Bicycling Road Trips:
Salt River Loop

The Salt River Loop offers a beautiful riverway route along the Lower Salt River. The area is a part of the Tonto National Forest and offers several shady shoreline picnic areas for frequent stops.

To access the route from Fountain Hills follow Shea Boulevard to the Beeline Highway (State Route 87). At the stoplight, turn left. The highway passes through the Fort McDowell Indian Reservation. Cross the Verde River and follow 87 for several miles until the Highway is intersected by the Bush Highway. At the Bush Highway turn right. Follow the picturesque Bush Highway as it drops down to the Salt River Valley. The first attraction is Saguaro Lake with its beach front picnic area floating public docks. Beyond the lake is the Salt River Recreation Area. This area is popular for inner tubing provided by Salt River Tubing and Recreation.

Bush Highway twists and turns for several miles and then crosses the Salt River as the river curves north. Beyond the Salt River the route approaches Usery Mountain Road. Continue through the intersection and follow Bush Highway further as it passes along the river on the right side of the road. One shady stop worth considering is Granite Reef Picnic Area, a cool spot with easy access to the river for a quick swim.

The route leaves the Salt River Recreation Area as it enters the City of Mesa and the Community of Red Mountain Ranch. Bush Highway becomes Power Road in Mesa. Follow Power to McDowell Road and turn right. Follow McDowell to Gilbert Road and turn right. Gilbert ends at the Beeline Highway. Turn right here and follow the route back to Fountain Hills.

Bush Highway as it descends to the Salt River Valley and Saguaro Lake.

Salt River just below Stuart Mountain Dam

Back side of Red Mountain. Salt River in foreground.

Bush Highway passes by Red Mountain.

Granite Reef Picnic Area.

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