How to Go Tubing on the Salt River

The Salt River is formed at the junction of Arizona's White and Black Rivers. It crosses miles of scenic desert terrain and borders two Native American reservations. The Salt River is popular with locals and tourists alike. Next time you want to go tubing, consider a trip down the Salt River.

Things You'll Need

• Sunscreen
• Inner tubes
• Ropes
• Snacks and beverages
• Cooler
• Shuttle bus

Instructions

1. Schedule a tubing trip during weekdays for a peaceful, relaxing experience. Younger crowds tend to frequent the river during weekends, and the atmosphere can be quite different.

2. Contact a "float house" early to make your tubing reservations. By organizing a large group, you may be able to qualify for a special discount rate. Float houses keep seasonal hours of operation, so you will need to call ahead.

3. Pack plenty of refreshments to enjoy while you're on the water. A tubing trip can last several hours, and you'll be unable to get food or drinks during that period. Pack a cooler with your favorite snacks. Glass bottles are prohibited on the Salt River.

4. Bring plenty of sunscreen. Look for a waterproof sunscreen that boasts a high SPF number for maximum protection. While you'll be able to buy sunscreen at a float house, you'll probably pay an inflated price for the convenience.

5. Rent your tubing equipment. Get inner tubes, life jackets and ropes to bind all of the tubes in your caravan together. Consider renting a small float in which to store your cooler.

6. Designate an end point for your tubing adventure. Arrange for the float house's shuttle bus to meet you there and provide convenient transportation back to the launch site.

7. Return all the equipment you've rented. Reclaim any cash deposits you've made for your equipment rental before you go.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring plenty of cash. Many of the float houses along the Salt River don't accept credit or debit cards.

• Go to a float house's official website before making your reservations. You may be able to find special coupons only available online.

• Water on the Salt River is surprisingly cold. Even when the weather is hot, the water is chilly. If you're especially sensitive to cold water, you may want to bring a wetsuit.

• Stay on your tubes while traveling down-river on a tubing adventure. Wildlife is known to inhabit the surrounding riverbanks. Wild pigs and horses can be seen occasionally.

• Holidays are known to attract lots of partying college kids to the Salt River. Like the popular spring break destinations in Florida, the scene can get pretty wild along the Salt River. The drunken revelry may be inappropriate for families with small children.