Paddleboarding The Salt River

Starting from the top

• Water users: Due to recent flooding, the very top is a dangerous area to start for beginners — there are Class Two rapids!
• Blue Point Recreation Area: We like to start here. The right side of the bridge has more parking; we start on the left because you don't have to walk as far (paddleboards and gear get heavy!). There's a great 3-mile hike along the river to Goldfield Ovens — look it up on AllTrails, it's great for out-of-town visitors.
• Goldfield Ranch Recreational Area: There will be a sign — EXIT HERE is for tubers; paddleboarders and kayakers can keep floating.
• Coon Bluff Recreation Area: People camp here in the winter, and you'll see lots of fishermen and photoshoots. The exit is difficult, so we just float by. If the river is high enough, stay right — it's like a jungle cruise. We saw a baby beaver!
• Phon D Sutton Recreation Area: It takes about 2.5 hours to paddle from the bridge to Phon D Sutton. This exit is tricky on weekends — people are everywhere. Exit here anyway, otherwise you're stuck another hour on the river. There's a hill to climb and you'll be back at your drop-off car.
• Granite Reef (last stop before the dam): You can paddle from Phon D Sutton to Granite Reef all year. You could also start at Granite Reef and paddle around if you only have one car. The parking lot is small; make sure you pull off the road or the sheriff will give you a ticket.

Getting back to your car: This is probably the most important thing to consider. If you park at the top and float down, plan how to get back.

• Uber: Not going to happen, sorry — cell service is spotty and it's unlikely one will come out to you.
• Hitch a ride: There's a good chance someone will lose or forget their keys, so you may need to rely on strangers.
• Plan for 2 cars: This is what you should plan for. Park one car at the end stop and one at the start. Keep your keys on your body or with the car!