Salt River Rafting: Class II & III Rapids in Arizona

★★★★★★★★★★ 5.00 (17 reviews)

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/7

Duration3h

GroupUp to 10

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Five miles of constant whitewater, no flat stretches in between

Salt River half-day rafting in Arizona puts you in a raft paddling class II and III rapids for 5 miles on a lesser-known section of the river on the Fort Apache Reservation. Guides certified to class III standards lead groups of 8 or fewer; helmets, wetsuits, splash jackets and personal flotation devices are included, and the shuttle back to your vehicle is part of the trip. Children from age 8 can paddle, though the activity requires moderate fitness and active paddling from everyone in the boat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Salt River Half-Day Rafting Adventure

Meet at Salt River satellite location
Sign waivers and suit up
Walk to river with guides
Attend safety orientation
Raft 5 miles of class II and III rapids
Take out at established camp
Shuttle back to vehicle

The Experience

You meet at the satellite location on the Fort Apache Reservation between Globe and Show Low, sign waivers, and suit up—wetsuits come with your reservation in March and April. After a safety briefing at the water's edge, you're in the boat and paddling into class II rapids that roll over the bow and soak the front row, then class III sections that drench everyone head to toe. The Salt River has more rapids per mile than any other Arizona river, so there's no long flat stretches between them; the entire 5 miles stays active.

Guides trained to class III standards manage the boat and read the water, but you're paddling the whole time—this is not a sit-and-watch experience. The canyon walls close in around you as you move downriver, and the wilderness on the Fort Apache Reservation stays quiet except for the sound of water and the people in your boat. After a couple of hours on the water, you pull out at the established camp, and the 4-wheel drive shuttle takes you back to your vehicle on the rugged trail out.

What’s included

State-of-the-art self-bailing rafts.
helmets, wetsuits, wetsuit boots, splash jackets and personal flotation devices.
highly trained guides certified to class III standards.
multi-faceted satellite communication systems for safety coordination.
specially designed 4-wheel drive shuttle vehicles on the rugged trail back to your vehicle.
all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours

Is this one for you?The 3-hour window leaves your morning or afternoon free—book an early start and you're back by early afternoon, or take the later slot and still have daylight left. Paddling is required throughout, so this suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants to be active on the water, not passive; it's not the choice if you prefer guides doing the work while you watch from the boat.