Salt River Rafting – The Ultimate Cool-Down in Scottsdale
Things To Do | March 29, 2025 | SWSS Staff
Looking for something fun (and unique!) to do outside this spring or summer in Scottsdale, AZ? If so, you can’t miss the chance to go river rafting through the Salt River Canyon!
The Salt River offers seasonal experiences for all skill levels — from challenging white-water rafting in the spring to leisurely floating in the summer — and plenty of other things to do like kayaking and wildlife watching. Keep reading to discover the top rafting guides for Salt River and helpful tips for making your rafting trip a success during your trip to Scottsdale, AZ!
Where Is the Salt River?
The Salt River is a 200-mile-long river that winds through the Salt River Canyon in Tonto National Forest in Eastern Arizona. The river is one of the key water sources for Greater Phoenix and is also responsible for creating many popular lakes outside the city, including Saguaro Lake and Roosevelt Lake.
The most popular stretch of the river, the Lower Salt River, is just a short drive from Old Town Scottsdale, making it an accessible day trip from Scottsdale.
Best Seasons for Salt River Rafting in Scottsdale
Spring (March to May)
If you want a thrilling adventure with scenic wildflower views, consider booking a white-water rafting trip down the Salt River in spring.
From March until May, the Upper Salt River offers rapids for all skill levels through the Salt River Canyon — from Class II and III rapids for beginners to Class IV rapids and even Class V rapids for thrill seekers — just two hours east of Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Summer (May to September)
If a leisurely float down the Salt River sounds more like your style, you’ll love rafting down the Lower Salt River in the Sonoran Desert during the summer.
After the spring snowmelt, the water levels subside to offer gentle Class I and Class II rapids perfect for floating down the river with a drink in hand with friends while soaking up the gorgeous mountain views (and maybe even spotting wild horses!).
Related: 6 Fun Ways to Beat the Heat During Summer in Scottsdale, Arizona
Top Tour Guides for Your Salt River Rafting Trip
Whether you’re looking for a full-day rafting tour on the challenging rapids of the Upper Salt River or a tube rental for a self-guided tour down the Lower Salt River, you can find a reputable tour operator for your adventure from the following list:
Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
Mild to Wild invites guests of all skill levels to join them on rafting trips on the Upper Salt River from March through May.
Choose from half-day and full-day rafting trips for an introduction to river rafting or multi-day camping and rafting trips to fully explore the Salt River Canyon on hikes to waterfalls, ruins, and other beautiful sites in the desert wilderness between rafting runs.
Related post: Ultimate Guide to Desert Jeep Tours in Scottsdale
Arizona Rafting
Arizona Rafting offers several spring rafting tours for adventurers who want to experience the scenic beauty, thrilling rapids, and incredible wildlife in the Salt River Canyon.
Their most popular tour, the Full-Day Rafting Trip, includes ten miles of rafting on Class III and IV rapids for all skill levels and a hot lunch. This company also offers half-day rafting tours, longer rafting and camping tours lasting 2–5 days and a “campout” tour that includes a full day of rafting and an overnight campout under the stars!
Salt River Rafting
Salt River Rafting offers family-friendly rafting trips down Class II and III rapids and more challenging wilderness adventures on Class IV rapids.
This company offers one-day rafting trips, three-to-five-day wilderness trips that include hiking, camping, and river rafting in the Salt River Canyon, and camping trips that combine a day or two of rafting with a laid-back day of camping near the Salt River.
Salt River Tubing
If you want to ride the calmer rapids on the Salt River during the summer, Salt River Tubing is the most popular company for self-guided rafting trips down the Lower Salt River.
For $25, you can park in a designated parking lot, rent a single-person tube, and ride a shuttle to the starting point for your float down the river. Depending on your chosen starting point and the river’s flow, you should plan to spend 2–4 hours floating down the Salt River.
Tips for a Successful Salt River Rafting Experience
- Bring Waterproof Storage — Before a rafting trip down the Salt River, bring a waterproof or “dry” bag to store valuables, like your cell phone, wallet, and keys.
- Apply Sunscreen — The desert sun is hot and can be brutal in Arizona during the summer. Apply sunscreen liberally before your rafting trip, and plan to reapply every 1–2 hours.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing — If you plan on white-water rafting in the spring, bring the proper gear, like lightweight, quick-drying base layers, a waterproof outer layer (like a splash jacket), and sturdy footwear. If you float the river in the summer, a swimsuit and sturdy shoes (like water shoes or sandals) are perfect. Bring sun protection, like a hat and sunglasses, on all rafting tours.
- Bring Drinks and Snacks — For most multi- or full-day rafting trips, meals are included in the cost, but if you plan on a self-guided float down the Salt River, bring drinks and snacks in a cooler and purchase a “bucket” tube to store your ice chest or cooler while floating down the river.
- Stay Safe — Follow all safety instructions from your guide, wear a lifejacket, and be aware of currents for a safe (and fun!) white-water rafting trip down the Salt River.
Other Things to Do in the Salt River Canyon
In addition to the thrilling rapids, here are some other activities you’ll have the chance to enjoy on a rafting trip through the Salt River Canyon:
- Hiking — Though there are no official hiking trails in the Salt River Canyon Wilderness, plenty of side canyons offer gorgeous views of the desert and wildflowers in the spring.
- Kayaking — Consider kayaking the Salt River instead of floating in the summer for scenic views.
- Wildlife Watching — Spot bald eagles, herons, wild horses, and other native wildlife in Arizona during your rafting adventure.
Make Stay With Style Scottsdale Your Home Base for Your Salt River Adventures
The Salt River Canyon is a must-visit destination during a spring or summer trip to Scottsdale. From multi-day white-water rafting trips to laid-back floating trips down the Lower Salt River — the Salt River Canyon offers outdoor adventures for travelers of all interests and skill levels!
Check out our stylish, spacious vacation rentals in Scottsdale for a luxurious place to relax and unwind before and after your rafting adventures on the Salt River. Explore all our properties to find the perfect place to stay, and contact us with questions — we’re only an email or phone call away!
