Lazy, hazy Salt River Tubing days are back

There’s one good thing about living in one of the hottest areas in the nation -- Salt River Tubing.

Get away from the worst of the heat by taking a tubing trip down the Salt River and enjoying the cool water and breezes with friends. Don’t forget to grab a pair of shades, sun block, and a hat.

Salt River Tubing is open on the Lower Salt River seven days a week from now through Monday, Sept. 2, weather and water-flow conditions permitting.

Beginning Friday, Sept. 6, you can still go tubing Friday-Sunday through Sept. 29, according to the Salt River Tubing website.

Salt River Tubing is seven minutes from Loop 202 East on North Power Road in Mesa. Salt River Tubing operates under permit of the USDA Forest Service in Tonto National Forest.

Salt River Tubing is open at 8 a.m. with the last tube rental at 2 p.m. The cost is $25 per person or tube, which includes tube rental, a shuttle bus ride to and from the parking lot, and parking. The cost of a shuttle pass for a customer bringing their own tube is $18.

A tubing trip down the Salt River in Arizona is a fun and relaxing way to spend a summer day. The Salt River is a gentle, meandering waterway that winds its way through the scenic Tonto National Forest. The water is usually cool and clear, providing a refreshing respite from the hot desert sun, according to a press release.

The Salt River is one of the most popular spots for tubing in Arizona, so you’ll be floating alongside other groups of tubers. The scenery along the river is beautiful, with towering saguaro cacti, lush greenery, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife.

After a few hours of floating, you’ll arrive at the take-out point, where you will return your tubes and have the time to enjoy a lunch or snack before heading back home, the release states.

Throughout the summer, Salt River Tubing holds theme days to ramp up the fun with some cosplay. The first major celebration this summer is the Rockin’ Rodeo on Saturday, May 11. The rodeo kicks off the season of special events that include:

• June 8 – Salt River Pirates
• June 22 – Super Heroes Splashdown
• July 20 – Spooktacular Halloween
• Aug. 3 – Mega Hawaiian Hula
• Aug. 17 – Mardi Gras Magic

Here’s some information you should know before you head out:

• All guests must be 8 and older and 4 feet tall or taller.
• Glassware is prohibited by law and all coolers will be inspected before rafting.
• All drinks must be in plastic or cans.
• Military/first-responder discount is only available for in-person rentals.

For more information, go to www.saltrivertubing.com or call 480-984-3305.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Janet Perez can be reached at jperez@iniusa.org.