The best stops for tubing on the Salt River are 1 and 2 are relatively calm, and then, depending on water flows, it gets a bit more exciting from 2 through 4. Bathrooms are at the designated rest area and picnic area by the bridge at stop #2.
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It takes about 2 hours to float the Salt River from the launch point top of the river down to the bridge. It takes about 3 hours to float from the bridge down to the bottom exit point. If you want to float the Salt River from the top launch point down to the last exit, plan for about 5 hours.
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.
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.
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.
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.
One of my favorite annual trips to lead is a moonlight paddle down the Lower Salt River east of Phoenix. The Salt River is a great little trip either early in the morning, or long after the tubers have gone home—it's serene, has some nice scenery, is convenient to the metro Phoenix area, and offers easy logistics.