What to know before tubing the Salt River
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Bonus: You might see some horses while tubing. Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Salt River tubing season is in full swing and we've got everything you need to know to enjoy the classic Valley summertime outing.
The big picture: The recreation portion of the Salt River in far east Mesa is about 40 miles from downtown Phoenix.
- Depending on flow levels, it'll take about 2-4 hours to meander down the river.
The intrigue: This adventure can be a peaceful float or an absolute rager.
- Weekdays are quieter and more family-friendly, while weekends, especially Memorial Day and 4th of July, can draw large crowds and the rowdiest tubers.
- 🧠 Choose wisely.
How it works
🚍 The all-inclusive experience: Salt River Tubing has owned the river recreation market here for decades, and they've got it down to a science.
- For $28, they'll give you an inflated tube, bus you from their parking lot to one of two starting points and pick you up from one of two ending points.
- Season passes, which allow you one tube rental and roundtrip bus ride each day from May-September, run $225.
- Cooler tubes, to carry your Igloo down the river, are $20.
- Booking online saves time but isn't required.
🛟 BYOT: Salt River Tubing also offers a $20 shuttle-only option for those wanting to bring their own tube.
- The company won't help you inflate it, though.
🚗 🚙 DIY: Making your own arrangements is cheaper and can be a more flexible experience (no shuttle times to worry about) but does require careful planning and two cars.
- Drop off one car at your end point and transport your party to the starting point in the second vehicle. See map for parking lot and route options.
- Both cars need to have a Tonto Day Pass on the dash ($8, available at nearby gas stations and other retailers).
- Bring an air pump to inflate your tubes.
- Watch for signs on the river so you exit where you left your car.
Be smart
🌊 Check the weather and water flow: Avoid the river during storms and high wind and check the flow rate here.
- Salt River Tubing will allow children to float the lower half of the river only when the flow is 1200 cfs or higher.
☀️ Bring bedsheets: Old bedsheets draped over your tube go a long way to prevent the hot rubber from frying your skin.
👟 Wear water shoes or old sneakers: The bottom of the river is quite rocky (and occasionally littered with rusty nails, apparently) and you'll have to walk a short way through sand and rock to reach the river. Flip-flops are not the move.
🍻 Alcohol rules: No glass bottles allowed. And remember that it's hot and you're in a moving body of water. Don't get so drunk you wind up in a dangerous or embarrassing situation.
🗑️ Don't be a jerk: Collect your trash and throw it away in the bins at the river exits. And no more marshmallows.