A Weekend Escape to Salt River Getaway
A journey
to remember
The distance between dreams and reality is called action.
—Brian Tracy
In the fall of 2019, I met Audrey Lee for lunch. We had just met at one of my favorite stand-up paddle events, nicknamed "Bridge and Back," through Karen Marvin. In the quick hour we spent together, I learned that we both had a background in movement, loved to SUP, loved to travel, and were determined to make it all work together. We made a promise to keep checking in and encouraging one another. When the idea of the Salt River Getaway came to me, the first person I told and asked for help was Audrey. With Audrey's experience in plant-based nutrition and love of SUP, I knew she would be the perfect person to help me make this dream a reality.
I hoped to create a quick weekend getaway. A new experience for people to Stand Up Paddle the Lower Salt River in AZ. A place I grew up tubing as a young adult. A secret paradise in the desert. I envisioned a carefree weekend with meals and equipment provided. A no worries, kick back, and enjoy the ride kind of experience. Making new connections; to nature and other paddlers.
Everyone arrived on Friday afternoon in Apache Junction, AZ, and was greeted by breathtaking views of the Superstition Mountains in our backyard. The Airbnb, located on 1.25 acres with a pool, jacuzzi, fire pit, and BBQ, didn’t disappoint. There was a large kitchen for Audrey to make her magic happen and plenty of space to relax. I provided a Sun Bum 30 Zinc Chapstick in each room, a Riverbound hat, one Liquid IV pack for hydration, and a cleaning tablet for all participants. After a quick snack and hellos, Aaron Atkins, who I asked to provide transportation for this adventure, drove us all to the top of the Lower Salt River. I wanted to ensure everyone was as familiar with the river as possible before we launched the following day.
Our first stop was Water Users, where we would be launching. There are a few places to enter the river, which can get crowded, mainly because the tubing is opening for the season. Next, we stopped at Pebble Beach to see where we all would gather after paddling through Pinball Alley. Water safety is important to me, and the river has been running wild the past few weeks with all the rain. I wanted everyone to be as comfortable and informed as possible. If, for some reason, someone missed the meetup spot, there was a second option. This is the one spot where we could lose equipment or boards, so it's best to know all the places to gather. The last stop we made was Granite Dam, which marked the end of the approximately 13-mile journey we all would experience the next day.
We returned to the house to the intoxicating smell of a plant-based dinner created by CHEF Audrey of Baked Veggies with a citrus garlic glaze. After peach and coconut sorbet, we gathered in the living room to review the map of the river, answer any last minute questions and to discuss the schedule. The temperature was predicted to be 95 degrees the next day, so I asked everyone to be ready to load up bright and early at 6am. We called it a night and headed to bed.
In April, the sun rises in Arizona at 5:30am. It gets HOT fast. Audrey prepared a light breakfast of oatmeal, fruit, juice, and coffee for the coffee drinkers. We loaded up in the van, covered in Sun Bum 70 sunscreen, Sun Bum 30 zinc Chapstick, and filled water packs, ready to paddle down the river. That's where Robert Haanio and Riverbound Sports come in to complete the carefree part of this experience. I wanted to provide the opportunity to relax and not sweat the small stuff. Riverbound Sports provided all the inflatable paddleboards, one inflatable kayak, paddles, and life jackets (when paddling the river, it is unsafe to use a leash). Robert and I became certified paddleboard instructors together in 2020, and he currently leads tours down the river and nearby lakes. His local knowledge of the Salt River made this adventure even better. He did not disappoint.
Prior to our launch, Robert conducted a thorough review of water safety measures for the river. He provided instructions on how to float feet-first in case one gets separated from their board, how to communicate the direction of the river, and stressed the importance of keeping the board's nose pointed forward. Robert also identified the perfect spot to stop and admire Pinball Alley, which helped boost everyone's confidence in paddling through this challenging part of the river. Thanks to this meticulous planning, our experience was enjoyable and unfortunately ended too soon.
Shortly after an area nicknamed Mud Cliffs, we stopped to enjoy lunch consisting of veggie hummus wraps and fruit. While we feasted, we were greeted by the wild horses that are known to roam the river banks.
By this time, the sun was getting intense, so we added another layer of SunBum 70 sunscreen and headed out to find more free-standing waves. We were pleasantly surprised to find the perfect spot just after Phon D, where the Verde river lets into the Salt. With the high level of water, there was the perfect free-standing wave where everyone took turns trying to SUP surf, including Mike, who surfed his kayak. From here it’s a pretty relaxed and mellow paddle. The river was moving quickly that day so we didn’t really have to paddle but just float and enjoy the scenery. Karrie and Mike were even greeted by a special friend at the dam.
Picture courtesy of Karrie
We returned to the house for Smoothie hour, something we all needed after 6 hours in the Arizona sun. For the evening, I planned for everyone to relax, enjoy the pool and jacuzzi, and eat at a local restaurant. Three guests took the opportunity to have some Bodywork done provided by Lizzy House. For more information on Bodywork, click here.
How do I follow up a perfect day paddling down river, a paddle and hike at Canyon Lake. We loaded up with another great breakfast, the boards, some electric pumps and man power, and launched from Boulder Recreation. The drive to Canyon Lake is one of my favorites. Grateful we chose to get up early and out on the water we first paddled around the marina so everyone could get a good view of the lake. Audrey, James and I were lucky to see the eagle that roams the canyon as well as a momma duck protecting her eggs.
We turned and proceeded up the creek. At the end of the creek, we were able to pull the boards out of the water in order to hike back a little further. Again with all the rain, there was a good stream of water coming down the rocks, something I had never seen. I wanted everyone to experience something new and even got my wish.
We returned to the wonderful house for one last jump in the pool, shower, and coffee for the road. A few of us had some extra time, and I was able to share one of my favorite places for breakfast, TC Eggington’s, a place I’ve gone to with my father since I was a kid. We exchanged our Instagram handles, air-dropped the pics and videos, and went on our way.
When I created this weekend getaway, it was a way to show people this hidden gem in AZ and, most importantly, to paddle. A relaxing, carefree getaway that you could look forward to doing again. I'm already working on plans for two Salt River Events in 2024 as well as Stand Up Paddleboard and Pilates in Prescott this fall. Make sure you're signed up for my Newsletter to get more details!
