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Salt River Tubing

4.1 (458 reviews)
Closed • 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Salt River Tubing Photos

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Recommended Reviews - Salt River Tubing

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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.

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!!

Awesome time. Come up every summer from Tucson. The buses are great. Make the trip Awesome. It's beautiful, relaxing good place to be in Arizona summer.

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!!!

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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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(53 reviews)
18.0 mi

What an amazing day!!! 5 70 plus went tubing. We can't say enough for this company. The staff and…read moreMarilyn went so far out of their way for us. We tied our tubes together and floated down the river. We couldn't believe how clean the river was and the rest areas were litter free. This trip renewed my spirit of our country. The help and respect that we received floating down the river was unbelievable. No matter what color or what language they spoke they were there to help us out. Also the the Safety team at the end of the ride. 2 were stuck in the tube at the end of the ride and weren't able to get out with a semi fast water and started to float away but there was the was the Safety Patrol to rescue them. 1 person in our party walked with a cane and after they got him out of the tube they stuck with him and even escorted him up to the bus and wanted to stay until the bus arrived. Extraordinary business!I can't say enough for the adventure and it was all due to Salt Water Tubing . Thank you!

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!

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.

Saguaro Lake Ranch Kayaking and Tubing

Saguaro Lake Ranch Kayaking and Tubing

4.8(69 reviews)
4.5 mi

Very good shuttle and nice driver. They pick you up at Phon D and drop off t Water Users.read more

I have rented Kayaks from Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch several times over the past few years and have…read morealways had great service and a wonderful experience. Reserving a spot and kayak is easy on the online website. Once you navigate down to the main road to the Guest Ranch, it can be a little confusing as they always have a roadblock as you progress towards the parking lot. Just proceed past the sign to the parking lot ahead. After parking, walk back towards the ranch and check in. Guest services will provide a wrist band as well as a parking pass to place on your dashboard. Once your reservation time is ready, you will be provided a quick orientation of the equipment, navigation of the river and where the staff will pick you up at the end of your float. The staff is always super helpful. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a carabiner to hook on your dry bag or backpack to the kayak. Even though the majority of the river is an easy float, there are some small rapids. You may accidentally flip the kayak if you get caught in a tough spot on the River. This will prevent you from losing your bag! I'm experienced and have flipped once or twice. Depending on the time of year and water flow, the float can take 2 or 3 hours. Beautiful views of the landscape, wildlife including various birds and the gorgeous wild horses! At the end of the float, the staff will load your kayaks and take you back to the Guest Ranch. In the main building, be sure to stop by the gift shop prior or after the float for souvenirs or in case you forgot supplies you may need. They have several items including sunscreen, water shoes, hats, shirts snd much more. I found prices to be reasonable. This is the perfect place to bring out of town visitors. They will love it.

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Saguaro Lake Ranch Kayaking and Tubing - The Bulldog Cliffs!

The Bulldog Cliffs!

Saguaro Lake Ranch Kayaking and Tubing
Saguaro Lake Ranch Kayaking and Tubing - Epic cliff!

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Epic cliff!

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.

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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

Advantage Grand Canyon

Advantage Grand Canyon

5.0(26 reviews)
18.0 mi

I'm not generally a big fan of 'brokers' of any sort. But this particular time it worked out & the…read moreprices were the same as if I had booked directly. This trip broker, Advantage Grand Canyon Adventure Rafting Trips & Tours, suggested going with the 8 day, motorized trip with Wilderness River Adventures. They got great reviews from all sides so we picked them based on the suggestion from Andy at Advantage Grand Canyon Adventure Rafting Trips & Tours. These trips AIN'T CHEAP, so we had a LOT of questions & even a few phone calls. Andy was SUPER HELPFUL through the entire process. Very quick responses to all of our questions. This trip had been on our bucket list for a very LONG TIME. We were starting to plan this trip right before COVID hit, but alas, we all know how THAT worked out! We are getting to the age where a trip like this can be a little difficult for older folks if you are NOT in decent shape. We are in decent shape but it was still a LOT OF WORK. You really need to be on the ball with camp setup & tear down & packing your gear.....for EIGHT DAYS/NIGHTS. It was a LOT. But we held steady & the SCENERY down there at the bottom of the world famous, Grand Canyon was worth all the work. Don't get me wrong, the GUIDES were INCREDIBLE! It's RARE, these days to watch people WORK SO HARD! They were constantly working to prepare our DELICIOUS meals, guide our rafts through daily rapids & keep us entertained at night. Not possible say too many great things about the guides. Just amazing. We are SUPER HAPPY we did the 8 days. I just don't think the hike IN or OUT of the canyon would've been something we'd find remotely 'pleasant'. There were only 4 of us that stayed the full 8 days from the put in point at Lee's Ferry. Half way through the trip, we offloaded half our group that would hike up to the South Rim & we would wait a bit for a new group that was hiking down from the South Rim to join us for the final 4 days. The people hiking down looked DEAD TIRED! We are happy we did NOT experience that. If you are YOUNG, it's probably not as big a deal. But mid 60s, naw. We do HIGHLY SUGGEST every person buy the TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE. We started this year out with some very 'challenging' medical issues. They were, most fortunately, RESOLVED but my husband's issues went down to the WIRE. Weren't sure right up until the day we left IF we would be able to make the trip. But it worked out absolutely GREAT & we didn't need to file a CLAIM for the insurance...but it was there if we needed it. Again, NOT a CHEAP trip & would be not pleasant to LOSE all that money! Everything about this company is like a very well oiled machine. SO HAPPY we got to check this off our bucket list & it was truly SPECTACULAR. A true, once in a lifetime adventure for us. We are grateful we found Advantage GCARTT online & chose to use their services to pick this trip. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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
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.

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Tents and sleeping bags.

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Salt River Tubing - rafting - Updated October 2026

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