The Salt River Tubing experience is a popular seasonal tradition for cooling off in the Arizona heat, taking place in the Tonto National Forest near Mesa. This activity involves floating down a gentle, meandering section of the Lower Salt River, providing a refreshing escape with a backdrop of the Sonoran Desert landscape. Since the operation is highly dependent on environmental conditions, the exact timing of the season changes annually. Understanding the factors that govern the opening and closing of the season is important for planning this unique desert recreation.
Understanding the Annual Opening Schedule
The start of the tubing season is never fixed, as it is determined by water management and weather conditions. Typically, the season begins in late April or the first week of May, coinciding with rising temperatures and suitable water flow levels. The operation runs under a permit from the USDA Forest Service and relies on water releases from upstream reservoirs for the river to be floatable.
The most significant factor controlling the opening date is the volume of water flowing through the Salt River, measured in cubic feet per second (cfs). If the flow rate is too high due to heavy winter snowmelt or recent dam releases, conditions are deemed unsafe, delaying the start of the season. Conversely, if the flow is too low, the river becomes impassable for tubing.
The season generally runs continuously through the summer, operating seven days a week, usually ending on Labor Day weekend in early September. Following the holiday, the schedule often transitions to weekend-only operation, typically concluding the season entirely by the end of September. The last tube rental of the day is generally at 2:00 p.m.
Essential Logistics and Pricing Details
The Salt River Tubing headquarters is located at 9200 North Bush Highway in Mesa, Arizona, serving as the central hub for rentals and shuttle service. This facility is situated within the Goldfield Recreation Area of the Tonto National Forest. Tubers should arrive early, especially on weekends, as the parking lot fills up quickly and lines can form for the shuttle buses.
The current pricing structure includes the tube rental, the mandatory shuttle bus ride to the drop-off points, and parking. For those who rent equipment, the cost is $28 per person, covering this complete package. Individuals who prefer to bring their own tube can purchase a shuttle pass for $22 per person to utilize the transportation service.
Cooler tubes designed to float alongside a person’s tube are also available for rental, allowing for drinks and snacks to be transported down the river. The shuttle bus ride to the starting point is approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the chosen float length. Tubers have the option of a shorter float starting at the bridge or a full float beginning at the top, which includes a section with some small rapids.
Safety Guidelines and Important Rules
To maintain safety and preserve the natural environment of the Tonto National Forest, several rules are enforced. All guests must be at least four feet tall to participate in the tubing activity. Furthermore, all children aged 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket while on the river.
Glass containers are strictly prohibited by law, and all drinks must be contained in plastic or cans. Coolers are subject to inspection before tubers board the shuttle bus to ensure compliance.
When the water flow exceeds 1,200 cfs, indicating a faster current, groups with children under 13 are restricted to floating only the lower, calmer section of the river. Participants must adhere to a “Pack it In, Pack it Out” policy, meaning all trash and belongings must be carried out of the forest, and littering is strictly prohibited.