Kayaking the Scenic Lower Salt River:There is no better way to escape the heat, then to marvel at the beautiful Tonto National Forest from your kayak. You will paddle below thousand-foot cliffs and beside majestic saguaros in the Sonoran Desert.
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Recreation Permits are required to utilize the Tribal lands and waters of those portions of the Salt River Canyon which are within the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. These permits are required 365 days a year. Permits may be obtained at the Salt River Trading Post near the Highway 60 Bridge.
On average, it takes roughly 4 hours to paddle the whole stretch, though that depends on how fast you paddle and how fast the river is running. Some groups get it done in 3 hours while others enjoy a more leisurely 5.5 hour paddle.
The ideal route for kayakers to minimize headaches and ensure your trip runs smoothly is to put in at Phon D Sutton Recreation Area and plan to pull your kayaks out at the Granite Reef Dam Recreation Area. This provides about 4 river miles of paddling and is typically accomplished in about 2-3 hours.
While the area may be visited at any time, because there are no trails in this wilderness, it is primarily accessed during the spring by whitewater rafts and kayaks. The Upper Salt is a solid class III-IV river and requires whitewater boating skills.
Terminator – Futaleufú River, ChileIt is an exhilarating whitewater power storm of turquoise champagne like water. The Class 4/5 Terminator section, which some experienced kayakers call the most difficult commercially run rapid in the world, is 6 miles and it takes about 3 hours.
Yes, you can bring your own tube to float the Salt River. You will just need to have a vehicle at both the top and bottom launch sites. Is Salt River Tubing OK for kids?
To go tubing on the Salt River, rent your tube online — this rental will include a tube and transportation to and from the river! The Salt River is one of the most popular spots for tubing in Arizona, so you'll be floating alongside other groups of tubers.
Children must be at least eight (8) years old AND four (4) feet tall to go tubing. SRT policy requires children ages 8-12 to wear life jackets. These can be purchased at our Snack Bar for $15.
Lower Salt River: A surprisingly short drive from downtown Phoenix reaches the Salt River, where runoff from the distant mountains waters the desert. Here you can swim, float, and paddle among huge cacti, towering cliffs, and a herd of wild horses.
Recreation in, and around, the lakeAt the Great Salt Lake Marina you can launch a kayak or boat, go on a sunset cruise, or take in the spectacular view.