Salt River Rafting in Globe, AZ

What should I bring and wear rafting?
We recommend you bring the following items:

• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Waterproof camera
• Swimsuit and/or synthetic thermal layers for underneath the wet suit
• Synthetic socks for underneath river shoes or your own shoes/sandals that have a heal
• strap (no flip-flops)
• Any prescribed medications for serious allergies or conditions.
• A tip for your guide if you enjoy the ride.

There is no cell service in or near the canyon so please bring along maps and directions.

What should I NOT bring and wear rafting?
×  Cotton & Denim Clothing: does not insulate once wet and has no place on the river
×  Electronic devices that are not waterproof and you do not mind losing in the river
×  Jewelry or other valuables
×  Alcohol and rafting do not mix and is not allowed
×  Guns and fireworks are not allowed in the Salt River Canyon
You can lockup any of the above items in your car at Salt River Rafting's office.

Where and when do we meet for our trip?
All trips meet at Salt River Rafting's office on the river where US-60 / AZ-77 crosses the Salt River, between Globe and Show Low, AZ. The highway crosses over the Salt River at Mile Marker 293. Meeting location, office, and parking area are just 100 yards from the highway."

What does Salt River Rafting provide on its trips?
A world class experience, self-bailing rafts PFD’s (life jackets), paddles, helmets, specialized equipment, first aid supplies and dry bags. Wetsuits, wetsuit booties and paddle jackets are provided at no extra charge depending on weather and river flows. Return transportation to your vehicle at the end of your trip. Meals and beverages are included on the full day trip. Bring a snack and water bottle for the half day trip.

What are your meals like and how do you handle special dietary needs?
Salt River Rafting provides meals and beverages on every river trip except for the half day trip. Bring a snack and beverage for the half day option. For the full day rafting trip, your guides prepare a grilled lunch with all the fixings at their beach side base camp mid-way through the day. Special diets can be accommodated with prior notice. When reserving your trip, please note any dietary needs like vegetarian, gluten-free, serious food allergies, etc.

Can we bring adult beverages?
Consuming alcohol before or during the raft trip is prohibited. Salt River Rafting reserves the right to cancel or reschedule your trip if they suspect you have been drinking before getting on the water. You may bring any type of beverage you like and leave it in your car for after the trip. Please do not bring any glass containers.

Can we bring cell phones, cameras, go pros?
The rule of the river is that if you want to see it again, don’t bring it. That said, guides and clients bring them all the time. It’s up to you and your comfort level. There is no guarantee the safety of your personal belongings while on the river.

How many people in a raft? How is it guided?
Manufacturers design rafts to carry anywhere from 1 to 12 people along with a guide who navigates and calls commands. Most trips generally have 6-8 people in a raft in addition to the guide. There are two methods by which a guide controls the raft.

Paddle Raft: The raft crew paddles together as a team at the guides’ command and the guide steers with a paddle. No experience is necessary as each guide gives an explanation and practice run of all the paddle commands.

Oar Guided Raft: The guide steers with a set of oars mounted on a frame attached to the raft. Again the crew paddles together as a team at the guides’ command but this method lets people rest or just hang on.

Who can do this rafting thing?
Rafting is an appropriate adventure for most anyone and is a great way to get together with your family, friends, coworkers or just have an adventure by yourself. Salt River Rafting has no upper age limit, and children as young as 8 weighing at least 50lbs (depending on the flow) can enjoy the half day and full day rafting trips.

Do I need to know how to swim?
No. Salt River Rafting has accommodated countless people who could not swim and or have physical challenges.

How cold is the water?
Spring time rafting on the Salt River of Arizona brings great whitewater in the form of melted snow run-off from the White Mountains. Generally if you are from Phoenix, Florida or Texas the water will always feel chilly. If you are from the upper Mid-West or North-East the water will feel comfortable. One day you will want to wear everything Salt River Rafting provides, the next day a swim suit and sneakers will be fine.

Is it customary to tip the guides?
Gratuity for guide service is customary. A tip is a nice way to say ‘thank you’ and should reflect how you feel about the personal service you or your group received. Average tip is between 10-20% of your trip cost.

What class or level is the Salt River rated?
The half day and full day trips on the Upper Salt River of Arizona are rated class III to III+. Fun, splashes, and rapids that require defined navigation appropriate for beginners to intermediates. Higher water makes for bigger waves while low water makes for technical rock dodging.

Are Salt River Rafting's guides trained and certified?
Salt River Rafting’s staff are dedicated outdoor enthusiasts with many years of experience guiding and adventuring. Their guides are CPR/First Aid Certified. Many are EMT’s, Wilderness EMT’s, as well as Swift Water Rescue Technicians. They have made whitewater their profession and aren’t just working a season or two, but people who have dedicated their lives to the passion of living and working outdoors.