Salt River Tubing reveals opening day for 2021
Tubing is coming back for the summer.
Salt River Tubing said its season will begin Saturday, May 1, for tubers to float down the Lower Salt River in Tonto National Forest.
Tubing will be open daily throughout the summer, weather and water flow conditions permitting. Admission is $19 per person, which includes the rental fee, shuttle bus ride and parking. If you bring your own tube, the cost is $16.
Salt River Tubing attempted to open for a 2020 season, which marked its 40th anniversary, but closed in June after Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order that shut down businesses such as bars, gyms, water parks and tubing rentals.
COVID-19 safety precautions at Salt River Tubing
Ducey’s latest executive order, issued March 25, lifts capacity limits and eases other COVID-19 business guide
lines, but Salt River Tubing will maintain safety precautions in its operations.
Don’t leave your face covering at home: Guests are required to wear face masks while renting tubes, riding the shuttle bus and returning tubes.
Other safety protocols include:
● Requiring employees to wear face coverings and gloves and undergo daily temperature checks.
● Limiting shuttle bus capacity to 20 people.
● Enforcing social queues for tube rentals.
● Limiting groups to 10 people.
What to know before you go tubing
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Here are some ways to stay safe while tubing the Salt River:
● Drink one to two bottles of water per hour while on the water.
● Closed-toe shoes are recommended, as the river bottom is rocky.
● Wear a hat and sunscreen and bring extra to reapply during the day.
● The black rental tubes can get hot in the sun. Bring an old sheet to drape over yours.
● Life vests are recommended for children and inexperienced swimmers.
● Tying tubes together is not recommended.
Floating the entire stretch of the river takes around four hours. Here’s about how long each section is:
● Point 1 to 2: 11⁄2 hours.
● Point 2 to 4: 21⁄2 hours.
● Point 1 to 4: four hours.
Here are some other things to know before you go tubing:
● A valid driver license is needed for rental deposit, which covers up to five tubes.
● Children must be 8 years or older and at least 4 feet tall.
● Glass containers are prohibited.
● Valuables and anything you don’t want to get wet should be sealed in plastic bags and placed inside a container.
● Bring your own bags for trash, which can be disposed of at the bus stops.
● Bring a cooler for your drinks, but make sure it’s sturdy: Styrofoam coolers are not recommended.
Reach the reporter at kimi.robinson@gannett.com or at 602444-4968. Follow her on Twitter @kimirobin and Instagram @ReporterKiMi.