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Lower Salt River
Explore the Lower Salt River with Redline Rentals & Sales
The Lower Salt River offers approximately 11 miles of flowing water below Saguaro Lake, making it one of the best destinations for kayaking, paddleboarding, and outdoor recreation near Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, Arizona. Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert and Tonto National Forest, the river features beautiful mountain views, sandy beaches, peaceful stretches of water, and opportunities to see Arizona wildlife such as wild horses, bald eagles, and blue herons.
The Salt River is a river in Gila and Maricopa counties in Arizona, United States, that is the largest tributary of the Gila River. The river is about 200 miles long. Its drainage basin is about 13,700 square miles large. This river, which flows through the Phoenix area, offers boating, tubing and whitewater rafting opportunities.
Lower Salt River Paddle Routes and Launch Points
The Lower Salt River offers several launch and pickup locations, allowing paddlers to plan anything from a short one-hour trip to a longer half-day or full-day adventure. Paddle times depend on the river flow, wind, water releases, how often you stop and how quickly you paddle, so all times should be considered estimates. The main recreation areas include Water Users, Blue Point, Goldfield, Coon Bluff, Phon D. Sutton and Granite Reef.
Estimated Lower Salt River Paddle Times
Water Users to Phon D Sutton 3 to 4 hours
Water Users to Goldfield 2 to 3 hours
Bridge to Phon D Sutton 2 to 3 hours
Water Users to Pebble Beach: Approximately 1–2 hours
Pebble Beach to Goldfield: Approximately 1–2 hours
Goldfield to Phon D. Sutton: Approximately 1–2 hours, passing the Coon Bluff area
Phon D. Sutton to Granite Reef: Approximately 1–2 hours
You can paddle one section for a quick Lower Salt River kayaking trip or combine multiple sections for a longer adventure. The complete route from Water Users to Granite Reef should be treated as an all-day paddle and may take longer than six hours under slower river conditions.
Water Users Recreation Area
Water Users is the farthest upstream public launch point on the Lower Salt River. Starting here gives you the longest route and allows you to experience the upper section of the river before reaching the Pebble Beach and Blue Point area. This section includes moving water, rocky areas and the section commonly known as Devil’s Elbow.
Pebble Beach, Blue Point and Sheep’s Crossing
Pebble Beach, Blue Point and Sheep’s Crossing are located close together and create similar Lower Salt River trip lengths. The biggest differences are parking, walking access and where you enter the river.
Pebble Beach is generally the preferred starting point because it has a larger parking area and an easier, flatter walk to the water. Blue Point is nearby but has a smaller parking lot and places paddlers upstream of Devil’s Elbow.
Paddlers who want to avoid Devil’s Elbow may choose to launch at Sheep’s Crossing, located a short distance downstream from Pebble Beach and Blue Point. Sheep’s Crossing provides access below the rougher section, but the walk from the parking area to the river can be rocky and more difficult while carrying a kayak or paddleboard.
Goldfield Recreation Area
Goldfield is a popular Lower Salt River pickup and launch location. It works well for a shorter trip beginning near Pebble Beach or as a halfway point for paddlers continuing downstream. This stretch provides opportunities to see the famous Salt River wild horses, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Coon Bluff and Phon D. Sutton
Coon Bluff is located between Goldfield and Phon D. Sutton and can be used as another stopping or pickup option. Phon D. Sutton has a larger recreation area and is a popular destination for longer Lower Salt River kayak and paddleboard trips.
Granite Reef Recreation Area
Granite Reef is the final major recreation area along the flowing section of the Lower Salt River. Paddling to Granite Reef creates a longer river adventure and is best for experienced paddlers who have planned their transportation and pickup location in advance.
Plan Your Lower Salt River Trip with Redline
Located only about 10 minutes from the Lower Salt River, Redline Rentals & Sales makes it easy to rent a kayak or paddleboard and select the right route for your experience level and available time. Choose a Lower Salt River paddle trip ranging from approximately 1 to 6 hours, or plan a longer all-day adventure.
Whether you are looking for a quick paddle from Pebble Beach to Goldfield, a relaxing half-day trip to Phon D. Sutton or a longer Salt River kayaking adventure, Redline provides the equipment, life jackets and transportation supplies needed to get you on the water.
Lower Salt River Map
