Salt River Recreation Area
The Lower Salt River is a very popular destination during spring and summer. Many people go tubing or kayaking down the Salt River. It begins at the Stewart Mountain Dam that forms the Saguaro Lake and continues to the Granite Reef Dam. It is part of the Tonto National Forest so you will need to purchase a Tonto Pass ($6) before you arrive. From beginning to end it is a run of 12.5 miles.
Along the way there are several points to exit the river. If you are interested in scenery there are a variety of plants and animal you can view from the river. The area has a nest of bald eagles that are protected, as well as egret, herons, and ospreys. A herd of feral horses can occasionally be seen along the river edges. Some of my favorite places to go along the river:
Blue Point Bridge
Phon D Sutton
Coon’s Bluff
Granite Reef
From Mesa, travel east on Superstition Freeway (US 60) to Power Road then to Bush Highway. Or, you can continue on Superstition Freeway to Ellsworth Rd. exit, go north on Ellsworth Rd until you reach Bush Highway. At the intersection you can go straight to Goldfield Landing, or turn left to Coon’s Bluff, Phon D Sutton, and Granite Reef, or turn right and go to Blue Point Bridge and Saguaro Lake.
