Written by: Mia

Updated: February 17, 2026

 

Escape the Arizona heat by floating through the Tonto National Forest. Watch for wild horses and red rock cliffs while drifting down the Lower Salt River. This guide covers rental prices, season passes, and gear tips to ensure your summer water adventure is a success.

 

Kick back, relax, and check out the incredible scenery, weather, and atmosphere that makes Arizona so special. If you have never been to this spiritual state, now is the time to go. There is so much for you to do in your free time at any point of the year, but when the mercury begins to climb and the desert sun starts to sizzle, there is one activity that stands above the rest: Salt River tubing.

Located just a short drive from Phoenix and Scottsdale, the Lower Salt River is a shimmering oasis carved through the rugged beauty of the Tonto National Forest. Whether you are a local looking for a weekend escape or a traveler seeking a Southwestern experience, floating down the river is a rite of passage. It is more than just a recreational activity; it is a floating party, a nature tour, and a much-needed respite from the heat all rolled into one.

 

Contents

  1. The Magic of the Tonto National Forest
  2. Choosing Your Adventure
  3. Tubing Season Passes: The Summer-Long Bargain
  4. Day Passes: Affordable Fun for Everyone
  5. The Essential “Cooler Tube”
  6. What to Pack: A Survival Guide
  7. Safety and River Etiquette
  8. Why Salt River Tubing?

 

The Magic of the Tonto National Forest

Head to the Tonto National Forest with your bathing suit in hand to float along the river, and all of your worries just flit away. This isn’t your average city park or a man-made lazy river. This is a living, breathing ecosystem. As you meander through the forest, you are surrounded by towering Saguaro cacti (the ancient sentinels of the Sonoran Desert), and dramatic red rock cliffs that glow under the Arizona sun.

One of the most magical aspects of the Salt River for me is the local wildlife. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot the famous Salt River wild horses. These majestic creatures are often seen grazing on eelgrass along the banks or even crossing the river just a few yards from tubers. Seeing a herd of wild horses against the backdrop of a blue Arizona sky is a spiritual experience that stays with you long after the tan lines fade. You may also spot Great Blue Herons, bald eagles, and curious cormorants diving for fish in the deeper channels.

Choosing Your Adventure

You can choose whether you want to wind and meander through the Tonto National Forest for a full five-hour excursion or if you would just rather stay in place at one of the many “beach” alcoves, have a drink, and get a tan during the heat of the summer. The river offers different “runs” depending on how much time you want to spend on the water. Some visitors prefer the shorter two-hour float to get a quick taste of the river, while others pack a massive lunch and commit to the full day, letting the gentle current dictate their schedule.

Tubing Season Passes: The Summer-Long Bargain

Staying in Scottsdale or the East Valley for the entire summer? Then you know that by July, finding ways to stay cool becomes a top priority. Salt River Tubing offers a tubing season pass that lasts from the spring opening until the end of September. Talk about a bargain!

For just $195, you can secure your fun for the entire season. This pass includes one tube rental and the necessary shuttle ride for every visit. But the perks don’t stop there. Season pass holders can also purchase additional tube rentals for their friends at a discounted rate. It’s the perfect way to become the “hero” of your friend group. Bring all of your favorite snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to the Salt River and have a blast during those humid and hot July afternoons when the water feels like paradise.

Day Passes: Affordable Fun for Everyone

If you would rather just purchase a day pass for a short-term trip to Arizona, then we have options for you that won’t break the bank. At Salt River Tubing, accessibility is key. A standard tube rental is just $28, which includes the tube itself and the shuttle ride to and from the launch points. When you consider that this is less than the cost of a trendy lunch at a Scottsdale cafe, it’s clear that this is one of the best values in the state. Why not splurge a little on a fun, adventurous afternoon that offers hours of entertainment?

For those who are seasoned “river rats” and already own their own equipment, you can purchase a shuttle pass. This allows you to use the convenient Salt River Tubing bus system to get back to your car without the logistical nightmare of staging two vehicles at different ends of the river.

The Essential “Cooler Tube”

One of the smartest moves you can make is to rent a bucket or “cooler tube.” These are specially designed tubes with a solid bottom meant to hold your ice chest. Packing a few Gatorade bottles, glasses of lemonade, or some refreshing fruit is essential to stay hydrated and nourished during the day on the water.

Pro tip: The Arizona sun is intense, and the reflection off the water doubles your exposure. Staying hydrated isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the key to making sure your day ends with happy memories rather than a headache.

What to Pack: A Survival Guide

To make the most of your Salt River experience, you need to come prepared. Here is a checklist of the essentials:

  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+): Apply before you get on the water and reapply every 90 minutes. Don’t forget your knees and the tops of your feet!
  • Footwear: The river bottom is rocky and the sand at the exit points can be scorching. Wear water shoes or secure sandals (avoid flip-flops, as the river tends to “claim” them).
  • A Sheet or Large Towel: The tubes are black rubber and can get very hot in the sun. Laying a damp sheet over your tube will keep your skin from burning while you lounge.
  • Water, Water, Water: Aim for at least one bottle of water for every hour you are on the river.
  • Waterproof Bag: Keep your keys and phone in a dry bag that clips onto your tube.

Safety and River Etiquette

While the Salt River is a recreational float, safety is paramount. Children must be at least 8 years old and 4 feet tall to rent a tube or ride the shuttle. Life jackets are strongly recommended for all swimmers and are available for rent.

Furthermore, to keep the Tonto National Forest beautiful for generations to come, there is a strict “No Glass and No Styrofoam” policy. Be sure to pack your drinks in aluminum cans or plastic bottles and always “Pack It In, Pack It Out.” There are trash receptacles at all shuttle stops to ensure the river remains pristine.

Why Salt River Tubing?

Salt River Tubing offers the chance to do one of the most exciting and fun daytime adventures in the entire state. When the temperatures hit 105 degrees, hiking the mountain trails is simply not in the cards because it’s too dangerous and exhausting. The river, however, offers a respite. The water, released from the nearby Saguaro Lake dam, stays refreshingly cool all summer long.

As you put your feet up and relax, you’ll realize why this place is so special. It’s the sound of the water rippling over the stones, the laughter of groups floating together in “tube islands,” and the breathtaking landscape that surrounds you. It is a place where time slows down. You aren’t checking your emails or worrying about traffic; you are simply moving at the speed of the current.

Sounds nice, doesn’t it? We think so, too! Whether you are seeking a high-energy party atmosphere on a holiday weekend or a quiet, scenic float on a Tuesday morning, the Salt River has something for everyone. Contact us today or head out to the Tonto National Forest this weekend to start your adventure. Your tube is waiting!

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