SALT RIVER Rafting Trip Highlights
Salt River Rafting is conveniently located just 2 hours east of Phoenix and Scottsdale. The Salt River offers the best single day white water rafting in Arizona, boasting more rapids per mile than any other river in the state. Entrenched in the western flank of the White Mountains, the Salt River Canyon is home to impressive wilderness multi-day rafting trips too. Trips run from March – early/mid May.
- An astounding 2,000-foot deep granite canyon – Arizona’s “Other” Grand Canyon
- More rapids per mile than any other Arizona river
- Earliest river season in the U.S.
- Numerous Class III rapids on the 1-day section, Class IV on longer trips
- Huge meadows of blooming cactus, desert flowers and saguaros
- A true wilderness trip through remote backcountry
- Perfect 1 to 5-day outing for Spring break.
- Closest white water rafting to Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Surprise, Tucson, Tempe, Glendale, and Fountain Hills.
- *For Cactus League* Take a break from your spring training trip and add on some rafting.
More About This Trip
Get in on the splash on a Salt River rafting trip in the Upper Salt River Canyon! This 2000-foot deep canyon drops over 20 feet per mile as it carves through a ruggedly remote wilderness, making it one rambunctious arena for Class III whitewater. Grab a paddle and join us for a triumphant run through suds like “Maytag,” “Overboard” and “Mescal Falls.” Check ’em out for yourself in our Salt River rafting videos!
The high Sonoran Desert scenery and fun-filled rapids make this a special spot to share with friends and family, whether you’re just there for the day, or five! Mild to Wild provides a freshly prepared grilled steak lunch on our one-day trips (or a deli-style lunch later in the season when the water warms up).
Our multi-day Salt River trips take you further into the wilderness section of this spectacular and diverse desert chasm. The scenery changes dramatically from day to day while plunging you into bigger rapids! These top-of-the-eddy line excursions allow you to indulge in the best wilderness experience Arizona has to offer.
Trip Options
Single Day Trips
Arizona
3hrs on the water, 4hrs from start to finish. Does not include lunch.
- Standard Raft: Adult $159 | Youth $149
- Premium Raft: $219/person
Arizona
2hrs on the water, 3hrs from meet to return.
- Standard Raft: Adult $139 | Youth $129
- Premium Raft: $179/person
Arizona
3-4h on the water, 5h 30m from meet to return. Includes lunch.
- Standard Raft: Adult $189 | Youth $169
- Premium Raft: $259/person
Trip Option Comparison
| Trip | Time on Water | Time from Meet to Return | Additional Cost Per Adult |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 Day | 2h | 3h | $139(Base Price) |
| Express Full Day | 3h | 4h | +$20 |
| Full Day | 4h + Lunch | 5h 30m | +$55 |
Mult-Day Trips
Arizona
2 days of awesome rapids with a night of catered camping in between!
- Adult: $749
- Youth: $649
Arizona
The 3-day trip gives you time to disconnect & create memories in the natural wonders of the Salt River.
- Adult: $999
- Youth: $899
Arizona
The 4-day trip will help you disconnect and relax with loved ones. Raft the full length of the Canyon.
- Adult: $1159
- Youth: $1099
Arizona
The 5-day trip will take you along the full length of the canyon and give you plenty of time to relax & explore.
- Only Private Trips Offered for Groups of 4+
Boat Options
We offer these boat options so that you can customize your rafting trip to the experience you desire.
Premium Raft
Premium Raft
• 5 Paid Seats is a Private Raft
• Option to Paddle or Relax
• Ages 4+
Standard Raft
Standard Raft
• Ages 4+
Why Raft Salt River with Mild to Wild?
Trip Provisions
- Free on site parking
- Bathrooms and changing rooms
- Gift shop for your last minute river needs
- Neoprene wetsuits & boots provided for warmth
- Custom, quality, & Coast Guard approved river equipment
- Satelite communication devices
- Round trip transportation from meet location
Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides
- Trip leaders average 2,000 river miles
- Certified in CPR & First Aid
- Pay incentives for higher certification levels including WFR, EMT, & Swift Water Rescue
- Dedicated company division to risk managment, guided training, and continuing guide education
Our Commitment
to You
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Plan
We start with a 50% deposit, and have the remaining 50% charged 30 days prior to trip. Trips reserved less than 30 days in advance require payment in full.
Please call for alternative payment arrangements.
Cancellation Policy
Receive 90% refund with 48 hours notice to departure. Less notice, no refund.
Optional Upgraded 36 Hour Cancellation Policy
Receive a 100% refund up to 36 hours prior to trip departure. Up to 24 hours prior to departure trips can be rescheduled, or receive a Mild to Wild Gift Certificate for trip cost. Upgrade only available at time of reservation & must be applied to each seat.
Longer trips subject to Cancellation Policy
Fees
In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use), an Apache Tribal Land Access Fee.
Trip Departure Policy
We reserve the right to switch river/locations based on current conditions and a minimum number of participants. This trip requires 4 participants or paid seats to depart.
Free Courtesy Hold
We don’t want you to miss out on this trip so we’ll hold your spots, payment-free, for 24hrs while you make your final arrangements & prepare for payment.
Special Ways We Care For You On Salt River Rafting Trips
- Complete trip provisions – We are the only outfitter to provide helmets, PFD’s, wetsuit, self-bailing rafts, our exclusive service guarantee, and a steak lunch.
- High standards- we run trips with guides trained according to the stricter Colorado standards rather than the Arizona guiding standards. (Trip leaders have over 2,000 river miles)
- High-tech multi-faceted Satellite communication system on every trip
- We have the highest possible rating by the Forest Service and the Apache Tribe.
- We go the extra mile – For one-day trips, we put in up-river of the put-in at the scenic Apache Falls for 2 additional rapids (at 1200cfs or higher). We run 10-12 rapids on 1-day depending on flow.
- At high water through the wilderness section, we run an extra boat for safety.
- Four-wheel drive shuttle vehicles for the rough road.
Plan Your Trip
More Reading and Videos
Salt River Multi-Day Rafting Trip
5 Unexpected Things You’ll Find On A Multi-Day Raft Trip
Salt River Adventures – Salt River Daily
Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours - Salt River Rafting
- 970-247-4789
- Primitive Rd, Whiteriver, AZ 85941
- Get Directions
Salt River White Water Rafting FAQs
When is the best time to raft the Salt River?
The Salt River has a very exclusive window! The best time to visit is typically March and April. During this time, the spring runoff from the White Mountains creates the most consistent Class III-IV flows, and the Sonoran Desert is in full bloom with vibrant saguaros and wildflowers.
When can I raft the Salt River in Arizona?
Our Salt River season is brief, typically running from early March through mid-May. The Salt is a free flowing river and the season depends entirely on the winter snowfall. We offer everything from half-day splashes to 5-day wilderness expeditions during this beautiful desert spring window.
What is the minimum age to raft the Salt River?
The minimum age is 8 years old during standard or low water levels. During the high water (typically in March), the minimum age may increase to 12 years old. All participants must weigh at least 50 lbs to correctly fit into our U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices.
What should I wear and bring on my Salt River rafting trip?
Since the Salt River is fed by snowmelt, staying warm is key even in the desert sun! We provide free wetsuits and booties on-site. We recommend:
- Clothing: A swimsuit or synthetic layers to wear under your wetsuit. Avoid cotton, as it stays cold when wet.
- Footwear: We provide wetsuit boots, but you should bring secure shoes for around the office or camp.
- Essentials: Polarized sunglasses with a retention strap and waterproof sunscreen.
You can find a detailed list of what to wear and bring here.
Is white water rafting on the Salt River safe?
White water rafting is an inherently dangerous activity with risks that cannot be entirely eliminated. As a result, we require all guests to sign a liability waiver and assumption of risk before departing. However, your experience is our top priority. To minimize risk, we employ professional guides who are trained to the stricter Colorado state standards and our trip leaders have an average of over 2,000 river miles of experience. We also equip every trip with satellite communication devices, first aid kits, and highly maintained whitewater river rafts and equipment.