Gilbert’s Great Outdoors
From mountains to rivers, the city’s charms extend beyond its borders
By Jessica Dunham
With the rugged Superstition Wilderness sprawling 160,200 acres to the east of Gilbert and the San Tan Mountains ringing the town’s southern border, there’s no shortage of outdoor fun to be had. And you don’t have to be an expert cyclist or seasoned hiker to enjoy—the fresh-air offerings include stargazing, river float trips, educational outings, and more.
Water Play
The headwaters of the 200-mile Salt River start in northeastern Arizona, snaking their way to the Lower Salt River Recreation Area. Here, a calm 12-mile stretch meanders through a lush landscape of willows, cottonwoods, and mesquite trees.
Thanks to the river’s gentle flow, the area is popular for paddleboarding, kayaking, and tubing (Tonto National Forest pass required). Put-in points include Phon D Sutton and Raccoon Bluff, which hits peak water level during the summer when the flow from Stewart Mountain Dam is high. Other launch options, each with a parking lot, include Water Users, Blue Point Beach, and Goldfield. No matter where you put in, aim to take out your vessel at Granite Reef, the terminus of the 12-mile flow and a beautiful spot to soak up the sunset after a day on the river.
For a hassle-free excursion, sign up for a guide-led adventure with REI Co-Op where experienced paddlers shepherd you down the river on a half-day rafting tour or a full-day kayaking trip. Then there’s Salt River Tubing, which sets up floaters with tube rentals and a shuttle to and from the river.
Need gear? Desert Paddleboards and Canyon Paddle Co. rent paddleboards, paddles, and life jackets and hosts group outings in the summer like the monthly full-moon paddle.
Land Rovers
To the south of Gilbert, towering saguaros and delicate ocotillos stud the slopes of the San Tan Mountains. Roam this desert oasis at San Tan Mountain Regional Park, a 10,000+-acre spread of hiking and biking trails.
Lace up your boots for the challenging San Tan Trail, a 6.4-mile route that serves up stunning mountain views. A family-friendly, all-ages hike can be found along the shorter, easier Moonlight Trail. And for something with a learning component, try the park’s ranger-led walks: “Wildflowers and Butterflies” or “The Beginner’s Guide to Connecting with Nature.”
Two-wheeled explorers can get a little dirt under their tires on a mountain bike trek. Join the park’s mid-week Over the Hump Ride to tackle moderate climbs, downhill descents, and technical turns. All the park’s trails are multi-use, but a favorite of cyclists is the Malpais Hills Trail with its scenic natural landmarks. New to the sport? Santan Shredders has classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, plus group rides and bike rentals. For a special treat, sign up for their Full Moon Ride and experience the desert in a whole new light.
Celestial Sights
Situated on the outskirts of the metropolitan area far from the glittering glow of the city, San Tan Mountain Regional Park also provides prime stargazing. Though you can certainly view the starry night on your own, the park’s sky-viewing program outfits you with a telescope and an astronomer ready to share insights on the moon, star clusters, and galaxies far, far away.
More dark skies await at Lost Dutchman State Park in the Superstition Mountains. Make it an overnight excursion by booking one of the park’s cozy cabins.
Where the wild things are
As you drift down the Lower Salt River, keep your eyes open for the wild mustang horses that call this region home. There are roughly 400 living in the 20,000 acres of Forest Service land surrounding the river; you’ll usually spot them at dawn or dusk wading in the river’s shallow waters. More native wildlife in the area includes:
- Birds, such as bald eagles, warblers, swallows, and owls
- Bighorn sheep
- Javelinas
- Coyotes
- Gila monsters
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