Water User's (Bus Stop #1)

Water Users, also known as Bus Stop #1 to the Salt River Recreation tubing company is a very large parking area controlled by the Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District. Sometimes closed by locked gates in the winter, throughout the warmer months it is open to all. Be aware, a Tonto Pass is required to park here or else the fines can be steep. In the summer months (between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day), particularly on the weekends, this parking lot can be VERY crowded because the summer tubing season is in full swing. Those holiday weekends in particular can see upwards on 10,000 people by late afternoon. If going on a potentially busy summer day, it's best to launch here early in the morning before the crowds arrive and make sure vehicles are moved further down river. As with several other parking areas on this run, restrooms (pit toilets) are available.