Salt River Guide

Tubing, kayaking, and where to buy your Tonto Pass before you go.

$8/day Tonto Pass required at all parking areas
Buy in advance at vendors · $12 at on-site kiosks
Official USFS Page
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About the Salt River

The Lower Salt River runs through Tonto National Forest about 40 miles northeast of Phoenix, off US-60 to Bush Highway. Wide, slow-moving water, saguaro-covered desert hills, and wild horses that come down to drink at the banks. Tubing season runs late April through early October.

A Tonto Pass ($8/vehicle) is required at all day-use parking areas. Buy in advance at vendors. On-site kiosks charge $12.

Getting on the Water

Easiest option

Rent through Salt River Tubing

Tube, shuttle, and Tonto Pass all included. Bring your own tube and pay less for the shuttle only. Open late April through early October.

DIY option

Bring your own tube

You will need a Tonto Pass ($8), purchased in advance at a vendor. Leave a second car at your take-out point, then drive to your put-in and launch.

Day-use areas along Bush Highway

Upstream to downstream

  1. Water UsersPut in

    Main DIY put-in

  2. 2
    Blue Point / Pebble Beach / Sheep Crossing

    Multiple access points in one stretch

    ~1.5–2 hrs from previous
  3. 3
    Coon Bluff

    Wild horse sightings common here

  4. 4
    Goldfield

    Midway landmark

    ~2.5–3 hrs from previous
  5. Phon D SuttonTake out

    Popular take-out point

Float times depend on water levels, which change daily. At typical summer flows, expect roughly 2 hours for a shorter section and 4–5 hours for the full run. Check flow data from USGS before you go.

Buy a Pass Before You Go

Pick one up at a gas station or convenience store on your way. Save $4 vs. on-site kiosks.

Tips for Your Visit

  • Buy your Tonto Pass in advance. On-site kiosks charge $12 vs. $8 at vendors.
  • Arrive early on summer weekends. Areas fill to capacity and will turn vehicles away.
  • No drinking water at any day-use area. Bring plenty of your own.
  • No glass containers allowed on the Lower Salt River. Use cans or plastic.
  • Stay at least 50 feet from wild horses. Do not approach, feed, or let dogs run loose near them.
  • Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket.
  • Water shoes are worth it. The river bottom is rocky.
  • No cell service near the river. Download maps and save your pass before you leave.
  • Check water levels before you go. Flow data is available from USGS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Tonto Pass to tube the Salt River?
Yes. A Tonto Pass ($8/vehicle) is required at all Lower Salt River day-use parking areas. Buy before you arrive. On-site kiosks charge $12. If you book through Salt River Tubing, the pass is included in their fee.
How long does a Salt River float take?
Depends on your route and the water level. Water Users to Pebble Beach is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Pebble Beach to Goldfield adds another 2.5 to 3 hours. Most people float one section and are done in 2 to 4 hours. Spring runoff moves faster than late summer.
Where do I put in and take out on the Salt River?
Day-use areas along Bush Highway run upstream to downstream: Water Users, then Blue Point/Pebble Beach/Sheep Crossing, then Coon Bluff, then Goldfield, then Phon D Sutton at the far end. For a DIY float, leave a second car at your intended take-out before you drive to your put-in. Salt River Tubing also offers a shuttle-only pass if you want to bring your own tube but skip the car logistics.
Can I rent a tube at the Salt River?
Yes. Salt River Tubing on Bush Highway handles everything: tube, shuttle to and from the river, and your Tonto Pass. $28 per person. Open late April through early October.
Will I actually see wild horses on the Salt River?
Likely yes. Wild horses are commonly spotted along the Lower Salt River, especially around Coon Bluff, Goldfield, and Blue Point. Keep at least 50 feet away. Do not feed them or let dogs run loose near them.
Is alcohol allowed on the Salt River?
Technically yes, but glass containers are prohibited. Use cans or plastic. Sun, heat, and a river make it easy to lose track of how much you have had. Go easy.

Find a Tonto Pass Vendor Near You

Buy before you head out. $8/day required at all Salt River parking areas.

Find nearest vendorOfficial USFS Page