Our primary focus at the River of Time is on the Verde River, but the nearby Salt River provides plenty of entertainment, natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a peaceful respite for visitors. Tubing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, fishing, and seeing the majestic wild horses are ways to experience and enjoy this beautiful Arizona waterway.

Famous for Tubing!

We are near the Lower Salt River, which boasts the popular activity of tubing down the river. The Lower Salt offers a slow ride through the desert, giving tubers a chance to see the scenery, enjoy the outdoors and spend time with friends. Salt River Tubing is a company that rents inner tubes, transportation to and from the river to the parking lot nearby, and plenty of fun.

How About Kayaking?

In addition to tubing, people enjoy kayaking from Saguaro Lake and paddling down the river. Viewing beautiful desert scenery, wildlife and even the wild horses that live near the river is a memorable adventure.

A Thrill Seeker? What About Whitewater Rafting?

For those who seek a bit more thrills, white water rafting also is available on the Salt River. Outfitters offer half day, full day, and several day tours with camping. Many of the white-water trips take place on the Upper Salt, but the half-day trips are on the Lower Salt.

Something a Little Calmer? Fishing?

Fishing is a popular activity, and anglers can land trout, large- and smallmouth bass, sunfish, and catfish. Rainbow trout are generally stocked the beginning of November.

Wild Horse Spotting

One of the highlights on the Salt River is seeing the wild horses. The herd ranges throughout the area, and sometimes even wanders into Fountain Hills to the delight of residents and visitors alike. Please do NOT approach the horses or get too close. Respectfully watch and observe their natural behavior from at least 50 feet away. Never feed the wild horses. Stick around and you’ll get a chance to see them eat what is naturally available to them.

Practical Info for Your Visit

According to “Visit Phoenix,” the Salt River has been a source of innovation and recreation for Phoenix residents area for thousands of years. “The 200-mile river provides much of the water supply for Greater Phoenix, thanks to canals, pipelines, and reservoirs. Nearby lakes created by the dams are Saguaro, Canyon, Apache, and Roosevelt.

The Lower Salt is located in the Tonto National Forest, and visitors will need to purchase a recreational day pass to explore the area. Area stores and gas stations have the $8 passes, and they are available on site. The Lower Salt has six recreation sites with parking lots including Water Users, Blue Point, Goldfield, Coon Bluff, Phon D Sutton, and Granite Reef.”

Round off Your Day at the River Of Time!

Visit the River of Time to learn more about the flow of rivers through the Lower Verde River Valley and its impact on the area. Both the Salt and Verde rivers are important for not only recreation, but the economy as well.