Is the Salt River open year round?

“What time of the year is the salt river open to tubing if you bring your own tube and your own vehicles.” That is not correct. The river is only open seasonally. The river levels fluctuate throughout the year and it's not safe or plausible to use it when the water level is too low.



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Salt River Tubing is set to open for 2023. Here's a guide to the iconic Arizona activity. One of Arizona's staple summer activities is back in action. Salt River Tubing in east Mesa opened for the 2023 season on Saturday, April 29.

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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.

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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.

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Explore the Salt River Wilderness From a Raft We offer trips up to five days long. Many Phoenix and Tucson residents join us each spring on our most popular trip—a full-day rafting adventure starting near the Highway 60 bridge between Globe and Show Low, Arizona.

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You can spot the wild horses throughout the 18-mile stretch of the Lower Salt River that encompasses the six recreation areas, but historically, the horses are most commonly seen at spots close to Saguaro Lake, including Phon D. Sutton Recreation Area, Granite Reef Recreation Area and Coon Bluff Recreation Area.

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The river is only open seasonally. The river levels fluctuate throughout the year and it's not safe or plausible to use it when the water level is too low. Also the roads up to the launch point are often closed out of season.

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Also bring some rope to tie the chest to the tube. Also, bring some kind of lunch. Sandwiches and snacks work the best. If you bring beer or soda (you MUST bring one or the other or water!) be sure to bring CANS ONLY glass is not allowed on the river.

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You can swim in the Salt River, but be aware that the water is not as clean as your typical swimming pool because of all the folks and animals who use the river daily.

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Yes, you can camp along the Salt River in Arizona. There are several developed campgrounds and day-use sites managed by the Tonto National Forest. While Coon Bluff, Phon D Sutton, and Granite Reef recreation sites are popular day-use options, there are other campgrounds available for overnight stays.

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Wildlife can best be viewed by leisurely walking or riding along the river, or floating downstream in a kayak or inner tube. Bald eagle, osprey, peregrine falcon, Harris's hawk, heron, egret, waterfowl, and other riparian and upland birds are frequently seen.

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You can spot the wild horses throughout the 18-mile stretch of the Lower Salt River that encompasses the six recreation areas, but historically, the horses are most commonly seen at spots close to Saguaro Lake, including Phon D. Sutton Recreation Area, Granite Reef Recreation Area and Coon Bluff Recreation Area.

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WHAT TYPE OF SHOES SHOULD I WEAR? ?TENNIS SHOES, AQUA-SHOES, RIVER SANDALS with Straps or other ?secure footwear? are needed to protect your feet against sharp objects, cuts, scrapes, bruises and the rocky and often slippery river bottom while walking to and from the entry/exit points for tubing on the Guadalupe River.

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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.

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