Pebble Beach
Swimming hole in Phoenix, Arizona · River
Pebble Beach is a river swimming hole. It is near Phoenix, Arizona. Fee notes: $6 per vehicle in 2013. Best season: Summer (May to September) for warm water temperatures.
Typical season: Summer (May to September) for warm water temperatures
About Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is a River swimming destination near Phoenix in Arizona. The setting stays informal and low-key.
Here, the river rolls over a broad, pebble-covered riverbed, its waters running clear and cool against a backdrop of saguaro-studded hillsides and cottonwood groves.
It's the kind of place that feels like a reward. A genuine desert oasis that reminds you just how extraordinary Arizona can be when water meets wilderness. The moment you step out of your vehicle, the Sonoran Desert announces itself in full. Towering saguaros line the ridgelines, creosote and brittlebush hug the sandy banks, and if you visit in spring, the hillsides can blush with wildflowers in shades of yellow and orange. The Salt River moves with steady purpose here, its current gentle enough for families but lively enough to feel alive. Smooth, rounded pebbles carpet the riverbed underfoot, giving the site its name and providing a firm, clean surface that's easy to wade across. Red and tan canyon walls frame the scene in the distance, and the sky above opens up wide. The kind of wide that only the desert Southwest can offer.
Swim at your own risk at Pebble Beach. Check conditions after rain and respect any posted closures.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- River
- Water body
- Salt River
- Fee
- $6 per vehicle in 2013
- Nearest town
- Phoenix
- State
- Arizona
- Coordinates
- 33.55277, -111.61230
- Best season
- Summer (May to September) for warm water temperatures; spring for desert wildflowers; autumn for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
- Access difficulty
- Easy access via paved roads; suitable for families and all skill levels.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- Camping at 2 N.F. Campgrounds just west of here off N. Bush Hwy.
- Land manager
- U.S. Forest Service
- Activities
- Tubing (nearby outfitters rent tubes), swimming, picnicking
- Facilities
- Picnic tables and toilets are available onsite, with nearby outfitters renting tubes for river activities.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Summer (May to September) for warm water temperatures; spring for desert wildflowers; autumn for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
- Access Easy access via paved roads; suitable for families and all skill levels.
- Facilities Picnic tables and toilets are available onsite, with nearby outfitters renting tubes for river activities.
- Camping nearby Camping at 2 N.F. Campgrounds just west of here off N. Bush Hwy.
Highlights & features
- Salt River swimming and tubing
- Picnic tables and family-friendly amenities
- Diverse desert wildlife and flora
- Accessible paved route from Mesa
- Camping nearby in Tonto National Forest
- Pebble-covered riverbed with clear waters
- Tubing opportunities
- Striking desert landscape
How to get there
Pebble Beach lies in Arizona near Phoenix, Mesa. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
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Starting Point: Mesa, AZ
Begin by heading east on the Superstition Freeway (US 60) for about 7 miles.
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Take the exit for Power Road/Bush Highway/Forest Road (FR) 204 and turn left (north).
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Landmark
Power Road transitions into Bush Highway as you continue north. Follow Bush Highway for about 13 miles.
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Landmark
Along the way, you'll pass the Salt River Recreation Area and several scenic viewpoints. Turn left onto Forest Road (FR) 169.
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Landmark
Look for signage indicating FR 169; this turn is easy to miss, so keep an eye out. Continue on FR 169 for 1 mile until you reach the Pebble Beach site.
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Additional Details
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Parking
There is a designated parking area near the site. Be sure to park in marked spaces and avoid blocking access roads. Trailhead Access: From the parking area, the . The path is well-defined and easy to follow. Road Conditions: The entire route is paved, making it accessible for all vehicle types. Have a safe visit to Pebble Beach! Be sure to pack out all trash and respect the natural environment.
Plan your visit
Pebble Beach works well as a day trip from Phoenix or Mesa. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Cave Creek or browse more Arizona river spots in our directory. For the full list in Arizona, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is via paved roads suitable for all vehicles. A parking fee was historically $6 per vehicle (as of 2013); verify current rates with the Tonto National Forest. This is an unofficial site with no lifeguards. Facilities are limited to picnic tables and toilets.
Top picks for this trip
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
A do-everything bottle that holds ice through a full hot day at the water.
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Willit Rashguard Swim Shirt UPF 50+
The best all-around sun shirt for swimming holes — light enough to swim in, dry enough to hike out in.
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What to pack for Pebble Beach
Gear we compare side by side for river swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Pebble Beach?
Yes. Pebble Beach near Phoenix and Mesa in AZ is a beach swimming spot on Salt River. Check local flags, currents, and lifeguard status before entering the water.
How much does Pebble Beach cost?
Plan for fees: $6 per vehicle in 2013. Rates and policies change — verify with the land manager before you drive.
How do you get to Pebble Beach?
Pebble Beach is in AZ within day-trip range of Phoenix and Mesa. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
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Map & location
Culture & history
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.
Conservation
Visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the delicate desert ecosystem and ensure the area remains unspoiled.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.