Bradley to San Ardo
This trip is affected by the Bradley Bridge Scour Repair project. Check the new route to the river at Bradley.
- 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 1200 cfs at Bradley Bridge
- Current flow
- 81.8 cfs Below recommended flow Updated November 30, 2023 at 5:32 am
- 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.
There are several barbed-wire fences that cross the river. The flow is never very high, so it is easy to spot these and make your way to the river's edge. There are several narrow sections that at higher flows have moderate strainers. Stay close to the main flow in these areas.
Set-up
Spot a car at San Ardo.
Description
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
Driving directions
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.
