Lower Salt River Nature Trail

A flat nature trail through the green strip along the Lower Salt River, starting from the Phon D Sutton day-use area.

The nature trail loops through the riparian strip along the Lower Salt River from the Phon D Sutton day-use area, a popular take-out for tubers. The Forest Service calls the area outstanding for birding, and it's flat and short enough for kids. Wild horses live along this stretch of river, though they aren't always near the trail. A Tonto Pass is required, and there's no drinking water.

Parking

No parking details yet.

Trailhead: Phon D Sutton Day Use Area.

Fee

Tonto Pass

$8 per vehicle bought in advance from a Forest Service office or retail vendor; $12 at the on-site fee machine.

Dogs

Dogs on leash

Shade

Not confirmed yet

Hazards

• Fallen trees and debris in the river can trap swimmers and floaters.

Best months

1. J
2. F
3. M
4. A
5. M
6. J
7. J
8. A
9. S
10. O
11. N
12. D

October to April, when the average high in Phoenix is under 90°F.

Trail map

Lower Salt River Interpretive Trail on OpenStreetMap

Sources

4 sources · last verified Sep 24, 2026. Report a change

Photo: Z Glyph · CC BY 3.0

Where each fact comes from

• Lower Salt River Interpretive Trail — OpenStreetMap checked 2026-09-27
• Phon D Sutton Day Use Area — Tonto National Forest checked 2026-09-24
• Easy loop: 2.3 mi with about 50 ft of gain (our reading of the route stats) checked 2026-09-24
• Best months: normal high under 90°F, Phoenix Sky Harbor 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI) checked 2026-09-24