Salt River Rafting Trips in Arizona | AVA Rafting
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Flowing through the deserts of central Arizona, the Salt River is a true wilderness escape. It’s easy to see how the Salt earned its moniker of the “Little Grand Canyon”. Steep, rock, canyon walls soar over 2000 feet above the river as your raft crashes through Class III and IV rapids. During the mellow sections, you’ll find yourself captivated by the surrounding scenery, the diverse plants and animals, and the soothing sound of the river.

 

 

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Fast Facts about the Salt River

  • Location: Whitewater, Arizona
  • Closest City: Phoenix, AZ about 2+ hours
  • Best time to raft: March – April
  • Ages: 8 years old and up
  • Duration: Full day
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Rafting on the Salt River

Raft the Little Grand Canyon

The Salt River of Arizona is nestled amongst steep canyon walls reaching 2,000 feet above the river, which is exactly how this river received its "Little Grand Canyon" nickname. With sections of mellow whitewater flowing in to Class III and IV rapids, Salt River rafting trips are sure to give you memories to last a lifetime.

Getting Here

Our Salt River rafting trips take off in central Arizona in the town of Whiteriver. The trip meets at the Mild to Wild Salt River Outpost near Globe, AZ. The Outpost is off AZ-77 near mile marker 293 in the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation.

What to wear

When you embark on your rafting trip it is best to wear quick drying materials. We do not recommend wearing cotton because it will take to long to dry. You can wear a swimsuit for under a wetsuit or splash jacket. The best shoes to wear are tennis shoes with wool or water proof socks. Do not wear crocs or flip flops because your shoes need to be secured to your feet.

What to bring

When going on your rafting trip we recommend packing lightly but it is great to have sunscreen, water bottle, and sunglasses with croakies so they don't fall off. You can also bring a dry change of clothes for after your rafting trip.

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Frequent Questions about the Salt River

  • When can I raft of the Salt River

    The Salt River in Arizona has an earlier season then the rivers in Colorado. The best time to raft is between March and May each year. Water levels can change from year to year, so make you double check based on the time you decide to go rafting.

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MORE INFORMATION

SALT RIVER WHITE WATER RAFTING DETAILS:

  • Full Day Salt River Trip includes lunch- Minimum age 12
  • Rafting equipment (wetsuits, splash jackets, booties) provided

SALT RIVER RAFTING 

You’ll find it hard to end this amazing river trip. This is your chance to turn off the cell phone, forget the laptop, and truly immerse yourself in nature. You’ll pass through a range of unique environments as the river meanders down from the start of the canyon and gradually opens into the Lower Sonoran Desert.

SALT RIVER FULL DAY 

You’ll charge through exhilarating Class III whitewater as 2,000-foot rock canyon walls rise up to either side and provide an incredible backdrop to rapids like Baptism, Kiss and Tell, and Mother Rock. Keep an eye out for the endangered Southern Bald Eagles that nest at the top of the limestone cliffs. A hot, grilled steak lunch caps off this perfect day in the wilderness.

MORE NEARBY 

In addition to Arizona rafting, the Salt offers a variety of side excursions. Hikes in narrow side canyons and swimming beneath serene waterfalls are just the start. Explore ancient cliff dwellings. Look for the endangered Desert Bald Eagles as you pass through their nature preserve. Admire the sacred Salt Banks. Feast on the delicious riverside meals prepared by your guides. Most of all, just relax and feel your cares slowly drift away. By the end of your trip, you’ll be ready to return home fully refreshed.

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Trips on the Salt River