Blue Point and Pebble Beach
This riparian area is outstanding for watching spring and fall migratory fowl. The area is ideal for a day of floating leisurely down the Salt River, with a large beach and mesquite grove that provides welcome shade. Cliffs run on the north side, which are good for birds that favor the rocky hillsides. Blue Point is a popular river-access point (RAP) for tubers floating the Lower Salt River.
There are 7 shade ramadas with picnic tables underneath them.
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Maricopa
Directions: Located 20 miles northeast of Mesa. From Mesa, travel 7 miles east on the Superstition Freeway (US 60) to Power Road/Bush Highway/Forest Road (FR) 204 and turn north. Follow Bush Highway for 15 miles to the site. The entire route is paved.
Latitude: 33.5561662
Longitude: -111.5779585
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: $6.00 Tonto NF Day pass, Discovery pass, or America The Beautiful pass
Habitats: Desert, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
This are is very busy in summer months. Grills, tables, trash, and pathways are all accessible.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Abert’s Towhee, Bridled Titmouse, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Canyon Wren, Costa’s Hummingbird, Gilded Flicker, Harris’s Hawk, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Lucy’s Warbler, Rufous-winged Sparrow, Sagebrush Sparrow
Charismatic: American Kestrel, Anna’s Hummingbird, Black-throated Sparrow, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Gambel’s Quail, Gila Woodpecker, Greater Roadrunner, Loggerhead Shrike, Phainopepla, Ruby-crowned Kinglet , Verdin, Vermilion Flycatcher, White-winged Dove
Contact Information
Tonto National Forest - Mesa Ranger District
US Forest Service
2324 E. McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Phone: 480-610-3300
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recarea/?recid=35405
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L836408
