Paddling Down the Salt
Lower Salt River with Red Mountain overlooking.
I stepped into the water with one foot, shivering as it dove underneath. A chill ran up my leg. My other leg sliced into the water, with the chilly water covering my ankles. Despite the coolness of the water, the air was thick with heat. Not a heat that will make your sweat glands work in overtime instantly, but a pleasant sweat later in the day, if you can call sweat “pleasant.”
I placed my board on the water with a swish, moving the water around, ready for another adventure in late spring. I looked up and saw a bright blue sky, almost a white type of blue reminding me summer is almost here. The sun was burning its rays onto our desert earth, greeting the earth with a good morning. Trees and bushes framed the river, protecting it from something only the river knew. But, I see something. Something above the water that I usually do not see. Will we be able to swim over it?
Four Peaks in the distance as I paddle down the river.
After our boards were placed onto the water (my husband with me), I paddled out first, using my paddleboard as a place to enjoy water without getting too wet, unless I fall in which could happen. My husband joined me as soon as he got somewhat comfortable on his board. He is tall and somewhat big so he needs to adjust himself until he is comfortable. I move my oar on either side of my board, watching the green grass above the water. This river is not too deep, not like a lake, so I could see plants just rising above the water. Plants like grass or bushes. My board’s fins caught onto the grasses, dragging them across the river as I paddled.
I will be honest and say it was kind of weird to paddle with grass everywhere. We usually go to lakes, but wanted to see what this part of the river was like. I heard it was great for paddleboarding people like us, so we put it on our bucket list. Here is some information if you decide to go:
Where: Lower Salt River, Mesa, Arizona.
Location: Granite Reef Recreational Area
Fees: A Tonto Pass is required. Super cheap, usually $8. Here is a LINK of the numerous places to get the pass. This is the only thing you will need, no more fees. Place it on your dashboard or hang it on your inside mirror on the windshield. Rangers will come by to check your vehicle for a pass.
What to expect: A southward current, the rate (how fast or slow) depends on the time of year and weather. Lots of people so show up early! Vault restrooms are on site, along with some cement picnic tables and trees for shading.
What to bring: Sun tan lotion, food, water, towels and patience when floating on the river as you may go against the current!
It was scenic with nearby Red Mountain casting its shape just to the west of us. It was a little busy, but as time went on, more vehicles came. A lot of fishermen and fellow paddleboarders. The grass was a bit bothersome as it sort of made it harder to paddle when it dragged along my fins under my board. You can paddle up the stream as long as you want. The current is a little faster going south.
Will we go again? NO. I do not like paddling with so much vegetation in the water that shows above the waterline. Plus I like lakes, especially when it is not windy. For today, we had a slight breeze so no problems with wind. We had good weather which was fortunate for us as sometimes we get caught in windy weather. Wind makes it hard to paddleboard in. It is a good place to paddleboard, very popular as it is located where a lot of recreational areas are, such as hiking, off roading, scenic driving.
I can say I am glad we went, checked it off our bucket list, but we will focus on lakes for our next paddleboarding adventures! How about you? What kind of water play do you like? Share in the comments below and thank you!