Salt River tubing opens for its 46th season this weekend

PHOENIX — The desert’s favorite excuse to relax in an inner tube floating down a lazy current is back.

Salt River Tubing, the company that manages the Valley’s quintessential summertime ritual, will officially launch its 2026 season on Saturday, marking 46 years sending inner tubes floating down lazy currents through the Tonto National Forest.

Opening weekend kicks off at 8 a.m., with the company maintaining 8 a.m. weekend hours and 9 a.m. weekday hours throughout the season.

Since new ownership took the helm in 2023, the longtime Arizona staple has rolled out a series of operational updates.

Tubers can now pre-book online, scheduling times for check-in and check-out and hop aboard upgraded shuttle buses with extra room for paddleboards and personal tubes. It’s an effort to eliminate wait times.

On-site shoppers will also find ice, ropes, snacks, beverages and merchandise to commemorate the float.

It’s not all flip-flops and floaties on the Salt River

Salt River Tubing has doubled down on its environmental mission, investing in cleanup efforts along the Lower Salt River with four trucks, two canoes and a full-time crew dedicated to keeping the waterway pristine for wildlife and weekend warriors alike.

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