Salt River Tubing Opens for Summer 2026

Popular Arizona outdoor recreation destination announces season start date.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:25pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of people floating on colorful inner tubes down a sun-dappled river, with soft, blurred edges and warm, golden light creating a dreamlike, nostalgic atmosphere.The annual opening of Salt River Tubing signals the start of summer fun and relaxation in the Phoenix area.Phoenix Today

Salt River Tubing, a beloved summertime activity in the Phoenix metro area, has announced it will open for the 2026 season on Memorial Day weekend. The floating and tubing attraction along the Salt River is a popular way for locals and visitors to cool off during the region's hot summer months.

Why it matters

The opening of Salt River Tubing is an annual rite of passage for Phoenix-area residents, signaling the start of summer and providing a much-needed respite from the desert heat. As temperatures continue to rise in the region, the river attraction has become an increasingly important community resource for recreation, relaxation, and connecting with nature.

The details

Salt River Tubing will open its gates to the public on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The attraction offers tube rentals, shuttle services, and access to the cool, gentle waters of the Salt River, which winds through the Tonto National Forest just outside of Phoenix. Visitors can float for several miles, taking in the scenic desert landscape and wildlife along the way.

  • Salt River Tubing will open for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
  • The attraction typically operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day each year.

The players

Salt River Tubing

A popular summertime outdoor recreation destination located in the Tonto National Forest near Phoenix, Arizona, offering tube rentals, shuttle services, and access to the Salt River.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to welcome everyone back to the Salt River for another fantastic summer season. There's nothing quite like floating down the river to escape the desert heat.”

— Kim Hanna, General Manager, Salt River Tubing

What’s next

Salt River Tubing will be open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with extended hours and special events planned throughout the summer.

The takeaway

As temperatures continue to rise in the Phoenix metro area, the opening of Salt River Tubing provides a beloved community resource for locals and visitors alike to cool off, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the great outdoors during the hot summer months.