Mesa Ranger District
The Mesa Ranger District has a variety of recreation opportunities including Arizona’s famous Salt River Tubing located on the Lower Salt River.
General Information
The Mesa Ranger District is located north and east of the town of Apache Junction, and consists of approximately 430,000 acres (approximately 170,000 hectares) of Desert, Semi-Desert Grassland, Chaparral, and Pinyon-Juniper types of vegetation as well as a small area of Ponderosa Pine. The very popular Lower Salt River, Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake are located on this district, providing a variety of recreational water activities including motorized and non-motorized boating, tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. During summer months, this district experiences high visitation because of the close proximity to the Phoenix metropolitan area and easy access to fun recreation opportunities.
Many hiking, biking, and equestrian activities take place in the Hawes Trail System, Sonoran Desert Trail System, along the Maricopa Trail, and throughout the District. Non-motorized activities are popular in the Superstition Wilderness and Four Peaks Wilderness, which provide beautiful views.
OHV riding and motorized recreation are common activities on the Mesa Ranger District; two OHV Permit Zones fall within the District boundary: Bulldog Canyon and The Rolls OHV Permit Zones.
Contact Information:
Address: 5140 E. Ingram St., Mesa, Arizona 85205
Phone: (480) 610-3300
Fax: (480) 610-3346
Complexes
The Lower Salt River is a recreational paradise that offers an all-day adventure while floating on cool and refreshing mountain-stream waters.
Granite Reef picnicking site is the closest site to Mesa. Because of its proximity to a major city, Granite Reef is very popular.
This site is a popular inner tube take-out point. This lush area is outstanding for birding.
This lush area is outstanding for bird watching. Adjacent to the lower portion of the Salt River, a stand of mesquite provides welcome shade.
This site is one of the most popular inner tube take-out points. This lush area is outstanding for birding.
This area has covered ramadas making it ideal for large groups. The area is ideal for a day of floating leisurely down the Salt River.
This site is a most popular inner tube starting and take-out point.
This riparian area is outstanding for watching spring and fall migratory fowl. The area is ideal for a day of floating leisurely down the Salt River.
Tucked away amongst vibrant palo verde and iconic saguaro cactus on the banks of the Lower Salt River, the Larry Forbis Group Site offers a peaceful setting for groups and
Water Users is a popular site for kayakers and tubers. As one of the main points of river access for tubers, Water Users can become very busy during summer months.
Saguaro Lake is set in the Sonoran Desert and is rimmed with canyon walls. As the name implies, the shores of the lake are studded with majestic Saguaro cactus. Try the upper reaches of the lake (east-end) for more seclusion. Boat access camping at the east end of the lake.
This area is a wonderful example of the Sonoran Desert habitat along a desert lake.
At Butcher Jones, Mesquite trees provide welcome natural shade to picnic units.
Bagley Flat is notable for its boat access only camping on Saguaro Lake. Camping is allowed at the designated sites with grills and tables provided.
The Saguaro Lake Marina is a commercial operation not maintained by the Forest Service.
Commercial Site, Please call for information, Tel: (480) 984-2194, River Access Point
Canyon Lake is known for wonderful shorelines along the red rock cliffs. Boaters wanting scenery and seclusion should try the east end of the lake, where it winds through steep canyon walls. There are occasional sightings of Big Horn sheep throughout the desert canyons, as well as other wildlife.
Canyon Lake offers several day-use recreation sites along the shorelines, camping at Tortilla Flat Campground, and boat-access camping at The Point Recreation Site a few miles up channel.
The drive from Apache Junction offers magnificent vistas of the Superstition Mountains, Salt River Canyon and Canyon Lake.
The Boulder recreation site is located on Canyon Lake just south of the Canyon Lake Marina.
Palo Verde is a boat launching site near the beautiful Canyon Lake.
Tortilla Campground is a winter campground just outside of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
The Point is located in the Mesa Ranger District and is mostly known for boat access only camping on Canyon Lake. There are only three designated camp units at this s
Commerical Site, Please call for information, Tel: (480)288-9233, or visit the Canyon Lake Marina and Campground website.
Commercial Site, Please call for information, Tel: (480) 984-1776, Paved Boat Launch, Concessionaire
Recreation Sites
Acacia Day Use Area
Bagley Flat Campground and Courtesy Dock
Blue Point Day Use Area
Blue Point OHV Staging Area
Bobcat OHV Staging Area
Boulder Day Use Area
Bush OHV Staging Area
Butcher Jones Day Use Area
Canyon Lake