Take a ‘Swim Trek’ in Arizona’s Wild Desert

SwimTrek, known for open water swimming trips all over the world, returns to America’s southwest with a tour set in the stunning Salt River Lakes of Arizona. The unique week-long tour package offers lake swims alongside the iconic cliffs and canyons of Arizona’s Tonto National Forrest that offers a different perspective of the beauty–from the water.

The River Canyons trip is unlike any other SwimTrek tour. Set within the rugged cliffs that run alongside the Apache Trail, the seven-day escape makes its way down the Saguaro Lake, Apache Lake and Canyon Lake for an unforgettable adventure in America’s Southwest. The trip is ideal for swimmers who enjoy the smoother waters of inland rivers and temperate waters, as well as walking through through desert scenery.

With the added options of horse riding and exploring the stunning grounds of the Saguaro Lake Ranch, tour-goers can enjoy stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Bulldog Cliffs and marvel at the vast starlit skies on clear, dark nights, as well as daytime glimpses of the great birds that frequent the region, such as hawks, ospreys and eagles.

“This trip embraces the expanses of the Western frontier,” said SwimTrek guide Marlys Cappaert. “Set deep in the canyons of the Tonto National Forest, the swims traverse the Salt River water project. Swimming through freshwater encased by tall canyon walls affords a special opportunity. The landscape is dramatic and the wildlife unique. A different experience to a Mediterranean or Indian Ocean SwimTrek, you are more likely to encounter bald eagles, wild horses, coatimundi or desert Bighorn sheep. The landscape is rich with the giant Saguaro Cactus which are only found in the Sonoran Desert. These magnificent plants are the largest cacti in the United States, can grow to 60 ft tall and live up to 200 years.”

Tour Details

While the trip provides a remote experience, it’s easy to travel from the Phoenix Sky Harbour airport to Saguaro Lake Ranch, a historic western ranch. SwimTrek is running its ‘River Canyons – Arizona’ trips in September 2018. Full trip details can be found here.