Salt River

The basics

The Salt River is best known for its lower stretches, near Mesa, where folks from Phoenix bust out their inner tubes and seek out wild horses—and a good, free-floating time. Further north is to find class III and IV rapids—and several whitewater outfitters. The catch is that the water doesn’t flow heavily enough for consistent, yearly adventure. If the season’s open (in early spring) and you nab a spot, you've hit the Arizona adventure jackpot.

Things to know before you go

• A recreational day pass is required to get on the water. They can be purchased on-site.

• If you’re tubing on your own, there are six recreation sites with parking lots: Water Users, Blue Point, Goldfield, Coon Bluff, Phon D Sutton, and Granite Reef.

• If you’re looking for wild horses, test your luck at Saguaro Lake, Phon D. Sutton Recreation Area, Granite Reef Recreation Area, and Coon Bluff recreation areas.

How to get there

All the Lower Salt River’s recreation areas—the ones best for tubing and catching views of wild horses—lie along the N Bush Highway, northeast of Mesa, Arizona. If you’re rafting, your tour likely begins about a 40-minute drive north of Globe, Arizona, further east and much closer to the Salt River Canyon.

When to get there

To raft the Salt River, you’ll need to go with a guide—it’s a highly remote area—who will let you know exactly when to come (sometime in early spring). If you’re tubing, May–September is the high season; the earlier you go in that window, the faster the river flows.

The river’s wild horses

The origins of the Salt River’s wild horses are a bit of a mystery, though it’s thought their ancestors were brought here by 16th-century explorers. The horses appear to have some Spanish Colonial or Iberian breeding, but over the years, they’ve intermixed with domestic horses, making today’s horses specific to the Salt River area.

Ways to explore

Explore the lower stretches of the Salt River on a tubing or kayaking tour that includes gear and a guide for a hassle-free adventure. Alternatively, take in this scenic area by land with a hiking excursion along the Lime Kiln or Copper Mile trails—both offer glimpses of the river along with desert landscape views and the chance of spotting wild horses. ATV off-roading is a popular option for thrill-seekers looking to test their desert-driving skills, while rafting enthusiasts can book with an outfitter to take on the rapids on the northern length of the river from March to May.

Accessibility

The Rio Salado riverfront trail in Phoenix is paved and wheelchair-friendly, but most water sports and hiking trails are not.

Age limits

Many river tours by water and land have a minimum age or weight limit; confirm in advance of booking.

What to pack

Water, camera and battery pack, waterproof bag and change of clothing for water sports

What to wear

Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses, swimwear or hiking shoes

Not allowed

Permits are required for rafting through the Salt River Canyon Wilderness in spring.

Amenities

The Tonto National Forest has visitor centers with information and restrooms, picnic areas, campgrounds, hiking and walking trails, parking lots, and scenic overlooks.

Address 

The Lower Salt River’s recreation areas—best for tubing and spotting wild horses—lie along the North Bush Highway, northeast of Mesa, Arizona. Rafting tours usually set off north of Globe, Arizona, further east and much closer to the Salt River Canyon.

Driving

Take Highway 202 east from Phoenix to North Power Road, which becomes North Bush Highway just north of Mesa. To reach the rafting outfitters between Globe and Show Low, take Highway 60 east from Phoenix.

Public transportation

There is no public transportation to the departure points for most Salt River excursions, though tubing and rafting outfitters supply shuttle services back to the departure point at the end of the tour.

Best times to visit

Hike or tube in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and spot wild horses. Rafting adventures usually set off by midmorning.

Best days to visit

The lower river fills with tubers and hikers on weekends, so visit on a weekday for a quieter experience.

Best months to visit

Tubing and hiking seasons run from May to September on the lower river, while the upper river rafting season is from March to May.

Special events

The Tonto National Forest offers ranger-led hikes and educational programs for kids. Check the official website for an updated schedule.