There’s only one way to enjoy the longest float trip in Arizona this summer, and that’s by renting a tube from Salt River Tubing. You can leisurely meander on the water for up to four hours, perhaps even catching a glimpse of the iconic Salt River horses along the way. Here’s everything you need to know:
It isn’t summer in Arizona until you’ve floated down the Salt River at least once, and the season is in full swing at Salt River Tubing in Mesa.
Google/Lyden L Float trips range in length from 1.5 to 4 hours, so you can hop in for a quick adventure or spend the entire day cooling off from the brutal desert heat.
Floating the entire stretch of the river takes about four hours from start to finish.
Google/Kayla Legaspi Should you choose to end your trip early, there are two exit points along the way, the distance to each one being 1.5 and 2.5 hours, respectfully.
If you’re lucky, you just might catch a glimpse of the iconic Salt River horses galloping through the water.
TripAdvisor/Douglas R Emerging from the Tonto National Forest like something out of a fairytale, seeing the majestic creatures will surely be among the highlights of your float.
Admission includes the tube rental fee, unlimited shuttle bus rides, and parking.
TripAdvisor/Loraine T You can also bring your own tube along for a discount!
Alcoholic beverages are allowed, provided they aren’t in glass containers.
Google/Steven Richardson Bringing a cooler is your best bet (just make sure it’s sturdy - styrofoam is not recommended.)
Some other important things to note are that guests must be eight years or older, and at least four feet tall to float - and a valid drivers license is needed for the tube rental deposit.
Google/Kayla Legaspi The deposit covers up to five tubes, so one person can get the whole group covered.
The last tube rental is at 2 p.m., so plan to arrive early and tube the whole day away!
Google Maps
Visit the Salt River Tubing website or Facebook page to learn more.
Google/Lyden L
Float trips range in length from 1.5 to 4 hours, so you can hop in for a quick adventure or spend the entire day cooling off from the brutal desert heat.
Google/Kayla Legaspi
Should you choose to end your trip early, there are two exit points along the way, the distance to each one being 1.5 and 2.5 hours, respectfully.
TripAdvisor/Douglas R
Emerging from the Tonto National Forest like something out of a fairytale, seeing the majestic creatures will surely be among the highlights of your float.
TripAdvisor/Loraine T
You can also bring your own tube along for a discount!
Google/Steven Richardson
Bringing a cooler is your best bet (just make sure it’s sturdy - styrofoam is not recommended.)
The deposit covers up to five tubes, so one person can get the whole group covered.
Google Maps
Have you floated the Salt River yet this season? If so, how was the trip? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below, then check out our previous article for more on the majestic Salt River Horses.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Salt River Tubing, 9200 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 85215, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Tubing in Arizona May 25, 2022 Tori Jane What are the best natural lazy rivers in Arizona? The most popular answer is also the most obvious: the Salt River, situated in the east-central part of the state, is by far the most beloved (and arguably the “best”) natural lazy river in Arizona. It is such a beloved pastime among the locals that it’s become a steadfast annual tradition; oftentimes in the summer your friends will ask if you have any plans to tube the river this summer, and usually, your answer is going to be yes. Another lesser-appreciated lazy river in Arizona is the Colorado River, or, well, parts of it, anyway. Believe it or not, Arizona is a desert but it’s not entirely barren – there are all sorts of water access out here, including rivers perfect for tubing. When does the Salt River open for tubing? Every year, the legendary Salt River in Arizona opens for tubing adventures galore. Typically, the Salt River opens for tubing at the end of April, and the season sticks around until the end of September. One may visit the official website for the most up-to-date details about Salt River Tubing in Arizona no matter what time of year it is. The start and end dates tend to change just a little bit each season, so be sure to check ahead of time if you’re planning a late-season float in Arizona. What should I bring along when tubing the Salt River? There are two things you must bring no matter WHAT: plentiful water, and plentiful sunblock. We all know that guy who tubed the river in Arizona and came back with the worst sunburn of his life, and sunburns can lead to cancer in extreme cases. The heat is another major factor in injuries sustained on the river, with all too many folks coming down with heatstroke thanks to bringing little to no water. There is little shade on the river, so bringing an umbrella is also wise, and you should also make sure you have water shoes – you’re likely to lose sandals on the river. Some folks bring radios along, and a lot of people make it a party on the river every year, so prepare for fun!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Tubing in Arizona
May 25, 2022
Tori Jane
What are the best natural lazy rivers in Arizona? The most popular answer is also the most obvious: the Salt River, situated in the east-central part of the state, is by far the most beloved (and arguably the “best”) natural lazy river in Arizona. It is such a beloved pastime among the locals that it’s become a steadfast annual tradition; oftentimes in the summer your friends will ask if you have any plans to tube the river this summer, and usually, your answer is going to be yes. Another lesser-appreciated lazy river in Arizona is the Colorado River, or, well, parts of it, anyway. Believe it or not, Arizona is a desert but it’s not entirely barren – there are all sorts of water access out here, including rivers perfect for tubing. When does the Salt River open for tubing? Every year, the legendary Salt River in Arizona opens for tubing adventures galore. Typically, the Salt River opens for tubing at the end of April, and the season sticks around until the end of September. One may visit the official website for the most up-to-date details about Salt River Tubing in Arizona no matter what time of year it is. The start and end dates tend to change just a little bit each season, so be sure to check ahead of time if you’re planning a late-season float in Arizona. What should I bring along when tubing the Salt River? There are two things you must bring no matter WHAT: plentiful water, and plentiful sunblock. We all know that guy who tubed the river in Arizona and came back with the worst sunburn of his life, and sunburns can lead to cancer in extreme cases. The heat is another major factor in injuries sustained on the river, with all too many folks coming down with heatstroke thanks to bringing little to no water. There is little shade on the river, so bringing an umbrella is also wise, and you should also make sure you have water shoes – you’re likely to lose sandals on the river. Some folks bring radios along, and a lot of people make it a party on the river every year, so prepare for fun!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The most popular answer is also the most obvious: the Salt River, situated in the east-central part of the state, is by far the most beloved (and arguably the “best”) natural lazy river in Arizona. It is such a beloved pastime among the locals that it’s become a steadfast annual tradition; oftentimes in the summer your friends will ask if you have any plans to tube the river this summer, and usually, your answer is going to be yes. Another lesser-appreciated lazy river in Arizona is the Colorado River, or, well, parts of it, anyway. Believe it or not, Arizona is a desert but it’s not entirely barren – there are all sorts of water access out here, including rivers perfect for tubing.
When does the Salt River open for tubing?
Every year, the legendary Salt River in Arizona opens for tubing adventures galore. Typically, the Salt River opens for tubing at the end of April, and the season sticks around until the end of September. One may visit the official website for the most up-to-date details about Salt River Tubing in Arizona no matter what time of year it is. The start and end dates tend to change just a little bit each season, so be sure to check ahead of time if you’re planning a late-season float in Arizona.
What should I bring along when tubing the Salt River?
There are two things you must bring no matter WHAT: plentiful water, and plentiful sunblock. We all know that guy who tubed the river in Arizona and came back with the worst sunburn of his life, and sunburns can lead to cancer in extreme cases. The heat is another major factor in injuries sustained on the river, with all too many folks coming down with heatstroke thanks to bringing little to no water. There is little shade on the river, so bringing an umbrella is also wise, and you should also make sure you have water shoes – you’re likely to lose sandals on the river. Some folks bring radios along, and a lot of people make it a party on the river every year, so prepare for fun!
