Salt River Tubing

Salt River Tubing is the definitive Arizona summer family experience -- floating down the Lower Salt River in an inflatable inner tube through stunning Sonoran Desert scenery with mild rapids providing just enough excitement to make it an adventure. Located about 30 minutes northeast of Scottsdale in the Tonto National Forest, this seasonal activity operates from May through September and is one of the most popular outdoor recreation options in the Phoenix metro area.

The experience is straightforward: you arrive at the Salt River Tubing facility on Bush Highway, rent an inner tube ($19 per person, includes tube and shuttle), board a shuttle bus that takes you 2-4 miles upstream, and then float back downstream to the starting point. The float takes 2-5 hours depending on which route length you choose (shorter and longer options available) and the river's current speed. The river carries you at a leisurely pace through a corridor of desert beauty -- towering saguaro cacti line the canyon walls, red rock formations rise on both sides, and if you are lucky, you may spot the famous Salt River wild horses drinking at the river's edge.

The rapids are mild -- Class I at most -- creating fun splashes and gentle bumps without any danger for competent swimmers. The water depth varies from ankle-deep in some stretches to chest-deep in pools. Most of the float is relaxing, with occasional short rapids that elicit shrieks and laughter.

Critical family requirement: children must be at least 8 years old AND at least 4 feet tall. This is strictly enforced -- staff check IDs and measure kids at the gate. No exceptions. This means Salt River Tubing is not suitable for families with only young children. For families with kids ages 8+, it is an absolute highlight.

Safety considerations are important. All participants must be able to swim. Life jackets are not provided or required by the outfitter, but you can bring your own and should for younger or less confident swimmers.

The sun exposure during a 3-5 hour float is extreme -- reapply waterproof SPF 50+ sunscreen every 60-90 minutes, wear a hat with a chin strap (it will blow off otherwise), and bring far more water than you think you need. Dehydration and sunburn are the biggest risks. The river itself is generally safe, but occasional hazards include submerged rocks, branches, and low-hanging trees.

Tying your family's tubes together with a short rope is strongly recommended. Without it, river currents can separate your group, especially around bends and through rapids. Bring a 10-15 foot section of rope for this purpose.

What to bring (and what not to): water shoes are essential (the rocky river bottom shreds bare feet and flip-flops fall off), a waterproof phone case is near-mandatory (phones get wet and there is no lost-and-found in the river), a cooler with water and snacks secured to a tube (no glass containers allowed -- cans and plastic only), and sunscreen. Do not bring anything you cannot afford to lose to the river.

Arrive early, especially on weekends. The parking lot can fill by 10 AM on Saturdays, and the shuttle line can stretch to 30-45 minutes. Weekday mornings are far less crowded. No reservations are needed -- it is first-come, first-served.

After tubing, most families are hungry and tired. The drive back to Scottsdale takes about 30 minutes, and popular post-tubing meals include Handlebar J (a fun cowboy steakhouse) or casual options along Power Road in Mesa.