Posted in Arizona On The Water, Summer May 24, 2023 by

7 Lazy Rivers In Arizona That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summer’s Day

Looking for things to do this summer in Arizona that are fun, relaxing, and family-friendly? If you’ve never given river tubing a try, make sure to put it on your summer to-do list! We’re going to take a look at a combination of natural and human-made lazy rivers in Arizona that are sure to provide hours of fun this summer. Don’t forget to hydrate well and slather on the sunscreen before embarking on your water trip!

1. Salt River, Mesa
Salt River Tubing/Facebook
We’re starting this list with naturally occurring lazy rivers with currents just fast enough to push you along the river’s banks. The Salt River in Arizona is one of, if not the, most popular river for tubing in the state and it’s easy to see why! You’ll get to float up to five hours through beautiful desert scenery while spotting wildlife and enjoying time out with friends and family.

Salt River, Arizona, USA
2. Verde River, Cottonwood
Sedona Adventure Tours/Facebook
If you prefer temperatures that are just a smidge cooler than the Phoenix area, then you’ll enjoy floating along the Verde River in Cottonwood Arizona. This adventure gives you roughly two hours of time on the water and you even get a paddle to help propel you along!
Verde River, Arizona, USA
3. Colorado River, Yuma
Vanessa C./Yelp
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to float down the Colorado River, you will love checking out Yuma River Tubing. You’ll get a chance to float up to 3.5 hours with your kids or pooch while checking out the local sites.
Colorado River, Colorado River
4. Golfland Sunsplash, Mesa
Golfland Sunsplash/Facebook
If instead you’re on the lookout for a lazy river that’s a little closer to home, the Endless River at Golfland Sunsplash in Mesa is a fun opportunity to splash around. Enjoy riding the 800-foot long river that winds through the water park to relax after checking out the wavepool and epic slides.
Golfland Sunsplash, 155 W Hampton Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210, USA
5. JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort, Tucson
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa/Facebook
If you prefer a staycation, then you’ll want to book a room at a local resort that has an incredible pool. The JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort has a beautiful lazy river that is perfect for a quieter, more relaxing stay. Plus, once you feel you’ve had enough sun, you can just head back to your hotel room.
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, 3800 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745, USA
6. Z Fun Factory and Waylon’s Water World, Yuma
Waylons Water World/Facebook
This lazy river in Arizona is a lengthy 850 feet that slowly curves through the park. It’s the perfect spot to relax between riding down all the slides.
Z Fun Factory, 4446 E County 10th St, Yuma, AZ 85365, USA
7. Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa/Facebook
Perhaps the longest human-made lazy river in the state, this resort in Arizona has an Adventure Water Park with a 900-foot long river! It’s the perfect spot to relax while enjoying the feeling of cold water rushing past you.
6902 E Greenway Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, USA

If you’re on the lookout for other ways to stay cool this summer, check out some of Arizona’s beautiful lakes! Read There’s Something Magical About These 14 Arizona Lakes In The Summer for some alluring suggestions!

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Lazy Rivers In Arizona

May 13, 2022
Tori Jane

Where are the Arizona resorts with lazy rivers?  

Arizona is home to lots of exciting and delightful resorts, many of which are homes to lazy rivers of their own. You can’t go wrong with any of them, really, though there are some that tend to stick out above the rest in terms of greatness. In Phoenix, check out the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak, which has a wonderful lazy river that guests adore. The resort would simply not be the same without it. The JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort is another great Arizona resort with a lazy river, and so is the Westin Kierland. Which resorts in Arizona are your favorites? Ours is any one with a good old lazy river!  

Where can I go tubing in Arizona?  

Looking to go tubing in Arizona this summer? Well, you’re in luck – there just so happens to be plenty of wonderful rivers in Arizona where you can go tubing. Most famously, there’s the annual tradition of tubing the Salt River, which is just east of Phoenix metro. That one is easily the single most popular thing to do outdoors in Arizona during summer. But it’s not the only one; we also love heading up to Cottonwood for Verde River Adventure Trips. Of course, if you don’t want to go out and about in nature to do your tubing in Arizona, check out the resorts listed in the first paragraph. There’s something for everyone around here!  

Where are all the best floats in Arizona?  

Oh, Arizona’s great outdoors! How do we love thee? Let us count the ways, all in the form of the best floats in Arizona. Obviously, there’s always the Salt River Tubing experience (which literally every local needs to do at least once), but then there are the less obvious options, like the Water Users Recreational Site at Tonto Basin, and should you go to Whiteriver, you’ll want to check out the Arizona Rafting by Wilderness Aware. It’s all the fun of the Salt River tubing but with far less crowding. Oh, and you can’t forget a visit to the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch, which is a favorite spot for tubing in Arizona every summer.