- Salt River - Raft down a beginner‐friendly river with REI Co-op Experience’s guided raft tours on the Lower Salt River just outside Phoenix and Scottsdale.
This class I river (the easiest rating on the international river difficulty scale) provides some of the best opportunities for viewing wildlife and bird watching in the Southwest. We often see wild horses and bald eagles during our tour! Your guides are available to teach you the natural history of the area and give you expert paddling instruction.
We select our launch locations based on the current water flow to provide you with the best experience so our start and end points vary throughout the year. Water temperatures may range from approx. 60 degrees F in the winter to low 80 degrees in the summer months. Swimming is possible year‐round but it can be a bit bracing in January!
- Roundtrip Transportation from Meeting Location (Canal/Hawes PNR: 3055 N Power Rd. Mesa, AZ 85215)
- PFD (life jacket), dry bags
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Surcharges on fuel
- Raft & paddles
- Guide gratuities are optional but appreciated.
Embark on a guided rafting journey down the Lower Salt River, a picturesque desert haven just beyond the boundaries of Phoenix and Scottsdale. You can swim, frolic, or simply unwind on the river, immersing yourself in the breathtaking views. This activity is perfect for the entire family, with something to satisfy everyone. Although some paddlework is necessary, your guide will handle the navigation and share intriguing details about the surrounding Sonoran Desert. Serving as a consistent water source, the Salt River draws diverse wildlife, making it a frequent spot for us to enjoy intimate interactions with creatures in their natural setting.
The entire tour takes approximately four hours, comprising the drive to and from the river and the actual tour duration. The package includes bottled water and snacks, the raft and paddles, a life vest, dry bags, round-trip transportation, and the National Forest entry fees. The tour accommodates a maximum of 12 participants.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- A minimum weight of 35 lbs is required
- We require solo-travelers to pay the minimum of the 2-person price. If you are a solo traveler and would like to be added on to a pre-formed group for this tour, please mention this upon booking.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
