Back to AllAt Clean Currents 2026 (September 21-25) in Phoenix, Arizona, the attendee experience extends far beyond the conference center walls.
This year, attendees have a wealth of experiences designed to bring members of the water power industry together in settings that encourage conversation, collaboration, and camaraderie.
Whether you’re looking to take part in a golf event, explore a mountain by bike, or raft an Arizona river, these shared activities provide an informal backdrop for making new connections and strengthening existing ones. By stepping out of the traditional conference environment, participants have the chance to build relationships that last well beyond the event itself.
From rafting and yoga to exploring botanical gardens and a hydropower project, each event offers a unique way to interact with peers while enjoying the culture and character of Phoenix.
Use the following links to quickly navigate to the “attendee experience” that captures your attention:
- 6th Annual “Tour de NHA” Bike Outing
- In-the-Field Technical Tour: Stewart Mountain Dam
- Golf: The Clean Currents Invitational
- NHA Sunrise Yoga
- FishSafe Runners 5k
- Hydro Hounds Puppy Lounge
- Rafting on the Lower Salt River
- Guided Tour of Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Gardens
Downtown Phoenix, Arizona, at night. (Photo Credit – Alan Stark / Wikimedia)
6th Annual “Tour de NHA” Bike Outing
Time: 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Cost: Free to participate, but must pay for bike rental
Date: September 21, 2026
Join others from the water power industry on a bike ride just before Clean Currents 2026 gets underway. It’s a great way to get to know your peers and deepen existing friendships.
Circle the McDowell Mountains on this scenic 50.4-mile loop through Scottsdale and Fountain Hills. The route climbs through open desert on Dynamite Boulevard before winding along Forest Road and McDowell Mountain Road, with sweeping desert views the whole way.
Two refuel stops: around mile 12 (last chance before 20 miles of open desert) and near mile 33. Expect a solid climb early on, a fun descent through Fountain Hills, and rolling terrain on the return leg through Via Linda and Cactus Road. With about 2,878 feet of climbing, it’s a great distance ride for serious bikers for building endurance while soaking in some of the best desert scenery the Valley has to offer.
The route can also accommodate shorter “out-and-back” rides for the less intrepid. The path is two ways, so if you prefer to go a shorter distance, that is a possibility as long as you start and end at the same spot with your rental bike. We will start at Bell 94 Sports Complex.
Click here to view the whole route.
Registration Information
Sign up to ride (free to join but bike rental not included) when you register for Clean Currents. If you have already registered, instructions on how to update your registration can be found HERE.)
To rent a bike, contact Jon ([email protected])and team at Cliff Creek Outfitters and mention you are with National Hydropower Association (NHA). This will ensure your bike gets delivered to the starting spot on Monday.
Please reserve your bike by Saturday 9/19 at the latest. Bike reservations made on Sunday 9/20 will not be delivered on Monday in time for the ride.
Click HERE to learn more.
In-the-Field Technical Tour: Stewart Mountain Dam
Time: 1st bus leaves at 7:00 AM and returns at 10:00 AM / 2nd bus leaves at 7:45 AM and returns at 10:45 AM
Cost: $65.00
Date: September 21, 2026
This technical tour provides a unique opportunity for attendees to see the Stewart Mountain Dam, where they’ll learn more about water management and hydropower production along the Salt and Verde Rivers.
The 13MW Stewart Mountain Dam features a 105-foot-high concrete arch dam, and the dam, along with five others, was constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation in the early 1900’s as a means of providing water in the valley for farming; Salt River Project (SRP) currently operates the project.
Stewart Mountain Dam recently underwent major stability rehabilitation, including a hydrologic and seismic upgrade using post-tensioned anchors. Participants on this tour will follow a designated route from the top of the dam through the powerhouse, featuring displays and information content; SRP staff and partners from Schnabel Engineering and Stantec will be positioned along the route.
Click HERE to learn more.
Stewart Mountain Dam (Photo Credit – Bureau of Reclamation)
Golf: The Clean Currents Invitational
Time: 7:15 AM – 4:30 PM
Cost: Currently sold out, but email Alex Clune ([email protected]) to join the waitlist
Date: September 21, 2026
Tee off the week of Clean Currents 2026 with a premier golf experience and join water power leaders and industry peers for a day of golf set against the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape.
The ‘Invitational’ takes place at We-ko-pa, which is home to two award-winning golf courses set in the untouched desert outside of Scottsdale, Arizona. With no homes, roads, businesses or development of any kind, at We-Ko-Pa, it’s just you, your ball, and the sights and sounds of nature.
Click HERE to learn more.
Hole #15 at the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Saguaro course, Fort McDowell, Arizona. (Photo Credit – Bernard Gagnon)
NHA Sunrise Yoga
Time: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Cost: Free
Day: September 23, 2026
Recharge mid-week with an energizing sunrise yoga session. Designed for all skill levels, the session offers modifications and options so everyone can participate comfortably.
This event provides a break from the conference, helping you refocus and start your day with clarity.
Just bring comfortable clothing and a willingness to stretch.
Click HERE to learn more.
The sun rises over the Arizona desert. (Photo credit – Ray Redstone)
FishSafe Runners 5k
Time: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Cost: Free
Day: September 24, 2026
Join Natel’s FishSafe Runners group for a casual, unsupported 5k through beautiful Phoenix. Starting and finishing at the convention center, the group will run at a moderate pace of approximately 10+ minutes per mile. If interest allows, then the group may split into two groups to accommodate both faster and more relaxed paces.
For 2026, Natel is giving away limited-edition FishSafe™ shirts, which are free, casual run shirts for the first 30 Clean Currents’ registrants to complete this form!
The shirts are available for pick up at Natel Energy’s Booth #1628 on the exhibit floor.
Questions about the run? Contact [email protected]
If you plan to attend, please sign up at registration. If you’ve already registered, then instructions on how to update your registration can be found HERE.
Hydro Hounds Puppy Lounge
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM on September 23 and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM on September 24
Cost: Free
Day: Wednesday and Thursday
Take a break in CC Central to and play with the Hydro Hounds! Arizona Humane Society will be bringing some of their best pups for Clean Currents attendees to play with.
Adorable puppies that MAY be in attendance at Clean Currents. (Photo Credit – Arizona Human Society)
Rafting on the Lower Salt River
Time: 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Cost: $160
Day: September 25, 2026
Join others from the water power community on a short, guided rafting trip down the Lower Salt River, and wrap up your week with a unique experience!
Nestled on the lower banks of the Salt River, in the shadow of the Bulldog Cliffs, Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch invites attendees to unwind and rewind to a simpler time, featuring panoramic views of a wilderness made famous by the writings of Zane Grey, author of Riders of the Purple Sage.
Transportation from the convention center to the rafting location and back is provided, but attendees should wear clothing and sandals that can get wet.
Click HERE to learn more.
Group rafts the Salt River in Arizona. (Photo Credit – Salt River Rafting)
Guided Tour of Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Gardens
Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Cost: $60
Day: September 25, 2026
Take a guided tour with an experienced docent of Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden before Clean Currents 2026 officially wraps.
The Desert Botanical Garden offers some of the world’s finest collection of arid plants from deserts of the world in a unique outdoor setting. The Garden has more than 50,000 desert plants on display throughout five thematic trails that illustrate topics such as conservation, desert living, plants and people of the Sonoran Desert, and desert wildflowers.
You’ll explore the gardens and participate in hands-on learning opportunities. Please wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, and closed toe shoes.
Click HERE to learn more.
The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo Credit – Vlitvinov / Wikimedia)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about NHA’s Clean Currents, click HERE.
