On the water · CLAYPOOL RAFTING TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend who has never held a paddle: 8 claypool rafting tours that are worth the money, each with what the water does and the one thing to check before you pay.
Spend about six hours on the Upper Salt River, paddling 10 miles through a 2,000-foot canyon and 10 to 12 Class III rapids. Mild to Wild provides safety gear, wetsuits in March and April, a grilled steak lunch, and guides such as Annie, Jesse, Mike, and Charlie. Expect real paddling, cold water, and a rugged shuttle ride.
Join Salt River Rafting at 10 a.m. near San Carlos for a six-hour run through Maytag, Overboard, Exhibition, and Mescal Falls. Calm stretches, volcanic cliffs, a hot riverside lunch, and guides such as Flynn, Slone, and River make this a strong first rafting trip for adults and kids 8 and older.
“The greatest experience! Slone and River were so good with our young kids, an amazing family experience”
Meet Mild to Wild in Whiteriver at 10 a.m., suit up, learn river safety, and paddle 10 miles through Salt River Canyon. Expect steady Class II and III rapids, big desert views, and a final rapid near the takeout. Guides such as Sam, Mike, Jessie, and Lauren add river skills and local stories.
Meet Arizona Rafting near Whiteriver for a full day on the upper Salt River, deep inside the White Mountain Apache Reservation. You’ll receive safety instruction, rafting gear, a professional guide, and either a hot fajita lunch or snack. Expect strong scenery, demanding class III and IV rapids, and a remote setting far from ordinary road-trip stops.
“It was an adventure. It was challenging. The views of nature were absolutely incredible. We would all do this again.”
Meet at the Salt River outpost near Whiteriver, Arizona, suit up, learn river safety, and paddle five miles of steady Class II and III whitewater. The three-hour trip includes guides, raft, helmet, wetsuit gear, shuttle, and taxes. It suits moderately fit paddlers who want a wet, active morning rather than a quiet float.
“Well organized, fun positive guides, beautiful location. We had a great time and so did teenagers. Perfect half day trip.”
You’ll raft five miles of Arizona’s remote Salt River over class III rapids, with a safety briefing, professional guide, wetsuit, splash jacket, and river shoes available. The half-day trip suits first-timers and families with children age 8 and up. Guides such as Flocks bring a friendly, capable presence to the boat.
Meet at Salt River Bridge near San Carlos for a three-hour, five-mile rafting run through Salt River Canyon. Your guide supplies a wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, safety briefing, and river instruction. The trip includes Class II-III rapids, including Overboard Rapid, and returns to the starting point.
“They were AMAZING!!! Caring, kind and Lukas was so knowledgeable! Had a wonderful time. Thank you SALT RIVER RAFTING!”
Meet at 10 a.m. at the Salt River Bridge near San Carlos for a full day on Arizona’s Salt River, then camp at a riverside base camp three miles off Hwy 60. Guides handle safety, campfires, and three meals. Choose rafting before or after your overnight stay, with camping gear available to rent.
Pick a country, a grade, or a kind of day.
