Granite Reef picnicking site is the closest site to Mesa. Because of its proximity to a major city, Granite Reef is very popular. Sitting next to the Lower Salt River, Granite Reef offers the ability to launch non-motorized boats along with shoreline fishing. This riparian area is outstanding for bird watching for warblers, shore birds, and spring and fall migratory fowl. Anglers use this area year-round.

Arizona's iconic Salt River has been a source of innovation and recreation for Greater Phoenix residents area for thousands of years. The 200-mile river provides much of the water supply for Greater Phoenix, thanks to canals, pipelines, and reservoirs; the latter of which creates many of the nearby lakes that visitors enjoy: Saguaro, Canyon, Apache, and Roosevelt lakes all act as reservoirs for the Salt River. 

The best-known segment of the river (formally the Lower Salt River) is located about 40 minutes from downtown Phoenix in Mesa, where visitors and locals go mainly for two reasons: tubing and wild horses. 

Because the Lower Salt River is located in the Tonto National Forest, you will need to purchase a recreational day pass to explore the area. Passes can be purchased at multiple stores and gas stations throughout Greater Phoenix, as well as directly on-site.