Bradley to San Ardo
- Length
- 13 miles
- Time
- 8-10 hours
- Afternoon wind
- Consider getting an early start. The prevailing north-south winds pick up in the afternoon, and can make paddling difficult.
- Best flow
- 150 to 1,200 cfs at Bradley
- Current water level
- 266 cfs and 3.51 feet deep Good flow
Updated April 23, 2026 at 8:14 AM PDT
- Webcam
- View webcam
- Private property
- Parts of this area is near private land, be aware of your rights and responsibilities
- Gear
- Kayaks, canoes, or SUPs
A classic Salinas River float through some of the most beautiful stretches of river.
Set-up
Spot a car at San Ardo.
Barbed-wire fence
Distance: 2 miles
A barbed-wire fence crosses the river.
Barbed-wire fence
Distance: 4 miles
A barbed-wire fence crosses the river.
San Ardo Oil fields
Distance: 8 miles
The San Ardo oil fields are dangerous, do not try and exit the river here except in emergencies. The bridge over the river is not a good access point and is all on private land with no public easement.
Barbed-wire fence
Distance: 8.3 miles
A barbed-wire fence crosses the river.
Take-out
Distance: 13 miles
Exit the river on the right at a large sand bar next to the footings of the old bridge before the current Sand Ardo bridge. Follow the dry wash to the right, away from the river. Turn left when you hit a fence, and follow the fence to an opening built into it.
