Granite Reef

Facility · Arizona ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Tonto National Forest (NF) · Open Access

1,314 ft
Elevation

Granite Reef picnicking site is the closest site to Mesa. Because of its proximity to a major city, Granite Reef is very popular. Sitting next to the Lower Salt River, Granite Reef offers the ability to launch non-motorized boats along with shoreline fishing. This riparian area is outstanding for bird watching for warblers, shore birds and spring and fall migratory fowl. Fishermen use this area year-round.

Getting there

This site is located 14 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 7 miles to the site. This is the first site next to the river coming from the west on Bush Highway. View and download a map.

33.51449, -111.68243 · 33°30'52.1"N 111°40'56.7"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in1.31.31.40.40.10.11.01.31.10.50.70.9

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Granite Reef

Can you reserve a site at Granite Reef?
No. Granite Reef is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Granite Reef

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.