The Salt River: Tubing, Wildlife, and What Worth Knowing

The lower Salt River northeast of Mesa offers one of the most distinctive outdoor experiences in the Phoenix metro: a free-flowing desert river through a wildlife corridor that supports feral horse populations, migratory birds, great blue herons, great horned owls, and a variety of desert wildlife living in the riparian habitat along the banks. The tubing operations from April through September are the most popular access point. Salt River Tubing provides shuttle service between put-in and take-out points, and the float — typically three to four hours — passes through canyon terrain with views of Saguaro Lake. The experience is best on weekdays when crowds are lower. The wildlife is significantly more visible on quiet floats. Beyond the tubing: the Lower Salt River recreation area provides access for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and birding through riverside access points. The Butcher Jones recreation area east of Mesa has paved parking and a beach access point. The feral horses that live in the Salt River corridor are legally protected and have become a signature attraction. Encounters are common; the animals are habituated to human presence.