DATE: Sep 14, 2014 to Sep 14, 2014
Backpacking Salt River Tubing

Meeting Time: 11:00 AM

Event Coordinator: Rodrigo
Tucson, AZ
US

Max # People: 1000

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Easy

SUMMARY:

Tubing on the Salt River and returning home with a wicked sunburn is almost a rite of passage for Arizona youth.  For adults (who are generally more boring and know to wear sensible long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunscreen), the float trip is more a relaxing day of watching the cliffs and desert above the river and the birds and other wildlife along the banks.  Floating with a bunch of fun guys can certainly add to the event.  ;)  The Salt River is the life-blood of Phoenix's water supply and attracts eagles, herons, kingfishers and other fowl.  Late in the day, floating into the sunset is really beautiful.   

The trip begins at the parking lot of the Salt River Tubing Company (in northeast Mesa) where one can rent over-sized inner tubes and have bus transportation to and from the river for an all-day fee of $17 (cash only).  You can float for as long as 2-6 hours with the option to exit earlier at several sites.  The plan is to start together and for people to float as long as they want, probably for the whole trip (but without obligation).  

Tubing on the Salt River is relaxing and fairly flat with occasional ripples.  The water is  warm in summer and shallow in most places.  No prior river experience is needed.

Inner tubes that accomodate coolers (for lunch, drinks, etc.) are available for rental as well.

Bring:

Lunch/snacks and drinks.  

Sunscreen, sunglases (with ties so you don't lose them)

Sneakers 

Ziplock bags to keep your stuff dry

Cash only for rentals

Dry clothes and shoes back at your car

Risks:  Sunburn, water risks. Swimming ability (or a life-jacket) is important in case of falling out of your tube. 

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

The group will wait by the entrance and I'll be holding a balloon with the word GO on it so you can identify us.  We'll plan to leave the rental area by 11:30.

Date: Saturday, September 13, 2014

Time: 11 am (meet to rent the tubes)

Location: Meet at the PARKING LOT of the Salt River Tubing Company

9200 N. Bush Highway, Mesa AZ 85215  Tel: 480-984-3305

For directions and more information, please check the website for Salt River Tubing:

www.saltrivertubing.com

The video gives a pretty good description of the activity.

Tubing in September is a great way to say goodbye to summer. (Who am I fooling? This is Arizona-summer lasts till November).  ;)