Itinerary

Every day on the river (and every trip) is slightly different! The only thing we can guarantee is that longer trips will have more time to explore the incredible canyon that surrounds the mighty Salt River.

If you’re curious about what you can expect on a Salt River multi-day rafting trip, look no further! Below is a sample itinerary to provide some insight into what our trips get up to each day.

Important Note: As the river is different every time it is run, so is each trip! Depending on water flows, the number of participants, and other circumstances Mother Nature imposes, our itineraries are just an estimate!

General Itinerary for Days on the Salt River

Note the *usually* sentiment in the times listed, since river time works on its own clock. However, we do try to stick to a relative schedule as best we can. 

Also, since the Salt River’s water levels are completely dependent on the weather, so some days we may get to camp super early, while others we’ll have more time on the river. Like we said, river time! Gotta love it. 

Breakfast: Usually between 7am – 8am

Lunch: Usually between 12pm – 2pm

Get to Camp: Usually between 4pm – 6pm

Dinner: Usually between 5pm – 8pm

Leaving Camp: Usually between 9am – 10am

Estimated Arrival at Take Out on Last Day: Trips between 3 – 4 days are expected to  reach the take out at Roosevelt Reservoir around 1 PM. Guests have the option to have their car shuttled over to the take out for an additional charge, or ride back for the 4 hour drive to our Salt River office. 

Two day trips usually reach the take out below Apache Road 1 around 2 PM. There is a 2 mile, 800 vertical hike up to the shuttles, so be prepared to earn your ride back!  

Day One

You’ll meet us at 9:30am at our Salt River office to check in, pack and load your gear into dry bags, and get dressed for the river! (Wetsuits are provided). Then you’ll hop into the shuttle to the put-in for river safety orientation and boating instructions. Put-ins can vary throughout the season depending on flows, so the drive can vary from a few minutes to ~30 minutes. 

No matter the length of the trip, this first day is chock full of whitewater! The 2-Day trips will power through more rapids, while the longer trips will move at a more leisurely pace.

Lunch is typically at a scenic beach, and we aim to be at camp by early evening. While your guides set up the kitchen, bathroom and common area (and cook!), all you need to do is enjoy  yourself. Do some fishing (bring your pole!) or hiking as your guides prepare a delicious dinner. After dinner, relax around the fire, under the stars and share stories of adventures with friends and family!

Our 3-4 Day trips will typically stop once to explore or hike this day. Shorter trips should except a later dinner.

Day Two

Wake up to the smell of hot coffee and enjoy a hearty breakfast (cooked by your guides!). Early risers will get to enjoy the quiet as the sun warms the canyon, and might even see some wildlife. After breakfast, it’s time to pack up your personal gear as the guides load up the boats for another day on the river.

All trips will experience rapids throughout the day, and will typically float past the sacred Salt Banks before entering White Rock Canyon with its walls of polished granite. Here the river changes character, becoming swifter and more channelized. Longer trips will have stops along the way to hike and explore more of the canyon.

If you’re on a 2-Day trip, this is your last day! After lunch, you’ll have a few more rapids before reaching the takeout, where the canyon opens up. You’ll have a 2 mile, 800 vertical hike out. Then, you’ll shuttle back along Apache Road 1 for about 2 hours, reaching your car around 5:00pm. WARNING: the ride back can be as exhilarating as the rafting itself!

Day Three

For our 3-Day trips, this is your last day! After enjoying another wonderful guide-cooked breakfast, you’ll hit the water one last time. The morning will consist of more Class II and III rapids, before stopping for lunch. The canyon will begin to open up as you continue downstream before hitting the takeout around 1:00pm.

4-Day trips will continue exploring the Salt River canyon at a slightly slower pace, enjoying the rapids and interesting side hikes along the way.

Day Four & On…

Like the 3-Day trip, the last run of your adventure will include a few more rapids before reaching the takeout.

We usually expect to reach Roosevelt Reservoir by around 1:00pm. You’ll shuttle back to the Salt River office around 4:30 pm. Ask about our car shuttle service to save you almost 4 hours of drive time back to the meet location – we’ll bring your car to the takeout for you, and you can leave from there to continue your Arizona journey!