Photo: Robyn Walsworth
Photo: Laura Stranski
Photo: Larry Baker
Salt River Tubing
★4.7(3,046 reviews)$Adventure
🕑 3-5 hours total (including shuttle time and 2-4 hour float depending on water levels)👶 Best for ages 8 and up. Children must be at least 8 years old and able to swim comfortably to participate. The 2-4 hour float requires stamina and sun exposure tolerance, making it ideal for tweens, teens, and active families rather than young children.🧡 Saved by 400+ families
About
Salt River Tubing offers an unforgettable desert adventure where families float down the scenic Salt River through Tonto National Forest. The gentle current makes it perfect for families with older kids, and the chance to spot wild horses roaming along the riverbanks adds magical wildlife viewing to your tubing experience.
Highlights
- ✓Spotting wild horses along the riverbanks in their natural habitat
- ✓Gentle rapids and calm stretches perfect for family floating
- ✓Swimming and cooling off in refreshing desert waters
- ✓Beautiful Tonto National Forest scenery with canyon views
- ✓Shuttle service that brings you back to your starting point
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early (before 9am) on weekends to avoid long shuttle lines and secure parking, as the lot fills up quickly during peak season
- 2.Wear water shoes with good grip - the river bottom has rocks and the walk from shuttle to launch can be hot and rocky
- 3.Bring a rope to tie tubes together so your family stays connected during the float, and pack waterproof bags for phones and snacks
- 4.Apply (and reapply) waterproof sunscreen generously - the Arizona sun is intense and you'll be exposed for hours with reflection off the water
- 5.The wild horses typically appear along the riverbanks in the early morning hours, so earlier trips offer better wildlife viewing opportunities
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings from May through September offer the best experience with smaller crowds and cooler temperatures. The river is most pleasant in May-June and September when it's warm enough to enjoy but not scorching like mid-summer.
What to Know
Tube rentals are affordable (around $21 per person including shuttle service back to your car). Parking is free but limited. Pack your own coolers with food and drinks, though no styrofoam or glass containers are allowed on the river.
Seasonal Notes
Open seasonally from May through September, weather permitting. The river is typically closed October through April. Water levels vary throughout the season - call ahead to check conditions. Avoid holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) when crowds are at their peak.
Nearby Eats
Stop at Saguaro Lake Ranch House Restaurant (15 minutes away) for post-tubing burgers and BBQ with lakeside views, or grab pizza at Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa (20 minutes) where kids will love the massive Wurlitzer theater organ performance with your meal.
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