Is tubing on the Salt River safe?

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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The surging rapids of the Salt River AZ guarantee excitement for all ability levels! Anywhere from Class II splashing rapids, to Class III wet and fun rapids, to Class IV big drop rapids, the Salt River AZ will leave you wanting more. Why stop at a day trip?

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Swimming in the Salt River is something to be cautious about. It's not the ideal place to swim in nor the safest. There are a few reports of bacteria floating around the river and even one person on Yelp saying someone they know who worked there was infected with MRSA.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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Those who don't know how to swim must wear a life vest and should avoid leaving their tube. Music- Feel free to bring speakers or portable stereos, but out of respect for others, make sure they can't be heard more than 50 feet away.

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Salt River Rafting rapids are rated class III and IV. The Salt River drops an average of 25 feet per mile for over 50 miles through rocky, secluded canyons.

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The Upper Salt River is a solid Class III-IV river and requires whitewater boating skills. As the water level drops the river becomes more technically difficult, and at low water a few of the rapids approach Class V.

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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.

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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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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.

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