Desert Voyagers

The Lower Salt River starts at Stewart Mountain Dam and runs to Tempe Town Lake though there usually isn't any running water below Granite Reef Dam. The navigable section between the dams is 14 miles of year round kayaking and rafting through much of the scenery the Sonoran Desert has to offer. The current is gentle class 1 flat water with one class two optional rapid. Perfect for beginners and very convenient to the Phoenix Metro area, few places can boast such paddling.

As you paddle the Lower Salt, flora you may see include saguaro and many cactus typical of the Sonoran Desert as well as riparian area trees and reeds. A very large horse herd wanders at will, and the lucky or sharp eyed pick out the desert bighorn heard as well as bald eagles, ospreys, herons and egrets depending on the season. For the fishermen, the Lower Salt River is the only cold-water trout fishery in the nation located in a desert. In addition to the rainbow trout that are stocked year round, expect to catch bass (largemouth, smallmouth and yellow), tilapia, carp, crappie, catfish and walleye.

Whether you are looking for some fishing, site seeing, photographic opportunities, or just some great paddling, the Lower Salt River offers great options 30 minutes from Phoenix!

View Larger Map
We kayak and raft on the Lower Salt all year around! The important locations on the river that you need to know are marked above.

A. Water User's Parking area, also known as Bus Stop #1 to the tubers.
B. The Bridge, Pebble Beach or Blue Point, also known as Bus Stop #2.
C. Fox Tail River Access, no public access but we can put in or take out there!
D. Goldfield Recreation Area, also known as Bus Stop #4.
E. Coon's Bluff Campground
F. Phon D Sutton Recreation Area.
G. Granite Reef Recreational Area, the last takeout on the river!