Salt River Tubing: Use the Company or Go on Your Own?
Planning to go Salt River tubing this summer? You’re not alone—floating down the Salt River is one of the most popular ways to cool off in Arizona.
But before you go, there’s one big decision to make:
👉 Should you use the Salt River Tubing company, or go on your own?
Both options offer a completely different experience—from cost and convenience to flexibility and crowds. And if you’ve never been before, it can honestly be a little confusing figuring out how it all works.
In this guide, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about Salt River tubing, including:
- how the tubing routes work
- what to bring
- the best time to go
- and a full comparison of company vs DIY tubing so you can decide which is right for you
This post contains affiliate links that I do profit from, if you choose to support my business. These links are at no cost to you.
Salt River Tubing (Quick Guide)
Salt River tubing is one of the easiest and most fun ways to experience the Arizona desert in the summer. Located along the Salt River in the Tonto National Forest, this float takes you through scenic canyon views with the chance to spot wild horses along the way. Most tubing routes take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours depending on where you start and stop, and while it’s beginner-friendly, a little planning goes a long way. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to use the Salt River Tubing company or go on your own—both options are popular, but they offer very different experiences when it comes to cost, convenience, and flexibility.
Best Time of Year to Go Tubing on the Salt River
The Salt River tubing season typically runs from late spring through early fall, but the exact timing depends on when water is released from the upstream dam. Without these releases, the river can be too low to float—so tubing is only possible when flow levels are high enough, usually starting around May and lasting through September.
In general, the best time to go tubing is:
- Late May through June: Strong water flow, slightly fewer crowds than peak summer
- July–August: Peak season with the warmest weather and highest crowds
- Early September: Still warm, often less busy as summer winds down
If you want the best experience, aim for:
- Weekday mornings → fewer crowds + cooler temperatures
- Earlier in the season → better water flow and shorter float times
- Avoid holiday weekends → this is when it gets the busiest (memorial day, 4th of july, labor day)
Since water levels are controlled by dam releases, conditions can change throughout the season. It’s always a good idea to check current flow levels or recent updates before you go, especially if you’re planning early or late in the tubing season.
Salt River Tubing Company vs DIY (Costs + What to Expect)
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your trip is whether to go tubing with the official Salt River Tubing company or to plan it on your own. Both options follow the same stretch of the Salt River, but the experience can feel very different depending on which route you choose.
The company option is designed to be easy and all-inclusive, while DIY tubing gives you more flexibility and can be cheaper—if you’re willing to do a little extra planning.
Going with the Salt River Tubing company is by far the easiest way to experience tubing—especially if it’s your first time. To summarize, you will park at 9200 N Bush Highway, purchase tickets, get a tube, hop on the shuttle to the starting point, and then get picked up on the shuttle where you stop which takes you back to your car. I have used the company once (the first time) when I first moved to Arizona over a decade ago. See my friend Ricky’s video below of the experience!
Pros:
- Super simple setup (just show up and go)
- Tube rental and shuttle are included
- No need to coordinate multiple cars
- Clearly marked stops and routes
Cons:
- More expensive per person ($28)
- Less flexibility with where you start and end (doesn’t start until 9am)
- Can feel more crowded, especially on weekends
👉 Best for: first-time visitors, larger groups, no thought needed, out-of-state visitor
Tubing on Your Own (Pros + Cons)
DIY tubing is a great option if you want more flexibility or are trying to save money—but it does require a bit more effort to plan. Let me give you an overview! You’ll need 2 cars and at least 3 people. You can meet at starting point, and then while some people are pumping up the tubes and getting ready, 2 people (1 in each car) drive down to the end point, leave one car at the bottom, and then come back up to meet the others at the starting point in the same car. Keep your car key (in a waterproof case preferably!). Then you go down the river, and while some people are deflating the tubes, two people get in the car at the bottom to go retrive the other car. It seems like a lot, but I’ve done this at least 2 times a year for a decade!
Pros:
- Cheaper overall (especially if you already have tubes- or buy one for $20 and have it for life)
- Full control over your route and timing (you can start before the rental company starts at 9)
- Can avoid some of the busiest areas
Cons:
- No shuttle (you’ll need two cars or a pickup plan)
- Must bring your own tubes and gear
- Requires a Tonto National Forest pass for parking
👉 Best for: locals, repeat visitors, or anyone comfortable coordinating logistics
Quick Comparison: DIY vs. Renting
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of using the Salt River Tubing company vs going on your own. Both options offer a great experience, but they differ in cost, convenience, and flexibility.
Salt River Tubing Map + Routes Explained
ubing on the Salt River follows a series of designated access points along Bush Highway. These are often referred to as “stops,” and your float time will depend on which combination of stops you choose.
Based on the route shown above, most tubing trips happen between Water Users (Stop 1) and Goldfield (Stop 3), with additional downstream options if you want a longer day on the river.
Key Stops Along the Salt River
- Stop 1: Water Users
The main starting point for most tubing trips. - Stop 2: Blue Point Bridge / Pebble Beach / Sheep’s Crossing
A common early exit point and a good shorter float option. - Stop 3: Goldfield
The most popular endpoint for tubers—this is where many standard floats end. - Stop 4: Coon Bluff
A quieter, less commonly used extension beyond the main tubing route. - Stop 5: Phon D. Sutton
Typically used more for kayaking or longer river trips. - Stop 6: Granite Reef
The farthest downstream point, mostly used for extended paddling routes (under construction as of 3/29/26).
Approximate Tubing Routes + Times
- Stop 1 → Stop 2: ~1–1.5 hours
Short and easy float, great if you’re tight on time - Stop 2 → Stop 3: ~1–1.5 hours
Can be combined with Stop 1 for a longer trip - Stop 1 → Stop 3: ~2.5–3 hours
⭐ Most popular tubing route - Stop 1 → Stop 6: ~4–4.5 hours
Longer, more advanced route (less common for tubing)
What I Recommend
If it’s your first time tubing, I recommend floating from Stop 1 (Water Users) to Stop 3 (Goldfield). This route gives you the full experience—scenery, time to relax, and a solid half-day on the river—without being overly long.
If you want something shorter, ending at Stop 2 is a great option. And if you’re planning a longer day, you can continue farther downstream—but most casual tubing trips stick to the Stop 1 → Stop 3 section.
What to Bring Tubing the Salt River
Tubing the Salt River is a super relaxed activity—but having the right gear can make a huge difference in how enjoyable your day is. Between the sun, water, and a few hours on the river, you’ll want to come prepared.
Here’s everything I recommend bringing:
👟 What to Wear
-
- Swimsuit – You’ll definitely be in and out of the water
- Water shoes or sandals – The riverbed is rocky in spots- I love these.
- Hat + sunglasses – The sun is strong with little shade
☀️ Sun Protection
- Sunscreen (reef-safe if possible) – Reapply often
- SPF lip balm – Easy to forget but very necessary
- Light cover-up or shirt – Helpful during peak sun hours
🎒 Must-Have Extras
- Dry bag or waterproof phone case – Protect your phone + keys- use this!
- Plenty of water – It gets HOT, especially mid-summer
- Snacks – You’ll likely be out there for a few hours
Final Thoughts on Salt River Tubing
Salt River tubing is easily one of the best ways to spend a summer day in Arizona—whether you’re looking for a relaxing float, a fun group activity, or just a way to cool off in the desert. No matter which option you choose, both the Salt River Tubing company and going on your own offer a great experience—it really just comes down to how much convenience vs flexibility you want. If it’s your first time, the company makes everything simple, but if you’re up for a little planning, going DIY can be just as fun (and a bit more budget-friendly). Either way, come prepared, plan ahead, and you’ll have an amazing day floating down the Salt River.
