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Spend a full day on the Salt River’s churning water and then trade your paddle for a camp chair beside the river. This Raft & Camp option pairs guided whitewater with comfortable car-camping three miles off Hwy 60—perfect for first-time rafters who want an overnight outdoors experience.
Spend a full day on the Salt River’s churning water and then trade your paddle for a camp chair beside the river. This Raft & Camp option pairs guided whitewater with comfortable car-camping three miles off Hwy 60—perfect for first-time rafters who want an overnight outdoors experience.
The morning light slices into the canyon like a blade. Inflatable rafts sit low in the water, guides check lines and helmets, and the Salt River murmurs and then dares you forward—its riffles throwing small, clean challenges against the hull. By mid-afternoon the canyon walls throw shade; by night the same cliffs collect stars. This is the rhythm of a Raft & Camp trip: a full day of guided whitewater punctuated by a riverside camp that’s less about roughing it and more about comfortable immersion in place.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Salt River Rafting · Globe, Arizona
The morning light slices into the canyon like a blade. Inflatable rafts sit low in the water, guides check lines and helmets, and the Salt River murmurs and then dares you forward—its riffles throwing small, clean challenges against the hull. By mid-afternoon the canyon walls throw shade; by night the same cliffs collect stars. This is the rhythm of a Raft & Camp trip: a full day of guided whitewater punctuated by a riverside camp that’s less about roughing it and more about comfortable immersion in place.
The Salt River Canyon, often called Arizona’s other Grand Canyon, carves through basalt and volcanic layers laid down over millions of years. The highway that twists along the rim, built during the early 20th century, made this dramatic pocket of Central Arizona accessible and turned the river into a popular corridor for anglers and rafters. Indigenous communities have long known this stretch as a corridor of water and stone; today local guides bring that practical knowledge—seasonal runs, fish patterns, and safe eddies—into the trip’s rhythm.
Culturally the canyon sits between Globe and the high desert, where ranching history and modern outdoor recreation overlap. The guides are storytellers as much as safety officers, cooking riverside meals and pointing out historic mining ruins, migratory bird habitats, and native plants used medicinally for generations.
Practical details matter: the operation meets at the bridge on Hwy 60 about 38 miles north of Globe (mile marker 293). The experience pairs a full-day raft run with riverside car-camping at Second Campground—just three miles off the highway—so you can bring real gear and sleep in a proper tent or rent equipment on-site. The provider supplies wet suits, life jackets, helmets, and three meals (lunch on the river, then dinner and breakfast at camp). Most of the rapids are approachable for beginners, but guides emphasize attentive paddling and basic water comfort.
Plan for temperature swings: desert sun at midday and surprisingly chilly nights. Stay hydrated, use SPF, and bring a dry bag for cameras and layers for after-sunset comfort. If you want a quieter experience, choose the option to camp the night before and raft the next day—the canyon moves at two different speeds, and both are worth a visit.
Accessibility is thoughtful: the camp is reachable by any vehicle and many services note wheelchair-accessible options. Book with flexibility—cancellations can be made up to 24 hours before departure—and tell guides about dietary needs when you reserve. Whether you’re chasing a short rush of rapids or an honest night under canyon stars, this Raft & Camp trip stitches whitewater and campsite ease into a single, memorable loop.
moderate.
10–14 hours (day raft + overnight camp option).
Suitable for people in average fitness who can handle long days of paddling and short hikes around camp; basic swimming comfort recommended.
No—guides lead every trip, provide instruction, and supply safety gear; basic swimming comfort is recommended.
Lunch on the river and both dinner and breakfast at camp are provided; dietary restrictions can be accommodated if requested at booking.
Second Campground is car-accessible about three miles off Hwy 60, so it’s comfortable car-camping rather than backcountry bivouac.
Yes—this trip is family-friendly, but organizers recommend kids be comfortable around moving water; confirm ages and seat rules when booking.
Trips run in most conditions; if guides deem it unsafe you’ll be notified—cancellations are refundable up to 24 hours before departure.
Yes—rental camping gear is available, making it easy to travel light and still have a full overnight setup.
The highway and bridges through the Salt River Canyon were constructed in the 20th century to connect mining towns; earlier, the river corridor supported Indigenous travel and seasonal camps.
The area is public land with fragile riparian zones—stay on durable surfaces, pack out all waste, and follow guide instructions to protect nesting birds and riverbanks.
Salt River Rafting operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The morning light slices into the canyon like a blade. Inflatable rafts sit low in the water, guides check lines and helmets, and the Salt River murmurs and then dares you forward—its riffles throwing small, clean challenges against the hull. By mid-afternoon the canyon walls throw shade; by night the same cliffs collect stars. This is the rhythm of a Raft & Camp trip: a full day of guided whitewater punctuated by a riverside camp that’s less about roughing it and more about comfortable immersion in place.
The morning light slices into the canyon like a blade. Inflatable rafts sit low in the water, guides check lines and helmets, and the Salt River murmurs and then dares you forward—its riffles throwing small, clean challenges against the hull. By mid-afternoon the canyon walls throw shade; by night the same cliffs collect stars. This is the rhythm of a Raft & Camp trip: a full day of guided whitewater punctuated by a riverside camp that’s less about roughing it and more about comfortable immersion in place.
The Salt River Canyon, often called Arizona’s other Grand Canyon, carves through basalt and volcanic layers laid down over millions of years. The highway that twists along the rim, built during the early 20th century, made this dramatic pocket of Central Arizona accessible and turned the river into a popular corridor for anglers and rafters. Indigenous communities have long known this stretch as a corridor of water and stone; today local guides bring that practical knowledge—seasonal runs, fish patterns, and safe eddies—into the trip’s rhythm.
Culturally the canyon sits between Globe and the high desert, where ranching history and modern outdoor recreation overlap. The guides are storytellers as much as safety officers, cooking riverside meals and pointing out historic mining ruins, migratory bird habitats, and native plants used medicinally for generations.
Practical details matter: the operation meets at the bridge on Hwy 60 about 38 miles north of Globe (mile marker 293). The experience pairs a full-day raft run with riverside car-camping at Second Campground—just three miles off the highway—so you can bring real gear and sleep in a proper tent or rent equipment on-site. The provider supplies wet suits, life jackets, helmets, and three meals (lunch on the river, then dinner and breakfast at camp). Most of the rapids are approachable for beginners, but guides emphasize attentive paddling and basic water comfort.
Plan for temperature swings: desert sun at midday and surprisingly chilly nights. Stay hydrated, use SPF, and bring a dry bag for cameras and layers for after-sunset comfort. If you want a quieter experience, choose the option to camp the night before and raft the next day—the canyon moves at two different speeds, and both are worth a visit.
Accessibility is thoughtful: the camp is reachable by any vehicle and many services note wheelchair-accessible options. Book with flexibility—cancellations can be made up to 24 hours before departure—and tell guides about dietary needs when you reserve. Whether you’re chasing a short rush of rapids or an honest night under canyon stars, this Raft & Camp trip stitches whitewater and campsite ease into a single, memorable loop.