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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â