Salt River
Salt River
4.5
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This river, which flows through the Phoenix area, offers boating, tubing and whitewater rafting opportunities.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
30 reviews
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new to travel
Phoenix, AZ2 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
Watch out for exit 4 especially ladies. The water flows fast. I was in the middle of the river struggling to paddle left towards exit. I missed the exit , i tried to stand up, let go of my tube, the river pulled me away from the exit, i couldn't hold on to the rocks, people were watching not willing to help.
Luckily one guy came towards me and helped me stand in the water and reach the shore.
If not for him saving me at that point, i would have been pulled by the river, and wait for a calm spot to swim and reach shore and walk long way back to the exit.
Get out of the exit as early as possible. Even though the sign says this is not an exit. Why do they keep this is not an exit sign, right next to the exit sign. Please be serious manager
Luckily one guy came towards me and helped me stand in the water and reach the shore.
If not for him saving me at that point, i would have been pulled by the river, and wait for a calm spot to swim and reach shore and walk long way back to the exit.
Get out of the exit as early as possible. Even though the sign says this is not an exit. Why do they keep this is not an exit sign, right next to the exit sign. Please be serious manager
Written September 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kulwadee E
Washington DC, DC144 contributions
Jan 2018 • Family
We spent our last day in Phoenix during our vacation to drive along salt river in Lower Tonto National Forest.
The river shore and its recreation area are beautiful and peaceful especially Cone bluff and Butcher Jones recreation site. It was our right decision to take our lunch along for picnic.
Beside the peaceful salt river, Our main highlight is "Wild Horses". We were seeking for them from every spot the people report about seeing wild horses but we could not find them until we arrive the Butcher Jones recreation site (our last spot we marked for wild horses) at dusk. Fortunately, we finally found them there briefly before they ran back to the bushes due to a noisy family who also allowed their kid to approach quite close to the horses. The kid spoke very loudly in order to greet the horses and to get their attention.
I thought I could not have chance to see them anymore as the sky turned to be darker and darker.
Luckily, when this noisy family left, the big herd of horses came back to the lake again from both left and right sides of the recreation site.
They run and play to each other on the water while some tourists started shoot the photos by using their mobile phone with flash (although they stood so far from the horses, how did they expect to have any good photos. Normally, flash, noise, as well as approaching animals too close, made the wild animals nervous and might be more aggressive). Luckily, One of the observers requested these thoughtless tourists to stop using the flash.
We enjoyed observing the horses playing, drinking and running around for a while before they run back to the forest. I really felt like they did their engore to the patient audiences (like us). The wild horses are so lively, beautiful and really admirable.
Important: Tonto national forest allows the interagency card holders e.g. annual pass of national park to enter only picnic site. If you want to visit more places than only picnic site, you have to buy the pass (es) in advance from either the office of the forest or the retail outlets from the. The information can be found in the forest's official website.
Although we enjoyed spending time there but I considered to give 4 stars due to the some noisy tourists here and there. Although they were fe
The river shore and its recreation area are beautiful and peaceful especially Cone bluff and Butcher Jones recreation site. It was our right decision to take our lunch along for picnic.
Beside the peaceful salt river, Our main highlight is "Wild Horses". We were seeking for them from every spot the people report about seeing wild horses but we could not find them until we arrive the Butcher Jones recreation site (our last spot we marked for wild horses) at dusk. Fortunately, we finally found them there briefly before they ran back to the bushes due to a noisy family who also allowed their kid to approach quite close to the horses. The kid spoke very loudly in order to greet the horses and to get their attention.
I thought I could not have chance to see them anymore as the sky turned to be darker and darker.
Luckily, when this noisy family left, the big herd of horses came back to the lake again from both left and right sides of the recreation site.
They run and play to each other on the water while some tourists started shoot the photos by using their mobile phone with flash (although they stood so far from the horses, how did they expect to have any good photos. Normally, flash, noise, as well as approaching animals too close, made the wild animals nervous and might be more aggressive). Luckily, One of the observers requested these thoughtless tourists to stop using the flash.
We enjoyed observing the horses playing, drinking and running around for a while before they run back to the forest. I really felt like they did their engore to the patient audiences (like us). The wild horses are so lively, beautiful and really admirable.
Important: Tonto national forest allows the interagency card holders e.g. annual pass of national park to enter only picnic site. If you want to visit more places than only picnic site, you have to buy the pass (es) in advance from either the office of the forest or the retail outlets from the. The information can be found in the forest's official website.
Although we enjoyed spending time there but I considered to give 4 stars due to the some noisy tourists here and there. Although they were fe
Written January 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doughgirl81
Estes Park, CO111 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
We spent an entire morning looking for horses along the river. We were pleased to find nearly 50 wild horses, in their family bands. It's a beautiful place--the river, the mesquite trees, the saguaro cactus, the new spring foals, the magnificent stallions defending their families. Go on up the highway to the lake and marina with spectacular scenery surrounding. Don't miss this unique sight on Forest Service land and Tribal Land. Next time I'd like to kayak on the river to see them from the water.
Written March 30, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alliebdive
Hawkinge, UK1,325 contributions
We rafted the Salt River in April 2003 with Wilderness Aware outfitters and had a fantastic day. Started at about 930 and got out at around 3. They put you in groups of 6 in the rubber rafts with a guide and you each paddle. I can't tell you how much fun it is - just awesome. We were 2 adults and 2 kids (11 and 13) and we all enjoyed it and would love to go again - next time on one of the multi day trips. We hired wetsuits (thank goodness) and they were well worthe the $10 because the river was icy and you get SOAKED. The guides are very intuitive and they get you as wet as you want to get. For example one boat was full of young guys and they had a much wilder ride than some of the other ones with an older group. After a while, we asked our guide if we could do some of the stuff like hitting a rock and getting stuck on it and he then did that for us. At one point he let people jump into the river and drift with the current. Lunch was provided - buffet deli. At the end a bus takes you back to your car. Make sure to take one of those waterproof one use cameras to capture the fun. The scenery around the river is fantastic too, you feel like you are completely out in the wilds. Fantastic trip, worth every penny.
Written May 1, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bluelagoon
AZ372 contributions
Mar 2014 • Friends
We went paddle boarding here with friends. Make sure you purchase a Tonto Day Pass if you do not have an annual pass. These can be bought from gas stations nearby. We went to the Granite Reef area and paddled upstream. We saw cows and wild horses. You can also enjoy views of the beautiful Red Mountain while relaxing on the river. It is not very deep. We went mid week and did not see any tubers, but I understand it is busier during Summer months and weekends with tubers.
Written April 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ricque P
Gilbert, AZ22 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
My husband, 11 year old, and I rented kayaks and went out on the Salt River. We rented fro a company called Salt River Canoe Kayak and Raft Rental located at 9190 E. Balsam Ave. in Mesa. Their number is 480 345-7258. They don't have a website and only take cash, but Captain Ted is the nicest and most helpful person! Highly recommend this place. After kayaks were loaded in our car, we headed to Granite Reef since there is hardly any current. We paddled upstream for about 1.5 hours until the current got stronger. We found a little white beach area, got out, and had a little picnic. We got back in our kayaks and just let the current gently take us back to our original starting point. The views we saw during our trip were absolutely amazing and we saw a ton of wildlife including wild horses, a cow, a javelina, vultures, a crane, and lots of ducks and birds.
Written October 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew K
Ypsilanti, MI44 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
With the weather as hot as it is, getting to some water in the summer is a must. About 20 minutes north off the Loop202 at Power road we found a sweet little spot along the river bed where there are 2 recreation areas. We pulled into Blue Point and chilled all day and watched people float by. It was midweek and a fairly mellow crowd floated down the stream in various tubes and what not. There were free roamong wild horses that played in the river as well. A nust if you have the time and want to chill by the water. QUICK TIP: The Tonto pass is requirred to park and at Power & Thomas you can grab it for $6 a car.
Written July 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
floatingsally2014
Buckeye, AZ1 contribution
Jul 2014 • Friends
We just had a great day floating down the river except for the last 5 min. We waited to long to get over at the last exit and could not get to shore. As we hopped off the tubes to walk over to the shore we had the fight of our lives. My friend lost her balance and rolled down unable to stand and catch her breath. She was able to grab a large rock past the exit point and held on for dear life. If not for a brave bystander who saw this happening she would have drowned. He did go out and rescued her. As he got her to shore their was another lady who was also struggling to get to shore. He didn't think twice and jumped back in the rescue her. Yes people get over way before the last exit! no we were not drinking, yes we active 40 year olds. I never expected anything like this to happen. I thank god for the stranger who helped us!
Written July 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica W
Seattle, WA48 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
So my friends tell me I will be ok kayaking the salt river. They of course were experienced. My first time. This seemly calm river is anything but.
However, after going backwards down every single rapid and dodged the bridge pylon I actually made it to the end without turning over.
It was a blast but I would have enjoyed it more if it had been a week day. Even though I was terrified I still notice these huge floating tubes with built in coolers.
In such a place like salt river you can see exotic bird life and wild horses roaming the beauty of this naturally serene place was ruined from all of the parties and excessive drinking. Smoking was another big one as I notice whoever was smoking and it seemed like everyone. They also threw theirs butts into the river.
Over all if you can go through the week go it is beautiful and a fun trip even if you do not know what you are doing.
However, after going backwards down every single rapid and dodged the bridge pylon I actually made it to the end without turning over.
It was a blast but I would have enjoyed it more if it had been a week day. Even though I was terrified I still notice these huge floating tubes with built in coolers.
In such a place like salt river you can see exotic bird life and wild horses roaming the beauty of this naturally serene place was ruined from all of the parties and excessive drinking. Smoking was another big one as I notice whoever was smoking and it seemed like everyone. They also threw theirs butts into the river.
Over all if you can go through the week go it is beautiful and a fun trip even if you do not know what you are doing.
Written March 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BuySellAZHome
Scottsdale, AZ82 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
Belong to a group of Kayaker that go down the river early in the morning. Really the best time. 6 to 7 am way before the tubers make their start. Beautiful scenery and so many wild horses and bird life. Couple places the water moves along making it very fun! Cant wait to go this weekend!
Written September 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am wanting to fish the salt river. I am wondering if there is a stamp I need for my year fishing license to fish.
Written July 6, 2019
I's the a hiking path to the bluff at Coon's Bluff? We saw a narrow ridge on the outside last year but turned back, too scary!
Written March 5, 2019
I live in Peoria, AZ and would like to know the closest place to see theSalt River horses.
Written April 25, 2018
I want to take close up photos of the Salt River wild horses. Where is the best place to find them in October. Do you need a 4 wheel drive vehicle to get to where the horses are?
What are the closest and least expensive places to stay that are by the wild horses.
Do I need a guide to find the wild horses.
Any suggestions and would be greatly appreciated. Any suggestions on who to call about finding and photographing the Salt River wild horses please pass them on to me.
I am 71 years old and can hike a couple of miles, but 4 or 5 miles would be a problem.
Thank you in advance
Jerry
Written July 12, 2016
Do you think the government will succeed in rounding up the Salt River Wild Horses? Is there anything we can do to stop it?
Written August 5, 2015
Yes, you can help! Please visit the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group facebook page to learn how to help us save the Salt River Wild Horses.
Written August 5, 2015
Do you think the government will succeed in rounding up the Salt River Wild Horses? Is there anything we can do to stop it?
Written August 5, 2015
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