Celebrate Labor Day weekend on the Salt River at the 26th annual Labor Day Salt River Heroes = Litter Zero event, Saturday, Sept. 4 through Monday, Sept. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
“During the past 25 years, responsible tubers have greatly contributed to helping to protect and conserve the Lower Salt River’s natural resources. Their public lands stewardship of stashing and bagging their picnic litter while floating helps to ensure that this recreational paradise will be enjoyed by future generations,” said Salt River Tubing President and Chief Executive Officer Henri Breault.
“We invite everyone to experience a cool and refreshing floating adventure in Tonto National Forest’s mini-Grand Canyon on the Lower Salt River. The 68-degree mountain stream waters are perfect for chilling and thrilling while enjoying fun in the sun. Catch of glimpse of the diverse wildlife including blue herons and the Salt River wild horses!”
In the past 25 years, the nationally acclaimed Take Pride in America program has reduced the amount of picnic trash on the Lower Salt River by over 90 percent. Responsible floating tubers have stashed and bagged their picnic trash in the free Tommy Tuber litter bags distributed by Salt River Tubing and placed them in designated receptacles upon exiting the Salt River. To date, 852 tons of picnic trash has been stashed and bagged during the Memorial Day and Labor Day holiday weekends.
Take Pride in America is a national partnership that aims to inspire a new generation of volunteers to put their love of country to work to improve our national parks, wildlife refuges, public lands, cultural and historic sites, playgrounds, and other recreation areas. Salt River Tubing has received a record four National Take Pride in America awards for the company’s conservation efforts in Tonto National Forest (1991, 2003, 2006 and 2010).
FACE MASKS ARE NOT REQUIRED IF COVID-19 VACCINATED
Salt River Tubing & Recreation has updated its face mask requirement. In accordance with new guidance from the CDC, and local and state recommendations, guests who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will no longer be required to wear a face mask at the Tube Terminal, Shuttle Buses, or Shuttle Bus Loading Zones on the river. Consistent with CDC guidance, SRTR will continue to recommend face masks for unvaccinated guests. Additionally, safe distancing will no longer be required.
Shooting the Salt River rapids is great fun, and company officials recommend the following helpful tubing tips to assist tubers in planning their floating beach blasts:
• A valid driver’s license is required for a tube rental deposit per five tubes rented.
• Children must be at least eight years or older and four feet tall for tubing and shuttle bus service.
• Life vests are strongly recommended for children, non-swimmers and inexperienced swimmers.
• Glass containers by law are not allowed in the Salt River Recreational Area. Ice chests will be inspected for glass containers before boarding shuttle buses. Please use plastic bottles or aluminum can containers.
• Have a great time during your floating beach blasts, but remember that drugs, alcohol and the Salt River do not mix. Responsibly appoint a designated driver before your tubing adventure.
• Floating picnic ideas include fresh fruit, burritos, fried chicken, or sandwiches. Pack picnic items in Ziploc bags to keep dry. Please stash and bag all picnic supplies in litter bags while floating.
• Sun block, tennis shoes, cap or visor should be worn. A minimum 30 SPF is recommended.
• Ice chest/coolers: Fill with ice, sport drinks, fruit juice and water. One to two bottles of water per hour while floating is recommended to help prevent dehydration.
• Salt River Tubing accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards and cash. Credit card and cash transactions require a valid driver’s license for tube rental deposits and credit card information. Please visit saltrivertubing.com for more details regarding credit card transactions.
Salt River Tubing is located in Northeast Mesa, just minutes from Highway 202 East and Power Road (North) Exit 23A, in beautiful Tonto National Forest. For more information about Salt River Tubing and events, please visit saltrivertubing.com, or call (480) 984-3305.