Site Open

Granite Reef Day Use Area

Granite Reef picnicking site is the closest site to Mesa. Because of its proximity to a major city, Granite Reef is very popular. Sitting next to the Lower Salt River, Granite Reef offers the ability to launch non-motorized boats along with shoreline fishing. This riparian area is outstanding for bird watching for warblers, shore birds and spring and fall migratory fowl. Fishermen use this area year-round.

Reservations

General Information

Year round

Day Use Only

The links below provide additional information on pricing and purchasing information.

Tonto Daily Pass (and Watercraft Sticker, if required). Available at Tonto National Forest Offices and retail vendors (please call for availability).
Tonto Discovery Pass. Available at Tonto National Forest Offices.
Tonto Fee Machine Pass. Please be prepared to pay with DEBIT or CREDIT card.
America the Beautiful Interagency Passes. Available at Tonto National Forest Offices and online at USGS.gov.

Restrictions

No trailers
No motorized boats
Day use only/no camping
Glass containers are prohibited in the Lower Salt River Recreation Area
Pets must be on a leash

Day Use: $8/vehicle/day
Tonto Fee Machine Pass: $12
Tonto Forest Passes are Honored: $80/annual; $60/senior/access annual

Front view of the Mesa Ranger Station building with a clear sky in the background.

Address: 5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: (480) 610-3300
Hours: Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 12:30 p.m.) Passes, permits and products not sold after 4 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 33.513783

Longitude: -111.682901

Directions

This site is located 14 miles northeast of Mesa. From Mesa, travel 7 miles east on the Superstition Freeway (US 60) to Power Road/Bush Highway/Forest Road (FR) 204 and turn north. Follow Bush Highway for 7 miles to the site. This is the first site next to the river coming from the west on Bush Highway. View and download a map.