Water Users Recreation Site — Hotel in Four Corners States

I visit primarily as a point of entry into either tubing/floating or kayaking down the Lower Salt River. But I see plenty of people that just put up canopies and chairs near the banks (mostly rock/dirt, but a little sand) to enjoy the water.

The parking lot is pretty big, and as long as you arrive early, you will almost certainly find a spot (even in the height of tubing season). The lot was recently resurfaced and looks great. There are pit toilets, which are a must before getting into the river. There's always TP and they're fairly clean.

If you're parking your car, make sure you've got a Tonto Pass (or America The Beautiful pass) displayed in your windshield, or you could be ticketed. The Tonto passes are available at two other major river access points along the river (both downstream/west of Water Users) at "Phon D Sutton" or "Pebble Beach". At those two points, there's little ATM-like machines where you can buy them for $12 (last I checked) per pass. Alternately you can pick up the Tonto passes at the Walgreens on Power and Thomas for only $8, and they're the kind you can save for a future date (the ATM ones are only good for that day).

I've been going to Water Users for a few years now, and it's my favorite entry point because it's the most 'upsream' of the major river access points, which means I get to enjoy the Salt River for as long as possible. Sometimes a little TOO long :) Make sure you bring a lot of water and/or beer (not in glass though, because it's illegal due to the danger of it breaking and being a hazard) as well as a bunch of sunscreen to reapply as you enjoy the water.

Speaking of water, the flow is actually controlled by a dam (the one that forms Saguaro Lake) and so it's a bit unpredictable in volume. It's a good idea to look up the flow levels the days before you go to be sure there's enough to enjoy yourself. There are large parts of the year where the water doesn't even flow at all. Rainfall can increase the chances for good (or excessive) flow, so checking...

Fun, but better if you're well prepared. I'd recommend bringing: water shoes, sunglasses, hat, umbrella (if you feel like hiding from the sun), a cooler with drinks, ideally one that fits comfortably into a donut to float on its own, and a lot of sunscreen. A lot. The sun is unforgiving out here. Oh, and a rope to tie your tube to your cooler and /or tie it to the other members of your group.

If you have your own tube, make sure they have a seat/net so your behind is supported. There are some shallow ends where rocks could scrape your butt if you're too deep into the tube. If you don't have your own tube and plan to rent it, bring a sheet you can wrap around the tube and tie on the bottom end - it'll give your behind support and also keep a better temperature for the tube - the rentals are black rubber and they get hot and uncomfortable if you're just laying on them without support.

Bring extra snacks and maybe a water gun to play around. A waterproof speaker is also a cool thing to bring along. Glass containers are not allowed so BYOB but make sure its in a can or something plastic.

And don't forget marshmallows! Apparently it's a thing to throw marshmallows at...

This is the best access to the Salt River. Make sure to buy a Tonto Pass at one of the kiosk located at every parking lot. They are only $8 and you can pay with a credit card. This is my favorite place to get away for the day or even a few hours. I love to kayak the river but there are tube rentals available with free parking and free bus rides to start the journey. If you can get an early start or stay till late afternoon there is a strong possibility of seeing the wild horses feeding on the river grass as you float by. Amazing experience and really enjoyable. There are a lot of people during the summer months and a sheriff Sun Station so “Don’t DRINK and DRIVE” unless your fond of jail or death! Designate A Driver! The river flow is reduced to a trickle during the winter months. But the lower Salt starting where the Verde River merges flows year round because of the Eagle Nesting sites which are Just North of the Salt on the southern part of the Verde. Bring a good camera and you very well may see a Bald Eagle fishing for its next meal. Please be responsible and use the dumpsters provided for all of your trash and never bring bottles or glass to this area.

Have a great...