No Alcohol AllowedAll coolers will be inspected at time of launching. Glass containers of any kind is prohibited per Tonto National Forest regulations.
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Fun - Wet - and Mildly Dangerous. On a hot summer day - nothing beats drifting down the salt - BUT there are safety concerns. Drownings are all too common here - dure mainly to the exposed root structure along the shore. People often lash the innertubes together, and can't manuver out of the dangerous areas.
The river was used for irrigation by the pre-Columbian Hohokam culture, by later Native Americans, and by early Euro-American settlers in the 19th century. It currently provides a major source of irrigation and drinking water for Phoenix and surrounding communities through the Salt River Project.
The morning is the best time to go Salt River Tubing. The last tube rental is at 2pm so at the very least, you need to go before then. Our group arrived at 10:15 am and waited in a short line to rent our tubes. I do not recommend going much later than that because the parking lot and rental area will get very crowded.
Marshmallows get very sticky when wet, making them the perfect ammunition to lob at other tubers for some lighthearted fun. They also float, so you can pick up discarded ammo and reuse it as you travel down the river.
The rocks also make walking barefoot through the river incredibly difficult, so if you come, WEAR WATER SHOES. The sturdier and grippier, the better. Make sure you pack water and reapply sunscreen while you're out. Sunglasses and hats recommended.
While the French Broad is a lazy river, it's not the kind you find at a water park with a smooth concrete bottom. There are rocks and we want you to be safe from injury. Wearing shoes while tubing is an absolute must. We sell inexpensive river shoes at the outpost for the whole family.
Salt River Tubing pricing is $21. This price includes parking at the origin point, a tube to float the river on and a shuttle to the launch area and back.