Granite Reef Recreation Site

I just really love the river. I’ve lived in Mesa for 22 years (lol, okay so my entire life) & little spots like this remind me why I never want to leave. Grab a Tonto Pass, drive down to the river, & you’ll have fun one way or another.
In the summertime we like to load up the dogs & spend the afternoon swimming around. In the winter we’ll order some food to-​go & enjoy our meal at one of the concrete picnic tables scattered around the area. If you’re in to fishing, you can fish. If you’re in to drinking, drink! There’s not a whole lot to it. Just a nice spot to do whatever you enjoy doing, while taking in the beautiful scenery!
The water flows more heavily in some spots than others, so if you’re a weak swimmer, you may want to be cautious. Wear sunscreen. Drink water. PICK UP YOUR TRASH.

This riparian area is an outstanding terrestrial bird watching biome. Mallards, Great Blue Heron, Ring-​necked Duck but just a few of the177 species known to visit. Spectacular views of the Lower Salt River tributary and Red Mountain. In the distance Piestewa Peak to the West and Four Peaks to the East.
Fish Species are Rainbow Trout. Largemouth, Smallmouth and Yellow Bass. Crappie. Sunfish. Channel and Flathead Catfish. Walleye. Tilapia.
The Salt River is fed by numerous perennial streams that start as springs and seep along the Mogollon Rim and in the White Mountains. Water quality is much poorer this far down stream. Some of this 50 degree water makes it to Tempe Town Lake.
Much of the area is covered by cacti, in particular the familiar giant saguaro, but there are also dozens of smaller species like the Hedge Hog or Cholla. These cactus colonies merge with bushes all around. Plenty of tall trees next to the water provide a green treetop canopy over the site.
Hiking today was exceptionally beautiful with plenty to photograph.