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Basics
- Location:
- Fort Apache Indian Reservation, Tonto National Forest
- River:
- Salt
- Class:
- Class II - IV; primarily III
- River Length
- 51.9 miles
- Time:
- 3-5 days for a full raft; shorter runs possible
- Season:
- Late February to May
Description
The Upper Salt River runs from US Highway 60 through State Highway 288, a length that sounds far more bland than it is. This river is nearly 52 miles of dramatic and largely untouched scenery, and the rapids are truly wild. Small waterfalls are plentiful, making the ride that much rougher, but if you're experienced, these drops should prove exciting, but not too scary.
Most of the river is Class III with occasional, milder Class II sections and trickier Class IV stretches. When the river is quieter, watch the rugged mountains and cacti of the Sonoran Desert drift past and keep an eye out for wildlife. From the 41.3 mile mark to the 42.3 mile mark is a nesting area for bald eagles, but you can see these birds and other raptors at other points along the river. Mountain lions, coyotes, and other animals are also worth looking for.
Because of the river's untouched beauty and because it can only be rafted a brief time (and because Arizona has few rafting rivers), the Upper Salt can be crowded. The ride, however, is always well worth it.
Rafting
Tour Companies
Salt River Rafting
- Upper Salt River
- Kayaking, Rafting
- 800-425-5253
Salt River Rafting specializes in guided whitewater river rafting trips in the spectacular 2000' deep Salt River Canyon of Arizona just hours from Phoenix and Tucson. Arizona's Salt River is the only commercially run raft trip in the Sonoran Desert. Class III & IV rafting trip options are available. Partial, full-day camping and multi-day raft adventures are available March - May. Mild to Wild Rafting
- Salt River and Verde River
- Kayaking, Rafting
- 800-567-6745
We offer great rafting tours on the Salt River and Verde River in Arizona. The Upper Salt River Canyon, known as the mini-grand canyon, is located just 2 hours from East Phoenix and North Tucson. The Verde River is conveniently located close to Sedona and is Arizona's only Federally designated "Wild and Scenic" river.Wilderness Aware Rafting
- Upper Salt River
- Kayaking, Rafting
- 800-462-7238
The Salt River offers an outstanding recreational opportunity with it's many world class rapids and stunning biological diversity. The Salt River Canyon is truly one of the southwest's hidden treasures, host to a vast quantity of plants, animals and birds. A river rafting adventure on a Arizona white water rafting trip will be the highlight of your vacation!Helpful Links
Rafting
Tour Companies
Salt River Rafting
- Upper Salt River
- Kayaking, Rafting
- 800-425-5253
Mild to Wild Rafting
- Salt River and Verde River
- Kayaking, Rafting
- 800-567-6745
Wilderness Aware Rafting
- Upper Salt River
- Kayaking, Rafting
- 800-462-7238
Class:
River Length
Time
Season:
Nearest Town
Guides Available?
Camping Info
Additional Details
There is a rapid before the first put-in, Apache Falls, but it is sacred to the Apache tribe and illegal to raft.
Basic Directions
Customizable Directions
| Formatted Directions | Map |
