Travel Tips on Exploring Your Sense of Adventure
Arizona has a diverse landscape that encompasses deserts, rivers, waterfalls, canyons, animals and plants like the Saguaro Cactus. If you are visiting this great state or are even from here then you need to try paddle boarding the Salt River at least once or visit one of the recreation areas.
What you might see while on the river is one of the many animal species that call this home like the Bighorn Sheep, various fish, river otters, birds and of course the wild horses. Combined with canyon walls, lush bank vegetation, and a few rocky beaches help to make the river a special place for anyone to spend their time.
Before you plan your paddle boarding trip, check out the info below to help make it easier for you. Trust me, you don’t want to get out on the river and wish you had more water, new what stop to get off at and more.
Yep, the nerd portion of me is coming out for you to tell you a bit about this area before you go paddle boarding the Salt River. Anyone who visits the Phoenix area needs to explore this river at least once to see why this is a popular destination for Arizonians.
First, the best part is the animals you might see along the river. Home to River Otters, Bass, Bighorn Sheep, Turtles, Raccoons, Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, and my favorite the Wild Horses. Can’t paddle the river but still want to see some of the wild horses then try Coon Bluff Recreation Area. It is the best place to see them, but try for earlier morning or towards the evening.
In fact, it is believed these wild horses are descended from Spanish horses from the 1600’s. A man named Father Eusbeio Kino was supposedly the one who brought them over. It is estimated that there are around 300 wild horses the call the Salt River area their home today.
The second thing you should know is how the river came to be. A confluence of two rivers, the White and Black in the White Mountains is what helped to form the Salt River. Throughout its meandering path, many perennial streams help to feed the river. Interesting enough the river almost stops and is diverted to the Arizona canal system at the Granite Reef Dam area. Onward it is dry most of the year, except with heavy rainfall, which will see the water joining the Gila River eventually.
Thirdly, the river is important for irrigation, which has been used since 300 AD with the Hohokam Native American Indians. Over the years, dams and other projects have made it an important part of Phoenix. Now it also is home to countless individuals who use it for recreational purposes.
Depending on the time of day, what season it is, and how far you want to go when paddle boarding the Salt River, you will need to discuss it in order to pick the right spot to start in. No matter what time of year, there is almost always a part of the Salt River that you can paddle board. Below are a few spots to consider and what you need to think about before committing to it. Wherever you plan on starting, you will get to enjoy the river and what it holds.
The Goldfield Ghost Town near Superstition Mountains in Arizona gives you a look and feel on what an old gold mining town was like in the 1890’s. From a mine tour to wathcing a gunfight in the middle of town, this is one of the places that shows a bit of the history that made up Arizona in the Wild West days.
This is the popular spot to start at for most who want to paddle board the salt river. Unfortunately, Granite Reef is a small area when it comes to parking. If you can’t find parking, then try the area along the outer road, as long as there is no “No Parking” sign.
Only have one car, then this is the perfect place to go. You will be paddling up the river and can go at your own pace since the water current is slower. Make sure to take advantage of the bathrooms they have and the picnic tables to eat a snack to recharge.
If you have ever experienced the popular Salt River Tubing down the river during summer, than you will know of stop #1 or otherwise known as the Water Users Recreation Area. If you have never been here, then it is below Saguaro Lake, along the SR 87 Beeline Hwy. What you will find is a large parking lot, with various people that use it as a start point to go down the river. It is also where the Salt River Tubing Bus dose it first drop off for the tubers.
If you wish to start at this point, then try to start before 10 a.m. before the tubers become more abundant, especially during the summer months. Make sure you have either rented the correct paddle board with a smaller middle fin or take yours off. You will encounter a few sections with lower water levels where a longer fin might hit rocks.
In addition, many parts you can stand up and enjoy the river, but on the faster rapid sections, it is wise to either kneel or sit if you are not experienced enough. Below are some facts to help you decide where to start, get out and the most important rule when starting at the beginning.
Don’t have a paddle board and want to rent one then try checking out No Snow Stand Up Paddle Board Shop, which is only a 5 mins drive from the Salt River. They are friendly, knowledgeable, and have a great selection of boards as well as kayaks.
Have you already tried paddle boarding the Salt River in Arizona and have any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments.
Have any other activities or places we should see, let us know in the comments section. From Phoenix? Hi neighbor, comment and say hi or let us know any other places we should add!
The information on this website has come from research and by experiencing it ourselves. Opening hours, closures, prices, etc. are always subject to change. We try to keep up to date on any new information, or tips to help make your adventure more enjoyable.
Always make sure to check all websites and other services before you go to see any new restrictions they haven place during Covid-19.
If you are visiting the Phoenix area or are even a local and haven’t checked out the Camelback Mountain hike yet, then it is finally time. Well, that is for the more active individuals who think they can do a moderately hard hike. Considered as a “must-do” for anyone who wants to see the view of the Phoenix valley. Not only that, but you will get the chance to experience Earth’s driest biome and see some of the flora that calls this desert landscape, home.
The Goldfield Ghost Town near Superstition Mountains in Arizona gives you a look and feel on what an old gold mining town was like in the 1890’s. From a mine tour to wathcing a gunfight in the middle of town, this is one of the places that shows a bit of the history that made up Arizona in the Wild West days.
When you’re traveling through some of the National Parks and wonder if there are any weird laws in the US or rules you don’t know, then make sure to check out this article.
Take a look at the best scenic drives in Arizona. A majestic landscape awaits you with 6 of the best drives to take to see all what the state has to offer.
