & I opted for the self-guided, (approx) 2-hour kayak trip with boxed lunches and the Guest Ranch provided a perfect venue for a stress-free, fun and unforgettable experience. They provide the kayaks, paddles, PFDs and the transportation with great boxed lunches afterwards. Just show up (on time) and pay attention during the orientation and safety briefing. From there, pick out your kayak, strap on your PFD, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS, and you are in for a splendid day! When you hit the beach at the take out, they pick you up in the shuttle van and return you to your parked car where you started at the Guest Ranch. If you're lucky, you will see the amazing Salt River Horses doing their thing in the river. If the horses are elsewhere, you will be mesmerized by the magical backdrop of the majestic Superstition Mountains. This trip and the Guest Ranch is a MEMORY MAKER, so what's not to love and what are you waiting for? 10/10 stars! THANK YOU Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch. read more

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I recently stayed at Saguaro Lake Ranch and it was amazing! Tucked away just on the other side of the dam it is a gem! Built in 1931, I love the rustic feel of this place. It offers access to the Lower Salt River and spectacular views of the Bulldog Mountains! It is literally a 5 minute drive to Saguaro Lake. read more

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Unbelievable, special place. Kayaking, horses, hiking...and the view is just breathtaking. Loved the simpler pleasure of the pool after a long hot day too. Really blown away by the food and especially the peanut salsa and NM chili salsa. We don't get those back East. Also loved the mix of privacy in the cabins with the communal vibe at the lodge. Just perfect place. read more

We did a little staycation for our 40th anniversary. The scenery is beautiful, the place was built in 1920's and 1930's. It is very old (of course) and very rustic. Our cabin had a king bed and private bath, no TV, no phone, CLEAN. The bed was very comfortable, and the area was very quiet. John, the manager is very nice, helpful and a good sense of humor, nice man. Bailey works the front office and probably everything else LOL. She has a huge personality, and you feel happy being around her. They do serve breakfast; it is what the cook is making that day. They do offer box lunch which is a good value. There is no dinner or alcohol available on property so you will need to go into town, 15 to 20 miles away for dinner or a drink at the end of the day. The ranch is located on the Salt River, you can splash your feet. Bailey will set up any activities you are interested in. We kayaked down the river, good day. read more

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Did you know that this place hosts a cookout every weekend? Oh yes! Burgers and Brisket on Friday and Steaks on Saturday, served up buffet style by a very friendly staff, with live music, a full bar, and perfect scenery! We listened and sang along with the P. F. Flyers and enjoyed a perfectly smoked brisket dinner! Spend a wonderful evening out here! You won't be sorry! read more

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch - Setting up the buffet with the P. F. Flyers providing the entertainment. - Resorts Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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My family had an amazing time at Saguaro Lake Ranch. It was a perfect place for the kids (ages 5 and 7) - they could run around safely without a care in the world. Their favorite activities were swimming in the pool and rafting down the Salt River. Mine were hiking in the beautiful country side and eating yummy food. Thank you, Saguaro Lake Ranch for a wonderful family vacation. read more

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch - my husband and son fishing / skipping rocks in front of the gorgeous Bull Dog mountains. - Resorts Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I just read an apology that wasn't an apology at all, but rather a confirmation of greed. A justification for mistreating guests who paid for the kayaking service but couldn't even enjoy a simple picnic on the lawn before leaving. No wedding was held on the lawn that morning. Now the ranch just want to charge for everything, even for sitting on the grass. read more

Just finished a long weekend at Saguaro Lake Ranch with my husband and toddler and parents. An unforgettable experience for our multi-generational group! What an amazing and beautiful location with the most kind and personal service! The activities (hiking, rafting, swimming, cookout with live music, pony ride) were a ton of fun and provide great options for groups of diverse ages and abilities. We got some amazing family photos at sunset. Can't wait for our next trip back. read more

I am the hostess and organizer for Arizona happy hour meetup group. I have brought out my friends and members out to the Saguaro lake ranch for their cowboy BBQ. It is a beautiful ranch by the salt verde river. Very nice desert landscaping and horses nearby. The food is homemade and delicious, especially the Brisket. It is a place for the whole family. John the owner is very gracious and nice. Check out their website for lunches and dinners coming out in the fall and spring. I highly recommend this as a hidden gem of Arizona. Sometimes musicians come out to play music and entertain while you eat and drink. read more

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One of my family's favorite places on Earth. It's not just a vacation getaway, it's an experience that will last a lifetime. read more

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Words cannot describe the wonderful weekend experience had at a family destination wedding experience here in April . The 1928 rustic renovated lodge and 20 cabins filled with friends and family form near and far. The setting with great rock cliffs as backdrop for the outdoor wedding , on large grassy , mesquite tree lined venue running along the Verde river . The lodge with tall beamed ceilings , large fireplaces with several rooms for gathering , eating , games , library , music , bar with pool table , and western souvenir shopping in lobby . Cabins and lodge filled with vintage 30s/40s rancho Monterey hand painted furniture . Lodge filled with paintings and prints of the ranch and desert area which is surrounded by giant saguaros , desert trees and a natural botanical garden of cacti. A short trail up to rocks with ancient petroglyphs another trail along the river surround by cacti . Horseback riding , kayaking, and tubing are available for guests and the public . Last but certainly not least was the friendly hospitality and wonderful home cooked meals served by the ranch staff; thank you so much ! A memorable weekend at a fantastic ranch owned and operated by the same family for five generations ! read more

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I booked dinner tickets for my fiancé and I for the cowboy cookout with stargazing. It was a really nice experience with beautiful views of the mountains! It's setup with large picnic table seating so you get to mingle and chat with other guests. It was a nice night out and a unique experience! Definitely recommend and we will be back for future dinner experiences! read more

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch - Resorts Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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The location is beautiful with the Bulldog mountains in the background. The food and ambiance are amazing- highly recommend the Friday night and Saturday night outdoor meals. Great hiking nearby and access to the Salt River. Highly recommend this ranch for a family vacation. read more

We have been twice- not sure how I neglected to write a review on the first visit....but, I'm definitely a Fan and I recommend the experience to all considering the kayaking trip on the Salt River from the Saquaro Lake Guest Ranch!! The staff is wonderfully knowledgeable and helpful! The gear is in good shape and you have all you need for a safe & fun immersion into kayaking- pardon the pun!! Kayaks, paddles and life vests. You launch in a tranquil area to get your skills you learned on shore into life practice! Then, off you go down 2 or 4 hour tours (we opted for 2 both times) it's beautiful views of natural surroundings, creatures and possibilities of seeing the magical wild horses!! We did both times!! It's tranquil until you merge into the tubing areas and then you have to maneuver the crowds. But, if ya fun to people watch and even the wild horses seem to enjoy watching us humans frolic in the water with them. A fantastic experience that will be a treasured memory for visiting family, or romantic date experience! Bring towel, sunscreen, drinks and snacks in waterproofed gear. You will get wet...but when it's over 109 it feels fantastic!! read more

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I just spent Thanksgiving at the Ranch with my family, and had a wonderful time! The ranch is located on some beautiful and scenic land. If you are any sort of history buff, you'll really enjoy the historical buildings and talking to the staff about the legacy of the ranch. Accommodations at the ranch are nice- very clean and comfortable. My understanding from talking to the staff is that the accommodations are original structures from the early 1900s. Don't let that scare you away, as everything is kept in good condition. There are individual cabins, a main lodge area, a pool, and of course the stables and horses. There's so many nearby hiking trails and I believe the lodge also hosts kayaking trips. It's truly a beautiful place to come relax and reconnect with nature. The staff at the lodge stand out as some of the best customer service I've ever experienced! Everyone I talked to was incredibly engaged and enthusiastic about the ranch. They would often go above and beyond to help my family out, especially when we had my 89 year old grandma over for the Thanksgiving dinner the ranch hosted. It's worth noting that there is only one TV on the property, in a common space in the ranch. Also, WiFi is pretty limited and cell service can be pretty weak there as well. However, the lodge has a pool table, offers a wide variety of board games, and books, so we never found ourselves without something to do. From talking to staff it sounds they might be getting a WiFi booster soon, but it's important to understand it's a rustic vibe at the ranch. read more

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch - Scenic view from the ranch - Resorts Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I can't stop telling people what an amazing and relaxing long weekend we had at this magical Guest Ranch. You couldn't ask for a more beautiful setting--right on the Salt River, across from the Bulldog Mountains and with a view of the snow-capped 4Peaks. Everyone was so warm, friendly and accommodating. read more

I went with my family here. We had a blast kayaking! The staff were very friendly and helpful. The ranch was very clean and the scenery was beautiful! Had a wonderful experience! Definitely want to come back read more

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Loved reconnecting with family here. The rustic historical ambiance is amazing. Bailey at the front desk fit the personality of the Ranch well and had lots of answers about the area. The food was good too. read more

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what a gem...from the moment we arrived the staff and property were amazing. We enjoyed every moment..the cabins, vistas and hospitality were exceptional. Thank you so much for such a special place! We are looking forward to our next visit. read more

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We stayed here for a wedding and it was perfect! A lot of the family stayed in the cabins for the weekend and it was nice to all be together, as we traveled from various states. The food was great and the views were even better! The staff was very accommodating and were always available if you had any questions. Great spot for a group! read more

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch - Right before the rain came - Resorts Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING!!! WooW, what a GREAT time we had being on a lake in Arizona, lol! Its majestically breathtaking throughout the entire 2.5 hours of kayaking. My girlfriends decided to come to Phoenix spontaneously and the funniest part is they are water babies..lol! Coming into the desert doesn't quite have the beach atmosphere type of activities, so I was on a quest to look for any water activities in Arizona and I am so thankful to yelp/social media I found this place, read reviews, and sent the link to my girlfriends to see if this is something they would like to do and they loved it!!! We were of course on Hawaiian Time (which means - we will arrive late), Im running to the office telling them sorry for us being late and missing the orientation. But, the office and staff were all so nice and greeted us with open arms. We chose the 8am slot because I knew once it hits 10:30am - 11:00am, itll be hot. We've all kayaked before and one of my girlfriends owns a few back home in honolulu. We've kayaked in the ocean but, never in a lake - so paying attention to the instructor was super important as we are now in a different environment. He was very thorough in explaining to us about some of the ripple currents we will be encountering, how to steer the kayak, and enjoyed how they made us do a test - Great Job! And then we are off...It was so breathtaking, alot of us kind of just let the kayak roll on its own once we started because the view in the early morning was beautiful/peaceful staring at the mountains in front of us. its so quiet, water is slowly moving and its majestic. I just wanted the Kayak to stay still and not go any further but, that defeated the whole purpose..lol! Water was so nice and cool. There were times we had a little roughness happening with the current and kinda freaky if you've never paddled in currents and my goal was "I did not want to fall in that green water on the rocks!" hahaha...So even though it was a little rough, kayak is kinda acting crazy and moving fast..Staying calm, going with the current and only paddling to stay towards the middle so I dont hit the bushes or flip over...Mind over matter! Had to go through a few of these and it just reminded me of how we go through life sometimes...Gets super rough and yet, their is calmness! We were greeted by beautiful wild horses as we kept going down the lake and they were so sweet and super calm, staring at us while soaking up the water. It was a exciting highlight to see these beauty in the morning... The Saguaro Guest Ranch Lake is about 40minutes until you reach the public area where there are alot of ppl coming in for tubing. It got a little crowded when we were approaching but, not as bad. Per the driver, he said after 11:00am there are thousands of ppl that come on the weekend for tubing and it gets pretty hectic, so glad we chose the earlier timeslot. 2.5 hours was good enough time of being on the lake with the heat and the crowd coming in it was time to get off and head back. We are happy that they have a van that picks us up at the end of our kayak event and take us back to the ranch. Just a beautiful time to be in the water but, not have to swim in it...lol! As it got closer to the end of our kayak trip it was really sad to see all the trash at the bottom of the lake, beer bottles, cans, and debris of rubbish... Imagine if you had to drink from that water and think the horses are drinking from that water too... Sometimes, I wish places like this could be kept private from the public because during that 40 minute on the private ranch the lake was so clean... Thank you for such an exceptional time, I would love to keep doing this from time to time...Early morning sesh!!! Be grateful for our beautiful environment and what it has too offer! Also, please make sure you have cash tip monies on hand. The driver does pick us up, loads all of our gear by himself, and brings all back in an air condition van... read more

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Such a glorious time on the river! We had family in town and were looking for a place to take them that was unique to Arizona and socially distant. I'm always impressed with the service at Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch but most especially this summer amid the COVID pandemic. Kayaks are throughly sanitized and groups are kept small. In the van on the way home masks are required and sanitizer provided. I felt safe (and we are very cautious). It was exactly what we needed. I was impressed with the young people managing the kayaking. They had us smiling and laughing while they gave us instructions. What a great group of employees! We went mid-week as early as possible due to the large crowds expected along the river - it was a great choice. We did see a few other groups, but most were families and well behaved. ;) read more

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch - Kayaking on the Salt River with Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch - Resorts Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

This place is perfect. A true Arizona experience. Old west charm and Floating down the Salt River. Just chillin. Great food, too. Staff is friendly. read more

My husband and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary over the weekend. Your ranch was our first trip away from home in over 3 years. The extended weekend was just what we needed to reset. Your grounds are so well kept, your staff is very friendly and accommodating as well! Thank you for making our weekend so enjoyable! Cannot wait to come back again!! read more

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so much fun. a 2hr ride (PLENTY of time) down the salt river with beautiful views. Incredibly peaceful at times, incredibly fun at times, and all around a good time. You will see tons of wild horses and beautiful birds including vibrant red cardinals. If there is an event it can be mildly packed with tubers down river, but otherwise a very chill ride. This place is gorgeous and should be checked out at least once. It's self guided so you go at your own pace but it's roughly 2hrs. A couple ahead of us did it faster and a group behind us were about 15-20min behind. There's a shuttle that takes you back to the starting point. It really is a good time. read more

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I pulled into town around 10 am and needed a place to stay for that first night and had seen the area near here and their pics. I called Vanessa and her charm came through the telephone line. Not that phony kind with the insincere sorries and what not. I told her I had no reservation. She made some calls and said that housekeeping could get me a room ready. Beautiful drive to this place and scenery. They have breakfast buffet which I'm looking forward to and beautiful grounds for kayaking and horseback riding. When I checked in Bailey helped me out. Super friendly also, although I was about to pass out from riding a bike in the heat. I cooled down after 2 hours and went back to talk with Bailey. Very friendly and told me about the history of the place and helped me find a snack to buy. They have a great lobby with board games and a pool table and arm chairs. Cell phone service is spotty and the Wi-Fi only works near the lobby but they have so many places to sit. I think the poor reviews on yelp and TripAdvisor are from people that need to get away from electronic s AND tv and enjoy spotty service and listen to the crickets and see the stars and the mountains and the river out back. I would stay here again in a heartbeat read more

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch - The main lobby area - Resorts Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

This year Thanksgiving was a real treat for me and my Partner .We decided to get away for the Holiday.The Cabins are cozy and everyone makes you feel welcomed .Thanksgiving Dinnerwas Wonderful . My compliments to the Chef and the Entire staff .We felt very much at home. The Manager and his wife are wonderful.We hope to go back when we can get away.One more thing the Manager John wanted my new Western Boots .I don't think they would fit him! I am still thinking about it. read more

Today I had my first kayaking experience. It was amazing. The tour guide was awesome, gave good instructions and they were accommodating and friendly. I recommend the 2 hour for beginners because by the end of the tour my arms were very tired. This is a great way to learn the basics of kayaking and I would highly recommend Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch to anyone! Until next time! read more

My aunt was visiting and I wanted to do something different and found their website. I read the reviews on the self-guided kayak tour and decided to book it early to avoid the crowds. I read it was also a better time to see some wildlife. We had the BEST time! The staff was super kind and knowledgeable. They started with some safety tips, how to paddle, and how to navigate to the pick up point. They provide everything, kayaking wise. After a short paddle test, we were off! It was about 2.5 hours and we saw tons of wildlife. It is definitely doable for beginners. Most of the time you are just floating, but there are some faster areas mixed in that make it that much more exciting. They also drive you back from the pick up point which is a huge plus. I can't wait to go back! read more

Leave the drunken, partying college kids to the public Salt River tubing area and take this private tube experience instead! Perfect for families. My husband and I brought 2, 14 year old tech geek boys and we all loved every minute of the 45-60 minute tube float. They offer a 3 hour float which does leave their private area (Sheep's crossing) and enters the public area. However they also have the 45-60 minute float that stays in their private area, which you can do as many times as you'd like. This is what we did. When exiting, there is a short walk back to the Ranch and the water entry point. It is partly on some sand/gravel and partly on the side of the Ranch access road. It was not difficult, but did slightly incline. They advertise a 10 minute walk, we did it in about 5-6 minutes. After entering the water, we had some baby "rapids" (think itty bitty bumps) and then a smooth flowing ride to another set of "rapids" before exiting (which is clearly marked). There is a small pull over beach to play at along the route and an awesome rope swing at the end. The scenery and the quiet was amazing. Even the teenage boys took advantage of the serenity the first trip down the river. The second trip we played and frolicked much more, even spending 30+ minutes out of our tubes at the "beach". In between floats, we had our picnic lunch on the Ranch's large grassy area along the water and under giant shady trees. The staff held our car keys and coolers in their office for us while we floated. The staff at Saguaro Lake Ranch were beyond amazing. I called from home in San Diego the week before and Jaime answered all my tedious first-timer questions. We got calls and emails from them to keep us appraised of our trip details as we got closer to our trip date. Things to bring- *Old twin sized bed sheets to cover the black (HOT!!) tubes *rope to tie tubes together (especially if you have smaller kids) *water shoes *water/Gatorade *picnic lunch *waterproof camera The day we went, it was 115 degrees and the water was at 12 (can't remember the unit of measure-something about its flow rate?). Will definitely be back to flat here again. It was just about perfect! read more

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Had my wedding here in October and it was magical to say the least! The weather was perfect, and the backdrop is gorgeous. The Saguaro lake ranch team was so helpful in setting up everything for my wedding and was there with us the whole weekend to make sure everything ran smoothly. Highly recommend! read more

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch - Resorts Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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