Phon D Sutton Recreation Area
Mesa, Arizona · on Salt River · Tonto National Forest
Verified · 4 independent sources
- WATER
- river
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $8/vehicle
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Phon D Sutton Recreation Area
Phon D Sutton Recreation Area is a developed U.S. Forest Service day-use site on the Lower Salt River in Tonto National Forest, about 16 miles northeast of Mesa, Arizona. It is one of the river's main public access points, known as a popular inner-tube take-out spot and a family-friendly place to wade and swim in the shallow desert river.
The site sits in a lush riparian corridor along the Lower Salt River below Saguaro Lake, within the Sonoran Desert of Tonto National Forest. The Lower Salt River Nature Trail passes through adjacent wetland habitat, and the area is noted for birding and occasional sightings of the Salt River's wild horses.
Swimming at Phon D Sutton Recreation Area
The river here is generally shallow and slow-moving where accessed from the day-use parking lots, making it a favored spot for families and kids to wade, splash, and float rather than a deep swimming hole. Small sandy/gravel beach areas and seasonal islands form depending on water release levels from upstream dams, and the site also functions as a takeout point for tubers floating down from launches further upstream.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Mesa: travel 7 miles east on US 60 to Power Road/Bush Highway (Forest Road 204), turn north and go 9 miles to Forest Road 169, then turn left and go 1 mile to the site. The route is entirely paved; the recreation area is about 16 miles northeast of Mesa.
Parking: On-site paved parking lots near the river; a wide path between two ramadas in the first lot leads directly to the water. Lots fill up and the area gets crowded on summer weekends.
The hike in
- Time on foot
- Under 5 minutes from the parking lot to the water's edge.
No hike is needed to reach the water -- a short, wide path between two ramadas in the first parking lot leads directly to the riverbank (a couple minutes' walk at most). The separate Lower Salt River Nature Trail passes adjacent to the site for those who want to hike further, but it is not required to access the swimming/wading area.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Water at the main access lot is typically shallow and slow-moving, good for wading and splashing, but the riverbed is rocky/uneven (water shoes recommended), there are no lifeguards, and the Forest Service warns that current strength and depth change daily with upstream dam releases and that fallen trees/debris can trap swimmers and floaters -- close adult supervision is needed.
Parking
Paid, $8/vehicle if Tonto Pass purchased in advance, $12/vehicle if bought on-site at the fee machine ($80 annual pass, $60 senior/access annual)
Paved on-site lots near the river; a wide path between two ramadas in the first lot leads directly to the water. Lots fill up and the area gets crowded on summer weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Restrooms
Yes
Vault toilets on-site (per official Tonto National Forest page and phoenixwithkids.net); no potable water available at the site.
Hours
Day-use area only (no overnight camping/no overnight use); the official Tonto National Forest page does not publish specific opening/closing clock times.
On the water
Restrictions: No motorized boats permitted (per official Tonto National Forest / USFS page); non-motorized craft (kayak, canoe, paddleboard, tube) are allowed. Glass containers are prohibited throughout the Lower Salt River Recreation Area.
The site is best known as a popular inner-tube take-out point for floats launched upstream; it is not itself a whitewater or deep-paddling destination, just a shallow, slow access point.
Rentals nearby
Single-rider inner tube rentals with round-trip shuttle service on the Lower Salt River; also offers a shuttle-only option for people bringing their own tube.
Prices: Tube rental with shuttle $28; shuttle only (bring your own tube) $22; "Endless Summer" season pass $225 (2026 rates as published on their site)
9200 N Bush Highway, Mesa, AZ 85215 -- their check-in/shuttle headquarters is on Bush Highway a short distance from Phon D Sutton, and their shuttle routes serve put-in/take-out points along this stretch of the Lower Salt River. · Mon-Fri 9am-6pm MST; Sat-Sun 8am-6pm MST
Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, tours, and lessons on the Lower Salt River (in addition to Saguaro Lake and other Arizona waters); their marketing specifically features paddling the Lower Salt River near the wild horses, the same stretch Phon D Sutton sits on.
Storefront at 1425 E University Dr, Ste B-102, Tempe, AZ 85281; rentals/tours are run out to the Lower Salt River and Saguaro Lake put-ins rather than from the shop itself. · Tue-Sat 9:00am-6:00pm
What regulars say
One recent visitor reports the river here is generally shallow and slow near the parking lot, forms small sand and gravel beaches and seasonal islands depending on dam release levels, and has a rocky, uneven bed that makes water shoes worth bringing; the same visitor flags that the first lot fills up and gets crowded on summer weekends, and mentions occasional sightings of the Salt River's wild horses nearby.
Phon D Sutton Recreation Area: FAQ
Does Phon D Sutton Recreation Area charge a fee?
Tonto Pass day-use fee required: $8/vehicle/day if purchased in advance at a Forest Service office or retail vendor, $12/vehicle/day if purchased on-site at the fee machine, $80 annual pass, or $60 senior/access annual pass.
Is Phon D Sutton Recreation Area kid friendly?
Water at the main access lot is typically shallow and slow-moving, good for wading and splashing, but the riverbed is rocky/uneven (water shoes recommended), there are no lifeguards, and the Forest Service warns that current strength and depth change daily with upstream dam releases and that fallen trees/debris can trap swimmers and floaters -- close adult supervision is needed.
Do I need to hike to reach Phon D Sutton Recreation Area?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Phon D Sutton Recreation Area?
Paved on-site lots near the river; a wide path between two ramadas in the first lot leads directly to the water. Lots fill up and the area gets crowded on summer weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Phon D Sutton Recreation Area?
The site is best known as a popular inner-tube take-out point for floats launched upstream; it is not itself a whitewater or deep-paddling destination, just a shallow, slow access point.
When is the best time to visit Phon D Sutton Recreation Area?
Summer is the peak season for cooling off in the river, though the site operates year-round.
What are the rules at Phon D Sutton Recreation Area?
Day-use only, no overnight camping, no motorized boats, pets must be leashed, glass containers prohibited throughout the Lower Salt River Recreation Area, and no horse/pack-animal access.
What water body is Phon D Sutton Recreation Area on?
Phon D Sutton Recreation Area is on Salt River, a natural river verified in USGS hydrography data.
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