Salt River Full Day Express Rafting Trip - Arizona

About this activity

Take on 12 miles of the Upper Salt River Canyon in a few hours! This thrilling small-group guided trip bounds through constant class II and III rapids in an incredible desert wilderness few know about.

Highlights

  • More rapids per mile than any Arizona River!
  • A hands-on paddling trip great for all experience levels.
  • Quality equipment and Class III certified guides that exceed state requirements.
  • Quality NRS wetsuits to keep you warm on this snowmelt river.
  • A lesser known gem and true wilderness experience 2 hours from Phoenix.

Full description

Designed for active travelers and adventure enthusiasts ages 12 and up, this guided small group express trip packs all the thrills of the Salt River’s best whitewater into a condensed one-day adventure. Expect big splashes, consistent paddling, and plenty of adrenaline as you navigate miles of Class III–IV rapids against a backdrop of towering canyon walls and desert wilderness. Unlike the standard full day, this express option minimizes downtime and maximizes river time—ideal for those craving a high-energy adventure without overnight commitments. It’s the perfect way to dive headfirst into Arizona’s premier whitewater and experience the Salt in its most exhilarating form.

Included / Excluded

  • - Highly experienced and in-house trained river guides
  • - Helmets and Coast Guard approved life jackets
  • - NRS wetsuits, booties and splash jackets
  • - Shuttle from and back to our meet location
  • - Custom self-bailing rafts and paddles
  • - Safety orientation and paddle instruction
  • - Lunch/snacks
  • - Gratuities

Meeting point

Start Location

Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours - Salt River Rafting, Primitive Rd, Whiteriver, AZ, USA

Important information

Know before you book

  • Water level fluctuate dramatically on the Salt River, so age restrictions will increase when the water levels increase. Ages 8+ are welcome during low water, and ages 12+ during high water.
  • Rafting is not recommended for people who are pregnant or have underlying heart or pulmonary conditions.
  • We reserve the right to switch river/locations based on current conditions.
  • This is an active trip, paddling is required!
  • Depending on water/weather temperatures, wetsuits may be required.

Know before you go

  • · The Salt River Canyon is a wilderness area. Thus, electricity, running water or cellular phone service is nada!
  • · We can only communicate from our main office via Satellite communication to the Salt River guides, which means our communication is limited. Plan accordingly when traveling to the river. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
  • · Wetsuits are included on all of our Salt River Trips. Wear your swimsuit to the river under your clothes.
  • · Age limits may increase at high water levels. This will be communicated to you prior to your trip if it becomes an issue.
  • · The meet location is about 50 miles from the nearest towns of Globe and Show Low, be sure to have enough gas to get there!
  • · Expect the Salt River Canyon to be about 10 degrees cooler than Phoenix.
  • · Bring cash for your guides and a credit card for souvenirs!

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Reviews

Google
Nelson Licon
Jul 2026
5.0

Excellent job to the team members at Mild to Wild. From booking to the actual tours, Excellent job. Anne was Excellent on the Mesa Verda tour, knowledgeable and answered all the questions we had. Excellent job to our jeep tour guide Paul H, made the trip enjoyable. Showed us some beautiful country. Would definitely recommend Mild to Wild to anyone. Will definitely book thru them again on our next trip. Thank you!!!

Google
Cynthia Bounds
Jul 2026
5.0

We had such an awesome time on the Animas River. Our first time on the water. I was very nervous, but the instructions given and the expertise of our guide Lydia helped so much. I even jumped into the water. One of the best experiences ever. I would totally recommend this 100%. Thanks so much.

Google
Betty Phillips
Jul 2026
5.0

Eli was super nice funny and he was super helpful. When we needed it. He made your all the kids were safe on board and made us have a much better time on the mild to wild rafting. White water. Rafting was fun. Eli makes a lot of things better.