We embrace our Wild West setting this morning as we drive to Canyon Lake. Cacti line our route and we’ll pass by Goldfield Ghost Town, deserted mines and magnificent mountains. From our Canyon Lake launch point of Labarge Point, we can clearly see Mormon Flat Dam in the distance. We enter the lake at Fallacy Cove and swim north-eastwards on one of our longest swims of the trip. We take in Russ Cove and Bass Creek before exiting the water at The Point, where we have stunning views of the mountain peaks above.

In the afternoon, we undertake a shorter swim from The Point to Crucifix Gorge, which features a lake crossing, followed up by a swim down the gorge’s entire length, which offers a nice contrast to the main lake.

In the evening we have a technique session in the ranch’s swimming pool, followed by an advice and video playback session with your swim guides, where we playback the recordings and provide feedback on your stroke.

It’s a full day today as we venture further afield to Bartlett Lake that offers stunning water conditions with coves to explore.

We venture further into the lake on the boats for the start of our morning swim as we meander down the lake. We take lunch on the boats and after time to rest, the afternoon sun lights up the cliffs and formations and we’ll swim another creek. We then enjoy the road trip home, admiring what else Arizona has to offer

It’s an early start today for our second day on Canyon Lake. Today’s swims take us deep into the more remote eastern section of this meandering lake. The canyon looms large overhead and it is an impressive sight from the water. From Skull Cove, which lies next to Crucifix Gorge, we’ll journey past Waterfall Lagoon, Blue Tank Cove and Saucito Point before arriving at Eagle Rock, where we’ll enjoy today’s lunch on the sandy beach beyond Eagle Bend. After lunch, we undertake the last leg of Canyon Lake and explore the beautiful tributary of Fish Creek. The Creek is like a labyrinth of side channels and is a great way to finish our time at Canyon Lake. In the evening, the ranch hosts another cowboy cookout, which is a fitting last dinner underneath the impressive canopy of Arizona stars.

We start our final day swimming at Saguaro Lake. We jump aboard our escort boats and head to the far end of Saguaro Lake to Wallace Beach, which is a few hundred metres down from Mormon Flat Dam that divides Saguaro and Canyon Lakes. From Wallace Beach, we swim between narrow canyon walls until we reach Bagley Point, which is an ideal lunch spot.

In the afternoon, it’s our final swim of the trip, as we complete the length of Saguaro Lake by swimming towards Saguaro Del Norte. It’s an easy place to spot as sheer cliffs rise above the beach below, and it is a fitting finish to our trip at the foot of the mountains that have lined our swims throughout the week.

After completing our last swim, we have our final chance to take in southwestern scenery on our drive back to Phoenix, where we drop you at Sky Harbor Airport in order to catch an evening flight, rent a car or extend your stay in Arizona.

Equipment Checklist

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

Please note that SwimTrek will supply swim hats and provide water and electrolyte drinks in shared water bottles on your safety boat. If you prefer to use your own drink bottle, please feel free to bring one along. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you.

Swimming Distances

Walking Distances

There is a limited amount of walking on this trip, mostly around the ranch and on the Butcher Jones Trail around Saguaro Lake. There are some lovely trails situated around the ranch, which you can choose to enjoy small hikes on before or after the swims. Most walks take place on recognised paths and tracks, however there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces and care should be taken in these areas.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Swimming Conditions

Although they do not appear so in colour, these lakes have some of Western America’s cleanest fresh water, however, as with any lakes around the world, water quality can vary. If you do feel unwell at any stage after the trip, you should go to your GP immediately and let them know what you have been doing.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 14. The group will be split into a maximum of two groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat support on this trip includes two pontoon boats to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

The easiest way to get to the start of your trip is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and then catch the designated SwimTrek transfer to our accommodation. The airport is serviced by a large selection of domestic and international flights and is located 32 miles from Saguaro Lake Ranch. It has also been dubbed ‘America’s friendliest airport.’

It is also possible to travel via Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, which is located just 25 miles from Saguaro Lake Ranch, however, please note that there are limited flight arrivals into this airport.

Whichever route you choose to take, we recommend confirming your flights and other travel arrangements as early as possible in order to avoid price rises and availability issues.

Designated SwimTrek Transfer to Saguaro Lake Ranch

If you would like a group transfer from the airport to the Ranch, please contact our partners at JET Limousines CONTACT: 480.423.5466 info@jetlimoaz.com.

Taxi from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Saguaro Lake Ranch

There are limited public transport options to Saguaro Lake Ranch. If your travel plans do not coincide with the time of the designated SwimTrek transfer or the maximum number of passengers has already been reached, it’s possible to catch a taxi from outside the airport arrivals hall. The journey time to Saguaro Lake Ranch is approximately 40 minutes and costs around $80-$120. Parking is available at the ranch, if necessary.

Flights to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

To search for available flights into Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, please visit Skyscanner. For further information about travelling via this airport, please visit Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

Return Transfer to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

After your final swim on the last day of your trip, you will be transferred back to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, where your trip will come to an end. Please note that this transfer will arrive at approximately 18:00. This transfer is included in the cost of your trip.

Accommodation

Saguaro Lake Ranch, on the banks of the Salt River, is our home in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest. The accommodation is in rustic cabins in the shadow of the majestic Bulldog Cliffs, with panoramic views of the Four Peaks Wilderness. After our action-packed days of swimming, the ranch is a secluded oasis where you can relax and unwind with your fellow swimmers under idyllic star-lit skies.

Our accommodation is based on twin-share cabins with private bathrooms, air-conditioning and heating. There are a limited number of single supplement rooms which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability. If you would like to extend your stay at Saguaro Lake Ranch and need to book additional nights’ accommodation before or after your trip, please contact the hotel directly via info@saguarolakeranch.com

Meals

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included. Our meals are wonderfully prepared from scratch in the ranch kitchen using fresh ingredients. A hearty, buffet-style breakfast is served in the unique dining room, with tables and chairs surrounding a giant Saguaro cactus skeleton. We take a packed lunch with us each day and enjoy a delicious dinner at the ranch on each night of the trip.

Extra Expenses

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as souvenirs and drinks. The local currency is US dollars ($US). Beer and wine are available on site at the ranch, payable locally. There is no ATM at the ranch or at the Saguaro Lake Marina, so we recommend bringing cash with you to cover these expenses.

Please note, gratuity for your accommodation and meals is included in your package. We suggest a tip of between 5-10% for services such as private transfers or taxis.

Passports and Visas

Non-residents of the United States require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. The majority of visitors to the US require a visa to enter the country. Many nationalities can apply online for the ESTA Visa Waiver Program by visiting ESTA. For further information about US visas, please visit US State Department

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

For comprehensive health information for people travelling to COUNTRY, including all recommended and required vaccinations, please visit Travel Health Pro. Please note that this information is subject to change and you should re-check this site regularly prior to your trip.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit worldstandards.eu.