1. Salt River Tubing

    1. Salt River Tubing

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    Mesa, AZ

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    Salt River Tubing

    4.0 (455 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Salt River Tubing Photos

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    Wild horses
    Alexandra S.

    I've floated the Salt River a few times this summer, and it's been enjoyable. We've seen wild horses each time. The long float takes about 5.5 hours, and the short float takes about 3 hours. If the water levels are low though, both floats can be very rocky and shallow. Bring a paddle to help navigate the current and avoid slamming into rocks and the embankment. Bring plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. The bus to and from the main parking lot does not have AC, but it's a short ride with the windows down both ways. If you take the bus and rent tubes, it'll cost you $28 per person. If you add a tube to hold a cooler, that's an additional $20. While shuttle prices are slightly cheaper on weekdays, the ticket that includes the shuttle and a tube is the same price every day of the week. It's also cheaper to pay in person, because online you will pay tax. The tradeoff is that the in-person lines can get quite long, especially on the weekends. If you bring two cars and park one at each end of the long float and bring your own tubes/gear, you'll only pay $8 per car to park. There are two primary points where people stop along the long float, one of which is about halfway through the float under a bridge for shade and the other is about 20 minutes from the end of the float where people cliff jump and hang on the beach. Bungee cords are helpful to link tubes together.

    On the river

    Friendly staff when you check in and friendly shuttle drivers. We went on a weekday so it was not as busy as the weekend. The shuttle buses take you to the halfway point or the top, it depends on how long you want to be on the river. I recommend you bring paddles to help steer on the river, sunscreen, a cooler to keep your drinks cool, and water to keep you hydrated. Only downside is the walk to the shuttle pick up after you exit the river at point 4. Overall, I recommend Salt River Tubing, it was fun and a relaxing experience.

    Laura V.

    The staff were super kind and want the best for their customers. We were able to go to the last spot and have them be there. Frequent busses going around. Had an incident and lost my water bag the staff was trying their best and I was able to get my bag back!!

    Allison C.

    Tubing the Salt River just jumped to one of our most favorite family vacation outings! Non-stop laughter & smiles made the time fly by. We were all hoping it was longer. The wild horses were an added highlight. We bought our tickets online and the check in process was super fast. We had the option to do the full river or half based on the amout of time we wanted to spend. The bus drivers out and back were both great! We definitely recommend this place to everyone!

    Kimberly F.

    Highly recommend Gorgeous scenery love the mountains and we always take our own raft and go down the salt river so much fun.

    Paddle boarding salt river
    Abigail S.

    Suuuuper fun experience . It was my first time paddle boarding and all I can shake is WOW! The river & the views were breathtaking and left me speechless at times

    Gorgeous Wild Horses- be on the watch!!
    Jacque C.

    What a fantastic day!! I haven't been tubing since the new company took over- and, I'm impressed with how smoothly we were put into the right line needed, received our goodies we ordered online and got on the bus!! The trip is quick and they drop you off close to the river and off you go!!! Gorgeous views everywhere!! You immediately feel refreshed and 109 doesn't seem bad at all!! Especially, if you're rewarded with Wild Horses along the way!!! It was my friends first tubing trip down the Salt River and she LOVED it!! Don't Wait- TREAT YOURSELF!!!

    River traffic.
    Christy K.

    I booked online (we live out of state) for a tube trip for my daughter and me. Clear directions for how to get there. Arriving early was recommended so there was plenty of parking available. There were frequent shuttles so wait times were short. Staff was kind. Would recommend renting an additional tube for holding your water-proofed supplies and/or a small cooler.

    Jasmine S.

    What better way to beat the AZ heat than a day cruising down the lake! Check in was a breeze. I recommend purchasing tickets online. Hop on a shuttle bus to your stop and get ready for an adventurous ride! Opted out of tying our tubes together and just held on by hooking our feet under each other's tubes. But we did tie the cooler tube. This worked out great! Tips: 1. Try your best to stay in the middle for a better flow down the river and to avoid getting stuck in the bushes. 2. Watch out for rocks when the river is low. Lift up! 3. Bring plenty of drinks and snacks. 4. Enjoy the rapids and the views! This was a fun experience and something I look forward to doing as a family tradition!

    Wild Horses Crossing
    Izzy L.

    Went on 6/9 with my friends visiting from out of town. I go every year before it gets scarily hot out, and HEADS UP we are just about nearing that point in the summer! Monday was not very busy at all which made the rental, bus ride, and parking experience a lot more pleasant (note: there is PLENTY of parking even on busy weekend days!) The cooler tube fits a 16qt/15L Igloo Playmate cooler perfectly with some extra room on top for any other odds and ends you're carrying down the river. I also recommend a high quality waterproof bag you can put any valuable you decide to take with you. Hold onto it tight! Bring lots of water, especially if drinking! Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen every hour. Entire float takes ~4 hours. Lift your cheeks when going over the rapids lol

    We saw a horse getting some water and a blue heron.
    Carol M.

    Check in was easy. We each got our tube, got on the bus for a 10-15 minute trip to site the river. We floated for 2 1/2 hours, which is a perfect amount of time, and exited at the #4 site. It was clearly marked where we were supposed to exit the river. We caught the bus and went back to the main staging area and returned our tubes. The water was refreshing. Recommendations: bring the obvious sunscreen, water, hat, water shoes. But also wrap your tube in a sheet. Tie the 2 opposite corners together in a knot and do it again with the other 2 corners. Flip it over and float on that side. It'll keep the tube cool to the touch. It was a nice relaxing day!

    Alvaro R.

    I love River Tubing I do this every summer. The vibes are always great A great way to stay cool for 4 hours with family and friends, so many people from all other Arizona. It's definitely a must. Go prepared, hydrate, water proof bag, snacks.

    Two of the wild Salties.

    We had seven in our party, including a eight year-old and a 12 year-old. They had a great time and all of us enjoyed the experience. We all definitely will do it again. We saw a few of the wild horses in the water. I've been told at the best time to see the horses is early in the morning or later in the afternoon when they come down to the river. But we were super grateful that we did see three.

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    3 months ago

    We had so much fun. But I wish we knew to bring a paddle .Seeing the wild horses was just icing on the cake

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    3 months ago

    Great staff great experience. The tubes were fantastic to pick up. Locations were fantastic. The staff is extremely nice.

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    Page 1 of 12

    Ask the Community - Salt River Tubing

    Any water snakes?

    No, it's pretty chilly so mostly just fish and birds

    What is the temperature of the river ? Can I inflate my own inner tube once I arrive?

    Water is chilly mountain water but once you get in it's fine, probably 60s if I had to guess of lower. It's 30+ ft in some places which keeps it cool. I have not seen air compressors but you can bring your own tubes, you can buy a portable air… 

    Are you allowed to bring a service animal while tubing?

    It is DOG friendly as long as you have a tube they can sit in. They are open bottom tubes so you'd have to bring your own tube for puppers. We have seen a few dogs on the river.

    Can i still go tubing right now, even though the tube rental may be closed?

    Yes, it's open as long as you check w/ the county that the river isn't closed for flooding. It's all swim at your own risk.

    Has this reopened?

    Yes

    Are they going to be open Saturday for Forth of July 2020?

    No. On 6/29/2020, Arizona Governor Ducey issued a new executive order for at least the next 30 days. Along with bars, movie theaters, gyms and water parks, tubing operators are also shut down.

    Can you go any day?

    Yes as long as water flow and weather permits during the season Salt River Tubing is open.

    Will they let you bring your own tubes on their bus? A two-person tube?

    Yes they will just have to buy a bus pass

    Are dogs allowed in the water?

    No. Only on a leash on shore.

    Does anyone have the address (ish) or map as to where we would park our 2nd car? Thanks so much!

    Yes, we used the map on the brochure. The second page has a nice map of the parking lots. We purchased parking passes at the Walgreens on the way into the park.… 

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    Review Highlights - Salt River Tubing

    big white bus w ac was immediately available for departure and pick up of fully inflated tubes, gear and us!

    Mentioned in 159 reviews

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    Salt River Rafting

    Salt River Rafting

    5.0(52 reviews)
    18.0 mi

    I'm not sure if this is a review for the tube renting place or for just going at all. But I highly…read morerecommend buying your own tubes to own forever, and if you have the opportunity take 2 cars to go to the top and drop off spot so you don't have for rent a tube. If you own your own tube, you can still rent a bus ride for $19. This is definitely an Arizona summer classic. Wow!! I'm updating to say that in all my 21 years I didn't realize that there was a difference between rafting and tubing and that there were 2 different of options on what you can do to go down the river. How freaking cool and thank you to the business owner for educating me!

    This review is for a RAFTING & CAMPING trip (lol, I can't believe how many people have left reviews…read morefor tubing)! It's going to be my longest review ever! Where do I start?!? I have wanted to raft the Grand Canyon (Colorado River) my whole life so when my friend asked me if I wanted to raft the Salt River I said "heck yeah"!! My 2 top takes from this trip are RESPECT (respect these guides, the river and the land...they are awesome and deserve every bit of it) and don't judge a book by its cover... Upon arrival my friend became really nervous (she even had me getting nervous). She walked over and found our guide Ara and immediately came back feeling a lot better. We had plenty of time to get our PPE, buy some shirts/stickers/sunglass straps (cheaper than Amazon) and use the porta potty. An awesome guide explained safety instructions and insisted people listen! Respect him - it could save your life. He made sure everyone could see and hear him. Safety is their #1 important thing! All the rafts left at the same time. Us 3 and our guide in one boat. The rest of the boats seemed to be a high school trip. You do some practice paddling in the eddy before the first rapid. On that first rapid you have someone from the team taking your picture! After some amazing fun we stopped for lunch where the guides gave us chips and salsa to start while they made chicken fajitas (the chicken is separate from the onions and peppers which my friend appreciated because she doesn't like those veggies). We had plenty of time to eat, drink water and use the porta potty. I highly suggest doing the full day because this is where it would end for the half day/no lunch trips. It is soooo worth it to continue on. We got to learn a lot about our amazing guide Ara, we instantly trusted her beyond words. She has years of experience and has paddled rivers from AZ to Alaska! She has her own raft and constantly going on new adventures. Looking at her...young and a girl...you may second guess going with her but this is why I say never judge a book by its cover! She was amazing!!! We all had absolutely 100% trust in her!!! The whole team is on top of things. I was so impressed how they handled a raft that was pulled over. One by one they pulled to the side and waited or assisted the stopped raft. Later I overheard one of the kids say he purposely fell off the raft - don't do that. It's not cool - respect the river and the guides!! They drove us back to our truck and dropped Ara off at camp (where we had lunch) to start preparing for our evening of appetizers and dinner. We drove back to camp and set up our tents and Ara brought over a wonderful charcuterie board (I love these)!! After setting up Ara had a nice fire going while she finished up dinner. She made the most amazing Alfredo/pesto tortellini, salad and bread! It was so good I forgot to take a picture!! While we were eating she mentioned something about baking a cake (I was thinking it must be one of the guide's birthday's). Nope!! She baked us a pineapple upside down cake in the cast iron Dutch oven! Omg so delicious! All the guides in the camp were so welcoming and friendly! They invited us to play horseshoes, sat with us by the fire and really made us feel included (after all this is their home for the season). The next morning Ara had yogurt, fruit, leftover cake (my friend was really happy about that) orange juice and coffee waiting while we tried to wake up. We took our time...Ara always made sure things flowed on our time. She never pressured us or rushed us - it was absolutely wonderful. She cooked us a nice breakfast of croissant sandwiches and we had to pack up and head out. We made sure to tip her (and if I could have made it 100% of the cost I would have) she hugged us and we said our goodbyes! Everyone we met was amazing!! Ara, Annie the dog, Stu and G-String (my ears must of been waterlogged because I swear that's what his name was - lol). I wish I remembered more names but these were our top favorites. They have me wanting to do the 5 day trip next!!

    Photos
    Salt River Rafting - Nice fire Ara had going for us while she made dinner.

    Nice fire Ara had going for us while she made dinner.

    Salt River Rafting - Camp/lunch spot.

    Camp/lunch spot.

    Salt River Rafting - This is the original meeting spot.

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    This is the original meeting spot.

    Salt River Canoe Kayak & Raft Rentals

    Salt River Canoe Kayak & Raft Rentals

    4.7(12 reviews)
    9.2 mi

    Captain Ted is great!!! Will definitely rent from him again, call upon his expansive knowledge for…read moreadvice when I have any kayaking questions, or join up for his weekly paddling group! To say he is friendly is an understatement. Fantastic guy with kindness and a lot of character! We joined the paddle group because we are beginners, and he welcomed us with open arms. Even though it wasn't a tour, he led the way and taught us quite a bit about kayaking. I'll feel much more confident next time when I'm on my own thanks to Captain Ted. Some tips: cash only and each boat rental requires its own cash deposit! Also, expect to want to spring for a kayak in the $45 price range. The $35 are minis and not for beginners. Also, opt for high tops with soles and ankle protection over water shoes or flip flops. DO ask about rent the wheels for transporting the kayaks to/from the water. Plan to get wet and to get some sun!

    The concierge at our hotel recommended this place for us when we asked about renting kayaks for…read moreSalt River. I called up to ask for rates and specifics. The owner goes by Captain Ted and he was more than patient in explaining the rates. Despite the short notice, we made an appointment to drop by the next morning to pick up two kayaks. He strapped the boats onto the top of our rental car, went over all the equipment we needed, and took the time to explain which parts of the river we should explore. Captain Ted works out of his private residence is located 20 minutes from Salt River. His rates are fair and he was a joy to do business with.

    Photos
    Salt River Canoe Kayak & Raft Rentals - This is the real address, yelp and Google are wrong

    This is the real address, yelp and Google are wrong

    Salt River Canoe Kayak & Raft Rentals
    Salt River Canoe Kayak & Raft Rentals - Map location and address

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    Map location and address

    Arizona Rafting

    Arizona Rafting

    4.7(23 reviews)
    18.6 mi

    We had a great 1/2 day rafting trip. Mike was a great guide. My husband and I had one rafting trip…read moreunder our belts, and for the couple we were with, this was their first. He did a great job putting us all at ease, while teaching us some very important skills....which were important to know! My husband did end up in the water, and remembered Mike's instructions. Within seconds (that felt much longer!) Mike was quick to pull him back onto the raft. All that said...we'd do it again!

    I went to the put in to see some friends who were on a private trip off and what I witnessed was…read moredeplorable. A lady was unloading her boat and she knew she needed to hurry as it is was the "wrong" beach but all privates drop their boats there and normally stay tight and out of the way. As she was unloading the big bus rolled up ( 8:30 am) and honked she went to move her truck instantly a guide jumped out of the truck and started dropping the f bomb, peacocking and threatening the lady to the point I was concerned for her safety. She said she was trying to move out of the way but the guide kept yelling at her in a totally unprofessional manner calling her a bitch, dropping the fbomb, threatening to throw her stuff in the river the whole time not allowing her to move as he was in between her and her truck. He just was escalating the problem all she kept saying was ok I am going to move but he kept preventing her. His mannerism was narcissistic, chauvinistic and his odor was suspect. As a guide professionally for 35 years at various rivers including the Salt, and now working promoting adventure tourism I find this behavior unacceptable and I will not be endorsing this company. I understand at the end of the season folks get burned out but maybe the guide should take anger management or work at the DMV. Start out with hello instead of " You stupid B@#$%h". Having thought about the incident of which I only witnessed it is sad that in such a beautiful spot it occurred.

    Photos
    Arizona Rafting - Hiking to the raft.

    Hiking to the raft.

    Arizona Rafting - Ready to go!

    Ready to go!

    Arizona Rafting - Mike took our picture in the calm after the rapids.

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    Mike took our picture in the calm after the rapids.

    Advantage Grand Canyon

    Advantage Grand Canyon

    5.0(24 reviews)
    18.0 mi

    I am forever grateful to have booked through AGC. I was trying to book the perfect trip, during the…read moreperfect time, with the perfect outfitter company and perfect group. AGC helped me find the perfect package! I don't recall how I find AGC, but somehow, Andy and I starting emailing back and forth in the beginning of January. Normally these trips are booked a year in advance. Luckily, he was able to find an available spot for us with one of his outfitters. He couldn't have picked the perfect outfitter for us to go with. Andy was very clear, concise and prompt when responding to my emails. Especially with the time difference (Hawai'i) and my graveyard hours work shift. I was still able to obtain all the details I needed for this trip of a lifetime and book it with ease. I couldn't have been better prepared with the loads of information that was provided before I sent him my credit card info. I felt a sense of security with no surprises. Thank you AGC for helping me experience this trip of a lifetime!!!

    From placing our reservations to our helicopter ride and charter plane flight back to Las Vegas,…read morethis trip was spectacular and went off without a hitch! Advantage booked us on our 6 day/5 night motorized raft trip through the Grand Canyon with Wilderness River Adventures and it was amazing from start to finish. The absolute most fun we've ever had doing anything. My husband and I are active seniors, 69 and 67 respectively and we loved every minute. Advantage and Wilderness coordinated our trip with pre-trip packing list, complete and thorough directions about where and when to meet our connecting transportation to Page, AZ, booked our first night's lodging and got us to the river in a comfortable coach with a super friendly driver. Our river guides were amazing - can't say enough good things about them and how well they took care of us and managed every day of the trip from wonderful cowboy coffee and delicious breakfasts to start our day, thrilling rides through the canyon with stops for hikes and lunches and selection of beautiful camp sites each evening with gourmet meals that were over the top!! We would do this all again in a heartbeat and stay longer next time!! Thanks Advantage for a life changing experience!

    Photos
    Advantage Grand Canyon
    Advantage Grand Canyon - River can get wild!

    River can get wild!

    Advantage Grand Canyon

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    Arizona Hiking Shack - Oboz shoes. Left, worn every day for 2+ years.Hiking, construction, landscaping.  Right pair - new social occasion pair until dailies

    Arizona Hiking Shack

    4.3(145 reviews)
    23.4 mi
    $$

    I love this place! I used to be an REI loyalists but lately my activities are getting much more…read moretechnical and REI doesn't seem to be able to supply all the gear I need. I came here a few days ago looking for vertical ascend gear out of caves. I was greeted by Jason and he was really helpful and knowledgeable. I needed very specific gear, and Jason was very patient with me and showed me where I could find sit harnesses, chest harness, chest ascender, hand ascende, foot loops, etc. I didn't find exactly what I needed but got a good idea on the things I need to build a personalized vertical gear set for myself. And of course, while I was looking for cave gear, I wandered around looking at all the fabulous gear they have, I was like a kid in a candy store. I could spend hours in here. I started looking at hydration packs as I need to replace mine and found a very nice military edition and will come back to purchase this soon. I also saw plenty of Petzl bags, and very tempted to purchase another. They also carry so much Petzl gear, you will be in heaven here. Also, some great hiking shoes and some sleek, but we'll performing water shoes. I then wandered into kayaks and Jason even showed me the Padillac they have! I've gotten into paddleboarding and kayaking for the summer and now want one of each! This place rents them and sells them. I then went to check out some wetsuit gear, and they have a really nice selection of wetsuits, gloves, booties, etc. I really love this place and it is definitely gonna bankrupt me, but so worth it. High quality gear, more extensive selection than REI and the staff here know what they are talking about. If you need something specialized, this is the place for you. I'll be back here soon!

    This place is located on the NE corner of 32nd St and Thomas Rd…read more My son was looking for hiking gear for snow in Colorado. We went to REI and they did not have the gear so they sent us here. They do have equipment for rentals but a limited supply so call ahead to ask. They also recommended he try in Colorado where he was going for rentals which worked out. People were very helpful.

    Photos
    Arizona Hiking Shack - Salt River.

    Salt River.

    Arizona Hiking Shack - Tents and sleeping bags.

    Tents and sleeping bags.

    Arizona Hiking Shack - Mountaineering classes

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    Mountaineering classes

    Salt River Tubing - rafting - Updated September 2026

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