Photos by Peter Ensenberger

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Choose from a variety of single-day or multi-day  whitewater trips... See Schedule and Pricing Half Day (5 miles) 1 Day (9 miles) 2 Days (22 miles) 3 Days (53 miles) 5 Days (53 miles) Please note that these put-in and take-out locations may change because of road and flow conditions.

LOGISTICAL INFORMATION What to Wear & Bring The air temperature in the Salt River Canyon in March and April is typically warm during the day and cool at night, but the river water is extremely cold. We provide wetsuits, but you’ll need to bring fleece (synthetic) or wool clothing for the evening and early morning, as well as rain gear for wet weather. Click here to see a complete packing list for single- and multi-day trips. Getting There... Both our one-day and half-day trips meet at the river. To get there from Globe, drive north on US Hwy 60 approximately 38 miles to the Salt River Canyon. Cross the bridge and turn left onto the first gravel road, across from the trading post. Our meeting area is on the right side of the road about 100 yards away. Please park close to the sign that says “Canyon Rio Rafting.” Prices & Launch Schedule Visit our Launch Dates page to see costs for all our trips. For single-day trips, you’ll need to arrive at the parking lot near the US Hwy 60 bridge 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Licensed Permittee Grand Canyon Outdoor Center, Inc. (dba Canyon Rio Rafting) is a licensed permittee of the U.S. Forest Service, Tonto National Forest and the White Mountain Apache Tribe.

Globe Weather Forecast, AZ

SALT RIVER RAFTING

The Salt River glistens with spring runoff from the White Mountains, offering some of the best Class III and IV whitewater rapids in Arizona. Our experts will guide you around boulders, over gaping holes, and through waves. Between rapids, you’ll marvel at the canyon’s geology and unique natural beauty, characterized by blooming saguaro cacti, soaring hawks and bald eagles, and ancient canyon walls. The mystical power of the Salt River Canyon’s granite gorges, roaring rapids, and brilliant wildflowers is unsurpassed... no wonder this canyon is known as the “Jewel of the Desert.”

Canyon Rio Rafting is committed to providing you with an exceptional white water Salt River rafting experience—the most courteous and knowledgeable guides, the freshest food, and the best gear.

Paddle Raft or Oar Boat: Your Choice

Although most people prefer the excitement of running the river in a guided paddle raft, you can also ride as a passenger in an oar boat. To paddle, you must be at least 8 years old and able to swim.

Late Season “Adventure Floats”

Folks who are extra spirited and athletic can paddle the river in an inflatable kayak. These kayak trips start in May, when river flows drop to lower levels.

ABOUT OUR TRIPS

Because of the overwhelming popularity and limited season of this river, space on our whitewater trips is limited. Therefore, we adhere closely to our cancellation and rescheduling policy.

Single-Day

Our single-day trips include half- and full-day options. You’ll begin the day by meeting us at the river, where you check in, sign the Apache roster, and get your safety and cold-weather gear. After all participants have arrived, your trip leader will explain safety precautions and guidelines. You’ll then be ready for a day of excitement and beauty in the Salt River Canyon!

Two-Day

If you're short on time, but big on adventure, try our two-day trip. This 22 mile trip is chock full of Class III and Class IV white water rapids. Relax around the campfire before retiring for the evening under Arizona's bright stars. Don't forget to bring your harmonica and ghost stories!

Multi-Day

Multi-day wilderness trips take you through lots of exhilarating rapids. Once you pass “Salt Banks”—the mineral springs that gave this river its name—you leave behind the thrill-seeking crowds and enter the pristine wilderness of the Salt River Canyon. If you spend 5 days with us, you’ll have time to explore spectacular side canyons like the granite, water-carved mazes of Stone Creek and the refreshing waterfall in Walnut Creek. We camp on sandy beaches, surrounded by oak-juniper woodlands, saguaros, and cottonwood trees. Most camps lie along tributaries, where you can hike and explore the relics of ancient peoples or enjoy the desert in bloom.

Our multi-day trips include gourmet meals (starting with lunch on the first day, ending with lunch on the last day). Schedules vary depending on the number of companies entering the wilderness section on a given day. Trip size is limited to 13 clients.  

SALT RIVER

RIO CHAMA

SAN JUAN RIVER

PAGOSA

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