Tubing The Salt River
Tubing is fast becoming Arizona’s sport, and Salt River Recreation offers tubing trips down the lower Salt River seven days a week, beginning in early May through September of each year. The idea is simple, slather a person in waterproof sunscreen, dress them in their swimsuits and shorts, plop them on top of an inner tube, and then set them adrift on a lazy winding river in the Sonoran Desert. Although it may sound odd to newcomers, regulars will tell you it is a blast.
To get there, take the US 60 east to the Power Road Exit. Travel north on Power Road (which turns into the Bush Highway) until you reach Salt River Tubing and Recreation Center on the left. From there, guests park their cars and board shuttles to the river’s edge. Salt River Salt River Recreation provides tube rental and the shuttle ride to and from the river for $9. Guests are welcome to bring their own tubes but will still be charged a $5 bus fee. Some locals traveling with more than one vehicle avoid the fees by parking one vehicle near the entrance and one at an exit. Floaters can travel a variety of distances along the river by choosing to depart at several different stops along the way, making it possible to float anywhere from 1 to 4 hours in the day. The shuttle busses begin running at 9 a.m. and retrieve weary and sun-soaked passengers at all three drop off point up until 6:30 p.m. The last run to the river is at 4 p.m.. Children must be over 8 years old or at least 4 feet tall and accompanied by an adult. The river runs swiftly at several places along the route and it simply unsafe to bring small children.
There are some basics that all seasoned tubers know about that are worth sharing to newcomers. The Arizona desert is HOT! Smart tubers know all the tricks to beat the heat and protect themselves from the sun. Sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30-50 should be applied at home before you head to the river, and while you tube. Agonizing sunburn can turn any outdoor activity from a pleasant memory into a painful experience once the sun goes down. Life vests are recommended but not mandatory, but should always be considered for youngsters and unsure swimmers. River shoes or old sneakers are also a must for maneuvering oneself around tricky rocks or just standing up on the rocky river bottom to adjust your towel. The standard tubes used are classic black tire tubes which get intensely hot in the sun, so it is important to bring a large towel or old bed sheet to drape over the tubes to keep you cool and comfortable. Another common accouterment to any tubing adventure is a cooler stocked with goodies. Renting an additional raft or bringing one from home acts as a floating refrigerator to provide water, and other beverages, sandwiches, and snacks. No glass bottles are allowed on the river and park security checks all coolers before allowing them into the water. Zip-lock type bags are a real necessity to keep things like clean clothes and towels safe and dry on the journey. Take special care in providing a safe place for things like car keys, and eyeglasses. Leave expensive jewelry and watches at home. The general rule is “if you can’t afford to lose it in the river, don’t bring it along”.
The initial scenery for tubers is mountainous, and guests will glide gently through deep ravines and gorges where cliffs rise up from the river’s edge. The rich yellow, bronze, and red canyon walls are a stunning site to behold. At various spots along the route the river widens to areas where onlookers picnic, party, camp, and wade into the river’s cool waters. Radios whine and blare, and dogs bark and flounce around in the water adding to the excitement of the trip. Camping is allowed at four specified sites including Water Users, Goldfield, Phon D. Sutton, and Coon Bluff for a fee of $9 - $11 per spot. Restrooms are available at these campgrounds and picnic spots and some tubers take advantage of a quick bathroom break at these locations. At several spots along the river the slow steady flow of water turns to white water rapids, and guests quickly become aware of why they so careful packed their belongings. Many families and groups opt to tie their tubes together in order to avoid being separated on the journey. This is not always best especially when the rapids move swiftly over rocks and other obstacles. Tubes tied together can easily become hung up in these spots making it necessary to cut the connections in order to continue. The vast majority of the trip is spent relaxing and taking in the exquisite beauty of the desert terrain. The impressive views, wildlife, cool waters, and unique fun bring visitors back to this “floating picnic” year after year.
Helpful Links
Salt River Tubing & Recreation
Saguaro Lake Ranch |
