Salt River Tubing kicks off the Memorial Day weekend, May 27 through May 29, with its 22nd annual Salt River Salt River Heroes = Litter Zero Take Pride in America event, from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. each day.
Memorial Day weekend on the Lower Salt river has been a celebration for millions of tubers during the past 35 years. Family reunions, as well as college and high school reunions, have enjoyed a unique Arizona tradition of floating picnics on the refreshing, mountain stream waters of the Lower Salt River. Fun in the sun at Salt River Tubing will include live entertainment, free giveaways, beach line dancing and hula-hoop contests during the holiday weekend.
Thousands of responsible public lands stewards have participated in the phenomenally successful Salt River Heroes = Litter Zero during previous holiday weekends. As a result, the amount of picnic trash on the Lower Salt River has been reduced by 90 percent. In fact, a total of 712 tons of picnic trash has been stashed and bagged during the Take Pride in America events.
The Salt River Heroes = Litter Zero event is co-sponsored by iHeart Media (radio stations KNIX 102.5 and KISS 104.7FM). In addition to litter bags, Salt River Tubing employees will be distributing free patriotic leis to the first 1,000 tubers as they prepare to launch a memorable adventure on the Salt River.
“Salt River Tubing is very grateful for the Salt River Heroes who have taken personal responsibility for their picnic trash while floating and have helped to keep the Salt River a clean and beautiful recreational area,” said Salt River Tubing President and Chief Executive Officer Henri Breault.
“Experience the great outdoors in Tonto National Forest’s mini-Grand Canyon as you leisurely float past the majestic mountains and catch of glimpse of wild horses crossing mid-stream and blue herons gliding across the water,” Henri continued. “Our tube rental doors open at 8 a.m. Saturday through Monday of the Memorial Day holiday weekend. We encourage everyone to be an early bird floater.”
The cost is only $17 per person or tube, which includes tube rental, shuttle bus ride and free customer parking at Salt River Tubing.
Take Pride in America is a national partnership, which aims to inspire a new generation of volunteers to put their love of country to work to improve our national parks, wildlife refuges and public lands, as well as 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).
Tubing Tips
Shooting the Salt River rapids is great fun, and company officials recommend the following helpful tips to assist tubers in planning their floating beach blasts for the holiday weekend.
- A valid driver’s license is required for a tube rental deposit per five tubes rented.
- Children must be at least 8 years or older and 4 feet tall for tubing and shuttle bus service.
- Life vests are strongly recommended for children, non-swimmers and inexperienced swimmers.
- Glass containers are prohibited by law in the Salt River Recreational Area and will be confiscated. Ice chests will be inspected for glass containers before boarding shuttle buses. Please use plastic bottles or aluminum cans.
- 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.
- Ice chest/cooler—Fill with ice, sport drinks, fruit juice and water. One to two bottles of water per hour are recommended while floating to help prevent dehydration.
- Sun block, tennis shoes, cap or visor should be worn. A minimum 30 SPF is recommended. Tennis shoes or closed toes also are recommended while tubing.
For more information about Salt River Tubing and Recreation, call (480) 984-3305. Please visit the website at saltrivertubing.com.
The Memorial Day Holiday Weekend operating hours are 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the latest tube rental is 2 p.m. (weather and water flow conditions permitting). Salt River Tubing operates under permit of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service in Tonto National Forest.
Salt River Tubing is located in Northeast Mesa, in the Tonto National Forest. The fun is located just minutes from Highway 202 East and Power Road Exit 23A.