One week left in Salt River paddling season

Better get your last paddle in now—the end of the main paddling season on the Lower Salt River is fast approaching.

SRP is planning to substantially decrease the water releases from Stewart Mountain Dam (aka, the dreaded “river swap”) starting Monday, October 5. Within 2-3 days, the river will be down around 8cfs—far too low to paddle.

As always, the Verde River is expected to provide enough water for shortened trips between Phon D Sutton and Granite Reef recreation areas during the offseason.

While the Sears wildfire near the Verde River may force SRP to amend their existing plans, I confirmed today that the plan remains in effect. So if you’re planning one last trip from Water Users, Pebble Beach, Blue Point, or Goldfield, you should make sure it happens in the next week or so. Plan accordingly.


If you haven’t already joined the (free) Alliance of Salt River Paddlers email list, you can do so at kayakingthesaltriver.com/alliance.

As a member, you’ll receive timely paddling-related updates (such as this one), as well as a free copy of the Complete Guide to Kayaking the Salt River ebook.