Coon Bluff: Your Guide to Hiking, Fishing, and Spotting Salt River Wild Horses

Mesa's most cinematic stretch of the Lower Salt River, where wild horses wade through water, saguaros line the canyon walls, and some of the best riverside hiking in Tonto National Forest is right at your feet.

Location:
Coon Bluff Recreation Area, Tonto National Forest, Mesa, Arizona

Trail Options:
Riverside paths and sandy washes; no formal maintained trail loop

Difficulty:
Easy

Estimated Time:
1 to 3 hours depending on how far you wander

Best Use:
Wild horse viewing, fishing, picnicking, photography, casual hiking

Dogs Allowed:
Yes, on leash

Pass Required:
Tonto National Forest Pass required

Facilities:
Picnic tables, ramadas, vault toilets, river access

Trail Overview

There's a reason Coon Bluff sits at the top of Visit Mesa's wild horse viewing list. This recreation area along the Lower Salt River in Tonto National Forest is consistently the most reliable spot in the region to catch Arizona's iconic wild horses in their element: trekking into the river to drink and cool off and grazing along the grassy banks.

The Salt River wild horses have called this stretch of Tonto National Forest home for generations. Their lineage traces back centuries, to the Akimel O'odham people who maintained villages along these same riverbanks and received horses from Spanish traders during the colonial period.

Beyond the horses, Coon Bluff delivers an easy outdoor hiking experience near Mesa. The terrain is relaxed and flat but the scenery is anything but ordinary. Saguaros frame the water on both sides, red rock bluffs rise in the distance, cottonwood trees line the banks in warmer months, and the river itself draws an extraordinary variety of wildlife. Great blue herons, bald eagles, roadrunners, mule deer, and the occasional bighorn sheep all frequent this corridor. The area is also a popular fishing and picnicking destination, with ramadas and river access that make it an ideal base for a full day outdoors.

Wild Horse Viewing: What to Know

The horses are wild, and their behavior is unpredictable. The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group asks all visitors to maintain a minimum 50-foot distance from the animals at all times. Do not approach, feed, or attempt to touch the horses. Do not position yourself between a band and the water, as horses approaching to drink can move quickly and unexpectedly. If a horse pins its ears back or faces you directly, increase your distance immediately.

Insider Tips

Sunrise is gold.
The hour after first light at Coon Bluff is consistently the best window for wild horse activity and the most spectacular photography conditions.

Scan the opposite bank.
Horses frequently emerge from brush on the far side of the river first. Binoculars or a long lens will help you spot them before they cross.

The Tonto Pass ($8 per vehicle per day) is required for parking.
Purchase it online, at nearby convenience stores, or through the Tonto National Forest website before you arrive to avoid scrambling at the trailhead.

No glass containers are permitted at the river.
Leave glass bottles at home, it's a Tonto National Forest rule and a safety requirement for everyone sharing the space.

Pack in, pack out.
Coon Bluff has vault restrooms but no trash service. Leave No Trace principles apply, especially in a wildlife corridor this sensitive.

River levels fluctuate seasonally.
After heavy monsoon rains, the Salt River can run fast and high. Check conditions before visiting and avoid wading when flows are elevated.

Best Photo Spots

The Main Riverbank at Dawn:
Position yourself low near the water's edge as first light hits the river. The warm tones of a desert sunrise behind the horses crossing the Salt River is one of the most photogenic scenes in the Valley.

The Bluff Overlook:
A short walk up the bluffs above the recreation area reveals a wide-angle view of the river corridor, saguaro-studded desert, and the Salt River basin stretching toward the Superstitions.

Reflection Shots:
On calm mornings when the river runs clear and slow, the reflection of the canyon walls and saguaros in still pools creates mirror images worth stopping for.

When to Go

Coon Bluff is worth visiting year-round, but the experience shifts dramatically by season. Fall and spring (October through May) offer the most comfortable temperatures for extended outdoor time. Spring wildflowers brighten the desert approach from February through April in wet years.

Summer visits are absolutely possible and uniquely rewarding — this is when horses are most reliably seen cooling off in the water — but require a strict early-morning start. Arrive at or before sunrise to avoid dangerous midday heat.

What to Bring

1 to 2 liters of water per person minimum (more in summer)
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Closed-toe shoes. The riverbank and washes involve uneven, rocky terrain
Binoculars or telephoto lens for horse and wildlife viewing
Tonto Pass (purchase in advance)
Snacks and a packed lunch (there are no vendors on site)
Trash bag for leave-no-trace cleanup
No glass containers

Getting There

Coon Bluff Recreation Area is located along Bush Highway (State Route 87) in Tonto National Forest, northeast of Mesa. The drive from downtown Mesa takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

Parking is available within the recreation area. A Tonto Pass ($8 per vehicle per day) or America the Beautiful Pass is required and must be displayed. Passes are available at more than 200 locations in the Mesa area, at nearby convenience stores, online through the Tonto National Forest website, or by mail.

FAQ

Is Coon Bluff the best place to see the Salt River wild horses?

Coon Bluff along the river banks is one of the top-recommended locations for wild horse viewing. Other Tonto National Forest recreation sites — including Granite Reef, Phon D Sutton, Water Users, Goldfield, and Pebble Beach — also offer sighting opportunities.

What time of day is best for seeing the wild horses?

Before sunrise and after sunset tend to produce the best sightings. The horses are most active near the water in the cooler hours of the morning and evening.

How close can I get to the wild horses?

Visitors should maintain a minimum of 50 feet from the horses at all times. Do not approach, feed, or attempt to touch the animals.

Do I need a pass to park at Coon Bluff?

Yes. A Tonto Pass National Forest Pass or America the Beautiful annual pass is required for parking at all Tonto National Forest recreation sites along the Salt River, including Coon Bluff.

Can I bring my dog to Coon Bluff?

Yes, dogs are welcome on leash. Keep dogs close and under firm control around the wild horses — the presence of dogs can agitate a band. Bring extra water for your pet, and avoid visiting during midday heat in summer when ground surfaces can cause burns to paws.