Coon Bluff Recreation Area
Campground
2 mi
4.6 (1084)
Coon Bluff Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215
Relaxed, shady riverside park with mature mesquite trees, birdwatching & river access for tubers.
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomRestroom
RiverAZ
Pebble Beach
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Pebble Beach on Arizona's Lower Salt River with current parking pass options, paved access, picnic facilities, no-camping rules and river precautions.
Water type
River
Access
Informal
Fee
Forest Service page: $8 per vehicle/day for a pass purchased at a Tonto National Forest office or retail vendor; $12 per vehicle/day at the onsite fee machine. The fee machine requires debit or credit card. Confirm current pass eligibility before travel.
Best season
Check current river levels, weather and capacity notices before travel. The Forest Service identifies May-September as a commonly desirable higher-water period, not a safety guarantee
Nearby towns
Phoenix, Mesa
Water body
Salt River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Phoenix, Mesa
Recreation-area reference location
33.552669, -111.574027
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Recreation-area reference location
- The map uses a recreation-area reference coordinate from the manager, not a surveyed entrance, parking space or safe water-entry point. Follow current signs and confirm access before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
A Lower Salt River day-use stop near Mesa
Pebble Beach Day Use Area offers river access, picnic tables and shade ramadas in Tonto National Forest. The Forest Service site page lists swimming and non-motorized boating. This is the river recreation area, not North Pebble Beach Drive in Mesa. The map uses the official recreation-area reference rather than a surveyed water entry.
Choose the right parking pass
The current page lists $8 per vehicle per day when a pass is bought at a forest office or retail vendor, compared with $12 at the onsite fee machine. The machine requires debit or credit card. Check current pass eligibility and vendor availability before driving out; do not assume every pass substitutes for the required site admission.
Bring drinking water and a capacity backup
Vault toilets, picnic tables and shade ramadas are documented, but potable water is not available. Bring drinking water and all swimming or picnic supplies. Entry closes when the site is full, and trailers are prohibited. The signed approach follows Bush Highway to Forest Road 169, then about one mile to the site on a paved route. Do not park outside permitted areas to bypass a full entrance.
Plan tubing separately from a swim
The site is used as a tubing starting or take-out point, but that does not establish a particular float route, travel time, onsite rental or shuttle service. Arrange the legal take-out and transport before entering the river. Fallen trees and other debris can trap swimmers and floaters; current and depth are not assumed gentle, child-safe or suitable for non-swimmers.
Day use is not overnight camping
Overnight camping is prohibited here. Picnic groups spending a day beside the water do not change that rule. Arrange any overnight accommodation separately. Glass containers are prohibited on the Lower Salt River, dogs must be on leash, and fire restrictions apply to charcoal as well as other fires.
Getting There
Use the signed Pebble Beach Day Use Area on the Lower Salt River, not North Pebble Beach Drive in Mesa. The Forest Service approach follows Bush Highway/Forest Road 204 to Forest Road 169, then about one mile to the site. The route is paved. The map uses the official recreation-area reference, not a surveyed swimming entry. Park only where permitted; entry closes when the site is full.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Day use only. No trailers. Entry closes when the site is full. Advance/vendor passes and onsite machine passes have different published prices; check current requirements before arriving.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Pebble Beach Recreation Area
Public beach
2.3 mi
4.7 (1437)
Mesa, AZ 85215
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Usery Park Campground
Campground
5.2 mi
4.6 (172)
2701 N McGill Dr, Mesa, AZ 85207
Cacti dot this simple, serene campground featuring electricity, running water & scenic views.
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Mesa Ranger Station
Forestry office
9.5 mi
3.5 (71)
5140 E Ingram St #1, Mesa, AZ 85205
Restroom
Mesa Spirit RV Resort
RV park
13 mi
4.1 (709)
3020 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85213
Expansive, pet-friendly RV resort featuring a pool, BBQ areas, activities & shuffleboard courts.
Free Wi-Fi
Restroom
Public bathroom
15.2 mi
526 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85203
Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center
Visitor center
15.3 mi
4.9 (721)
455 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85203
Restroom
Orange Parking Lot
Parking lot
16 mi
4.4 (8)
Parking lot, 151 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85210
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Pebble Beach
How much does a Pebble Beach parking pass cost?
The Forest Service page lists $8 per vehicle/day for a pass bought at an office or retail vendor, or $12 at the onsite fee machine. Confirm current eligibility and availability before travel.
Can we camp overnight at Pebble Beach?
No. This is a day-use area, and overnight camping is prohibited.
Are toilets and drinking water available?
Vault toilets are listed, along with picnic tables and shade ramadas. Potable water is not available, so bring drinking water.
What happens when the parking area is full?
Entry closes when the site is full. Use another permitted destination rather than bypassing the closure or parking where prohibited.
Can we bring a trailer or glass containers?
Trailers are prohibited at the site, and glass containers are prohibited on the Lower Salt River.
Does river access include a tubing rental or shuttle?
No onsite rental or shuttle is established by the reviewed source. Plan the float route, permitted take-out and return transport separately.
Highlights
Lower Salt River swimming and non-motorized boating
Paved access with picnic tables and shade ramadas
Clear distinction between parking passes and overnight camping
Unique Features
River access used as a tubing starting or take-out point
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- The Forest Service warns that fallen trees and other river debris can trap swimmers and floaters
- Do not assume gentle current or consistently shallow water
- Avoid alcohol around the water, supervise children closely, and use appropriate flotation for river boating or tubing
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The Salt River has historically been a vital resource for Indigenous peoples and continues to play a role in Arizona’s water management and recreation.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
River and desert scenery from permitted day-use areas. The saved North Pebble Beach Drive match is a different location and supplies no verified river photographs.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Glass containers are prohibited on the Lower Salt River. Keep dogs on leash, follow fire restrictions including charcoal rules, and remove litter.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current river levels, weather and capacity notices before travel. The Forest Service identifies May-September as a commonly desirable higher-water period, not a safety guarantee.
Difficulty Level
Paved driving access does not establish accessible water entry. River banks, current and submerged obstacles require individual assessment; the site is not labeled suitable for non-swimmers or children.
Fee
Forest Service page: $8 per vehicle/day for a pass purchased at a Tonto National Forest office or retail vendor; $12 per vehicle/day at the onsite fee machine. The fee machine requires debit or credit card. Confirm current pass eligibility before travel.
Facilities
Bring your own drinking water. The reviewed site information does not establish changing rooms, tube rentals or a staffed swimming beach.
Activities
Conditions-dependent river swimming, non-motorized boating, picnicking and birding; tubing routes require a separate take-out and transport plan
Phone
480-610-3300
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Day use only; overnight camping is prohibited at Pebble Beach. Do not interpret picnic visitors spending the day here as permission to camp overnight. Book any overnight facility separately.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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