Address: 9200 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 85215, USA
Phone: +14809843305
Sunday: 9AM–6:30PM
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 9AM–6:30PM
Saturday: 9AM–6:30PM
M M
Fun time with the family!
Esmeralda
Fun experience for the whole family
Erik Hernandez
Awesome
Dave Diehl
We always have a great time tubing down the salt river
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Yeah but as always drink responsibility and remember that there are other people trying to enjoy the river.
Pack up snacks and drinks (no glass, and try to bring minimal garbage, and make sure you take out whatever you bring in). You'll need to rent a tube. It's $17+tax&fees, so basically $18. They only take credit card as far as I know, and will hold your ID as collateral. I don't think there's a way to pre-pay, so keep that in mind. The $18 also includes the bus rides to the launching spot and from the end back to the parking lot. There's 2 main places you could stop, depending on how long/far you want to go (aprox 2hrs vs 4hrs). The tubes can get hot, so bring a twin-sized sheet you can tie around it. They also rent tubes that will come with a decent sized bucket that sits in it for you to put your stuff in, either use it as a cooler or to keep your belongings....but keep in mind that you'll need to keep hold of it, so bring rope to tie together, and know that the water gets faster/more rough in spots, so there's no guarantee that your stuff will stay dry or in the bucket haha
Yes you can Kayak if you bring your own. No rentals are open.
Get a medium size styrofoam cooler from Wal-Mart. It fits perfectly in the bucket. And there are 4 cup holders on the lid of the cooler.
The restrooms are one stop above a port-a-potty. They're smelly and aren't the cleanest lol I wouldn't want to chance having a barefoot touch the floor when changing.
Yes but it's still $15 first for the ride or 17 with the tube rental
I go ALL summer long. The water helps to keep you cool. You will burn if you dont keep re-applying sunscreen. Watch out for your feet/shins since they are in the water a lot so your sunscreen will not last as long in those areas. Some people bring an umbrella, some people have a small sheet or towel to cover their legs. I recommend a wide brimmed hat. Be mindful of parts in your hair being exposed & burnt if you like pigtails or braids. To keep cool you can bring a spray bottle. I fill mine at home & keep cold in fridge overnight then transfer to my cooler on the trip.
Id go during the week to avoid the crowd, but definitely a must do!!!
I've never seen any tent camping where you go tubing BUT I know some of my friends camped near the salt river BUT they had a camper
It's available for anything you want to do there. Tubing is not necessary nor is swimming.
Ok so they dont have coolers to rent unfortunately... But they have plastic buckets that they will put into a tube. So what a lot of people do is they bring drinks and snacks toss them in the bucket and also bring ice and pile it on top and it should last the majority of the trip down the river. Also bring about 5 feet of rope to use as a leash for the bucket so it wont float away from you. The cost of renting the bucket in the tube is $17. I hope this was helpful to you.
On the weekends the parking lots at 1 and 2, Waterusers and Blue Point Brudge are often FULL by 9AM and MCSO and thd Forest Service will not let you unload your tubes. Big fines fof parking on side of road since it is a Federsl Hwy
You can bring your own tube*. You'd just pay for the bus ride ($16.99+tax). *Keep in mind, the bus driver decides if they will allow the tube you bring on the bus, they may deny you to bring it onto the bus if they determine the tube is too big (example: tube barely fits thru the bus door). I recommend you show the tube to the bus driver before paying for the fare, to ask if it's ok to bring on.
Kids have to be 8 to tube. It's still closed.
That should be okay. Think it's the tube rental and buses that's closed
Not officially (no places with facilities), but there are plenty of places to pull of and have an impromptu picnic.
Yes you need one. Unless you are tubing the salt and riding their bus from their parking lot.
September
You will not be able to rent or get on the bus with kids under 4ft and 8 yrs old
You have to be referred by an employee.
You can rent your tube with a free bus ride at the tubing center located at 9200 n Bush highway
You can always use a gas grill that you might bring with you. Some of the official stops have public charcoal grills available for use. Go ahead and assume that you will not be able to have an open fire or use of your own wood/charcoal grills.
At least 8 years old and 4 feet tall. If a child in the group doesn't meet BOTH requirments, transportation and tube remtal will not be provided for the child and the group the child is with. However, if you want to take the risks, you can transport yourself (must have parking permit) and use your own tube.
Be careful because last time I saw a Golden Retriever that had popped its tube by stepping on it. The owners were stressing. In a couple hrs Im taking my Chihuahua in my canoe for the first time. UPDATE: I really would suggest against it. My dog came home with fleas. Also, your dog doesnt where shoes, so if you pull over to rest or wade, your dog has nowhere to go on the beach because all of the rocks are scalding hot. Just try walking around anywhere there barefoot.
Yep there and back
$17 per person for a tube and bus. Taco Bell has coupons that make it $10 Monday-Friday.
It's $20 after taxes. Depending on the group size it's cheaper to buy your own and get a $8 permit to park for 2 vehicles. If you rent bring a sheet to cover their black tubes, the get very hot.
Campers can only be in camping areas and RVs are prohibited in the small parking areas near the campsites. Don't be a dick and block off like 10 spots... People will slash your tires...
You have to be older than 8 years old and 4ft tall
You can go anytime you want you just have to secure your own drop off and pick up as well as use your own flotation devices.
If you have your own tubes and rides set up, you can do it in the middle of winter if you like. Enjoy your freedom and do what you like!
They are the normal hourslast tubevrenal at two pm
I saw a lot of people on paddle boards, but didn't see anyone on the busses with them.
12841 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 85215 is where you can't park and launch from. Just be careful about getting towed. Park another car downstream that you drive back up to and camp anywhere on your way.
Yes, there are lots of camping spots along river to camp.
Well I didn’t see any grills weeks ago but they probably only allow propane
Yes you can IF inflatable because of the door jamb. You would think they would let you load them from the back but they don't
Never go on a holiday or weekend if you don't like crowds
Yes, some friends and I went last Saturday and they said so long as you bring everything on your own, you can use the river.
I think it's April.
The website says last day for tubing in 2021 is September 26
Park there for free. You'll have to pay for the shuttle to get you to the starting point
No. What they have are steal round buckets that fits inside one of their tubes that you can put a small cooler in. Can't remember the rental price, maybe $19. If you do rent one, make sure you have some kind of rope, bungee rope with the hooks at the ends would be good, to tie it to your tube so that you won't loose it, especially when you go over the raptures.
I wouldn't camp there this time of year. Are you from here? The overnight low is in the 80's and highs above 100 right now.
We're not throwing the marshmallows at the river, we're throwing them at each other. Kind of like a pillow fight but with marshmallows.
We went during the first weekend of June. It was kind of cold for about 2 minutes and then I didn't even notice.
Tubing was 3 hours. But if you go early enough they'll let you go down twice for the same price but make sure you have lots of sunblock because you will get burnt!! The shuttle ride was only about 5 10 minutes. I'm not sure about the location you're asking about, but we weren't in the shuttle very long at all.
It's open all the way.
If you have your own you can still go down the river.
Don't know. I was there to repair their phone service.
Yes it's open. But you need to buy a ti tonto parking pass. Wal-Mart has them at the fishing department or most circle k
Yes, you can swim. Tubing rental closed
It's closed right now. Reopening the 28th
Yes, you should be able to access the river.
If it were not shut down, then yes, you can bring your own inflatables. But you still have to pay for the shuttle per each person.
No, masks are required at the station and on the bus but other than that no.
No it was open today when I went. Go early it gets packed fast
Sorry we were from out of state...sorry about the fires...
Yes. Depending on what people are carrying. The buses were constant and only a certain number of passengers and floats were allowed. Be sure not to park on the side of the road either as the police were forcing cars off and towing when I arrived around 1030 on a Sunday.
Not sure...but a twin size fitted sheet is big enough to be tied around an adult tube. It almost doubles the kids tube.
Twin fitted sheet works perfect
You may have wanted to do that while there. Maybe they'll release names but doubt it.
They state that they don't take anything larger than a tube but they took large inflatables. I would call.
Saltrivertubing.com
Their event calendar has not been updated since last year... You'd have to call.
Well we have as a family. I dont believe u will get into any trouble as we do it all the time. Now fishing i am not sure. 12 and under can fish without a permit.
They are open thru sept but only on Fri Sat and Sun.
Yes
Yes...U can pay for transportation & take there bus ...or u can bring 2 cars & do it yourself ...but u will need a Tonto pass for both cars !
Yes you can bring your own tube and won't have to pay a tube fee
I didn't see anyone drunk and no topless girls. It was during the week tho.i heard on the weekend and during holidays it's more busy
Unfortunately, no place to store personal items.
Very safe. I see kids in there. Just make sure to tie a rope loosely to tether them to your tube and make sure they wear life jackets
They have a motel 6 in apache junction which is close to the river. If you want something more upscale you can go to country inn and suites i haven't been to either but i see good reviews for the country inn
Yeah the latest to do a full 4 or more hours is noon. Because they close at 6pm
Minimum 8 Years old and a minimum of 4 ft tall.
You need a driver's license for a maximum of 5 tube rentals. Cash is accepted and no need for a credit card
It's a lazy float (figure like a water park lazy river) with occasional spots that are nothing that could be considered rapids. It's suitable for all ages.
No, I've seen seen small tubes on up to inflatable family size boats.
No I dont think they do
They sell snacks, drinks and ice. But recommend buying before you get there. Depending on which way you go, there is a circle k and Walgreens before you enter the national park area.
You can still enjoy the river, but remember there are no busses. You must have a annual pass.
I used a waterproof pouch and my phone stayed dry, I used it to take pictures however I never held it under water
U dont go around in a circle
Anywhere from 3 to 6 hours depending on which exit you are going to
No it does not. My girlfriend and I bring our own tubes and ice chests every time. We only have to pay for our selves. Not the tubes or ice chests.
The exit points are marked on the river
Salt river is at the lowest point in the area, easily drivable, look for the, Wild horses...
You can rent tubes . But cheaper to buy you're own
$17 per tube rented with a bus ride to the entry points. You must have a driver's license or form of id
I would go on a midweek also, much more quiet, definitely not go on opening day, I agree mid-may mid-week, and take sunscreen and water, people think it's cool to drink urself to a overcooked lobster all dried up like dehydrated lobsters.. people. !!! This is Arizona.
Yes you can fish, all along the river, inside and out of the park. You do need a fishing License. Fly fishing is fantastic.
$17 per person/tube
No fee bring two cars one to drop off up top other for when your done.
There's camping in specified areas around the salt river but you'll need to look into where exactly!
I would go to the restaurant there at the tarr?flatts, to get the local ranger,and/or police for help, if not check with Apache Junction locals too
The river is open the tubing place is not. This time of year they're only open on the weekends.
Yes, I work by there. They are open thru September. Only Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Soso
Yes. Around the end of September
No. You should bring your own. Bring it all when you go to pay, be totally ready to get on the bus and go tubing. A waterproof camera is a must!
I'm fairly certain 6 it's the last pick up time. We took off at 2 pm and made it back on time
You can inflate there using your own equipment. They won't have accommodations for your personal tubes though at all. & if you're still planning on riding the buses you'll have to pay for bus access.
For a "full river run", all 11 or so miles, leave your pick-up vehicle at the Granite Reef Rec Area, then take your drop-off vehicle and tubes/kayak/canoe/rafts to Water Users Rec Area, 9 miles further east on Bush Hwy. To shorten your float, you can also Enter/Exit at Pebble Beach Rec Area or exit at Point #4, which is the Official SRT Exit. Full run takes approx 4.5 hours in a canoe! DO NOT FORGET $8/car/day PARKING PASSES AT WALGREENS. (All Rec areas mentioned can be found by name on Google Maps for easy GPS navigation)
I believe they are open through Sept...so up till October.
First I have heard of it.
If you don't have a cooler. Get a backpack put a big trash bag in it fill it with ice. And all your drinks. That works great as a cooler on the river.
Not required, but they recommend them for children under 12
Not when I was there.
I guess you could but then you have to pay for parking up top and easier taking bus cause I think bus is only like 3 bucks
End of season I believe is around labor day IF that's what you are asking
You have to be at stop 4 by 6:30 pm.
They dont allow rope but everyone brings thete own
It all depwnda onthe water flow. From point 1-2 its around 1-2 hours 1-3 is 3 hours 1-4 is 5 hours. You can call them the day of to see what it is for that day
Truthfully 2-4 is prettier but 1-2 has better rapids. I always do 1-4 if they are allowing it
I have seen people with kayak rentals on the river. Call ahead for prices and availability
Pump before u arrive or bring a filling device.
Anytime is a good time to go to the Salt. We went on Sunday. It was hot but you have the nice cool water to get in. It is usually hot but it is a great time. There are shady beaches you can atop at, if you feel the need to grab some shade. Bring your sunscreen, you will be putting in on at least 2 times while on the river. Enjoy and dont forget your Tonto pass for yoyr vehicle, if you are not taking the bus system.
Thanks everyone
I saw a woman kyaking with her dog and he was wearing a life jacket. Not sure about tubing. Might be ok as long as they have a life vest, but wouldn't recommend it. The current is super strong in places.
How much are the collet tubes to rent?
If you are not using the shuttle and are parking at one of the stops, then yes. Otherwise if you are parking at the salt river tubing area, you do not need a pass for that.
Their website is an amazing resource... check it out
According to their website, the water avarages around 68 degrees year round, when I was there the average temperature was around that.
The only coupons I've seen are the ones they give out when you return your tube, but those are for weekday trips only.
The float time varies its best to call them and ask what the flaot time is. We tubed last sunday amd floatbtime was about 7 hours.
Very cold, not sure of temp
Usually by 2-2:30 pm
I don't know how much the pasting pass is, but it's free to park at the tube rental shed. We usually drop everybody off at the river side, and have one or two drivers go park there and rent a tube and ride the bus back to everybody. Afterward they ride the bus back to the cars and come back and pick everybody up.
The first day open was the 28th of Last month
The Salt River Tubing is open right now! Go get your swim suit and a lot of sunscreen then come on down!
Yep but bus passes are almost as expensive as tube rental... And tube rental includes a bus pass
The river is open every day but the tubes and rides is season..
... if they aren't open, it is reasonable to presume their shuttles won't be running... common sense
I'm pretty sure they don't take bookings you just come as you are when you get there
The shack where you rent tubes is not directly on the water. They'll put you on a bus and take you to the water. If you rent a tube from them, that's your bus pass for 1 person. You can also just get a bus ticket, but it's pretty expensive... There are several parking lots that will take you very close to the river, but you can't drive right up to the water. Parking anywhere other than the rental shall does require a parking pass.. Not sure which pad or where to get it (anyone else know.?)... We always drop everybody off by the water, park all the cars at the rental shack and the drivers rent tubes and take the bus back
Floating picnic, 2-4 hour trip down river, depending on flow, easiest way to take shuttle and rent tubes, you can bring your own must must have two vehicles (prefer truck beds as tubes fly around in wind) better off renting tubes, must have ID for tube rental, no glass containers, bring plenty of sunblock, a bottle or camelpack of water, pack in pack out, don't bring anything valuable, you will lose it in the river, bring an old bedsheets to tie to your tubes, I recommend as well as river not to tie your tubes together other than cooler (need to rent additional tube for cooler) twine/rope. NO FLIP FLOPS, you will lose them, bring old sneakers or water shoes. you may use a kayak* 2 vehicles again if you bring your own "watercraft", river gets low in spots - raise your butts, beer beer water! Cops will be in force, no underage drinking, or drinking and driving, you will be busted. Be prepared to walk/ there is small "hike" at end, sun hat sun glasses t-shirt, DON'T LITTER, DON'T OVERPACK
Salt River tubing opens in May for public use. This is clearly shown on their website for the 2018 session.
May 2018 the tube rentals and busses will be operational.
Yes but you have to have your own rides as there will be no buses to pick you up and you may need the tonto park pass to be able to park
Yes, signs when I was there a couple of weekends ago said they close Oct 1.
Im not sure but the lastest we have gotten on was 12 pm the ride is about 5 hrs u gotta be at the end by 6pm
You can call and ask them if they're open. They probably are
It will be open this Friday Saturday Sunday and Monday but the remainder of September only Friday Saturday and Sunday October 1st is the last day of tubing for this year
I am not real sure about 5 year olds but i know everyone pit there gets really drunk and parties out big time. Off you have your own tubes i don't think they can stop you but definitely have life vest and sunscreen sunscreen Sunscreen!!!!!
Yes
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