Hike the Lower Salt River Nature Trail

Fort McDowell, AZ
2.5
4 Reviews
Hike the Lower Salt River Nature Trail
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Details

Distance
2.4 miles
Route Type
Loop

Features

Family Friendly
River
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Wildlife
Picnic Area
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Track

About this place

Added by Calvin Weibel

This is an old trail near the Salt River that offers great opportunities for photography and viewing wildlife.

This scenic loop offers views of Four Peaks, the Salt River Verde River, and a desert landscape with plenty of wildlife.  Keep an eye out for eagles, wild horses, and other wildlife while you're on the trail.  

This trail starts from the Phon D Sutton Recreation site, which is located at the Salt River and Verde River confluence.  To start the trail, begin at the west end of the parking lot and continue west.  The trail will begin near the river and fork into a loop soon after.  

This is an old, unmaintained trail.  You aren't likely to find crowds, but if you keep your eyes open you might find plenty of wildlife.

From Mesa, take Power Rd North as it turns into Bush Highway.  Follow Bush highway until you reach Phon D Sutton Rd, turn left, and continue to the recreation site.  Note that the Forest Service requires a Tonto Pass to park at the recreation areas.

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
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Crystal Sibson
8/14/2020
Nice Hike but Trash
The hike is nice along the Salt River and you might even be able to spot the wild horses, however there is often trash ...
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Laura Hill
8/10/2020
Pretty views, but...
Views are lovely, and it’s a great way to spend an Arizona day (when it’s cool out), but there was SO much trash. Really spoils it...
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Luis Perez
1/21/2018
Just Average
Great place for pictures ! River is beautiful as well and the trails and nice
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Y Estrada
1/8/2017
Littered Hike
Terrible hike. It was dirty (graffiti and garbage everywhere)! The views were nice but wouldn't do it again.
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