Salt River Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit the Salt River in 2026?

If you want to park and explore the Salt River, you’ll need either a Tonto National Forest day pass (US$8) or an America the Beautiful pass (US$80). To get on the river via tubing or kayaking, tours start around US$60 and usually include transportation.

Q: What permits are required for boating the Upper Salt River Canyon?

From March 1 to May 15, a Tonto National Forest Upper Salt River boater permit is required. A lottery application—with three dates of your choice—costs US$16; the permit fee is $125. White Mountain Apache Tribal Permits are required on the Upper Salt River year-round. Book a tour to skip the hassle.

Q: Can I kayak or SUP the Salt River?

Yes—kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are permitted and popular along the Lower Salt River from May to October. Unlike the rougher Upper Salt River, the waters are mostly beginner-friendly, with Class I and occasional Class II rapids. Widely available rentals and guided tours allow you to enjoy yourself without logistics or transportation worries.

Q: How do I enter the permit lottery for rafting trips on the Salt River?

Enter the Salt River permit lottery via Recreation.gov from January 3–31 for March 1–May 15 launches. You’ll pay a US$16 application fee, and lottery winners are announced around mid-February—if you’re selected, an additional US$125 is due by late February. Any unclaimed permits will then open on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q: Can I tube the Lower Salt River?

Yes, you can tube the Lower Salt River, provided the water levels are safe. Independent tubing is free beyond the US$8 Tonto Forest pass—bring your own tube and shuttle. Or, take a tubing tour with provided tubes and shuttles. Tubing season opens late April–September, with social floats and events.

10 results

Best Seller

Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(2,782)

from $57

Scottsdale ATV/UTV 2 Person Guided Sand Buggy Off-Road Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(216)

from $180

Half-Day Lower Salt River Rafting Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(52)

from $140

Half-Day Salt River Raft Trip

3 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(3)

from $178

ATV/UTV 2 Person Guided Off-Road Desert Adventure, Scottsdale

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(86)

from $360

Per group

Guided Sunset Raft Tour on the Lower Salt River

Experience the tranquility of the Lower Salt River on a guided Sunset Raft Tour, where the beauty of the desert unfolds as the sun sets. Float through serene waters while surrounded by stunning cliffs and lush riverbanks, with the vibrant wildlife awakening at dusk. This tour offers a unique perspective of Arizona’s natural beauty, making it perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Enjoy a peaceful evening as the sky transitions from warm amber to soft twilight, creating an unforgettable ambiance. - Guided tour along the picturesque Lower Salt River - Witness the stunning desert landscape during sunset - Ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers - Experience the vibrant wildlife at dusk in a serene setting

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Guided Sunset Raft Tour on the Lower Salt River

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

from $140

Classic Salt River Raft Trip

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(23)

from $232

Explore the serene beauty of Arizona’s rivers on a guided kayak or flatwater tour. The Lower Salt River offers a scenic desert oasis perfect for all. Guests float in self-bailing tandem kayaks, with two people per boat, while a guide accompanies alongside guests to offer instruction and insights about the Sonoran Desert. The river’s gentle current makes for an easy float. Along the way, there’s plenty of time to swim, play, and enjoy the view, with close encounters with wildlife like wild horses and great blue herons adding to the magic. All equipment is provided, including paddles, dry bags, and life jackets, so you can simply relax and enjoy an unforgettable day on the water. Tours take about four hours including the drive to/from the river and the duration of the tour. Bottled water and snacks, raft/paddles, a life jacket, dry bags, round-trip transportation and National Forest entry fees are included in this trip.

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Lower Salt River Guided Kayak Tours

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(8)

from $140

Scottsdale & Phoenix Desert H1 Hummer Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(39)

from $225

Full-Day Salt River Whitewater Rafting Trip

Spend a thrilling day on the Salt River as you conquer class III-IV rapids. Your guide will instruct you on the best way to navigate the river to maximize your rafting enjoyment. Choose one of two options. Both cover the same distance of river, but the “standard” offers a hot lunch midway through your adventure, while the “sprint” substitutes lunch for a snack so you can get back in the river quicker.

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Full-Day Salt River Whitewater Rafting Trip

12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(21)

from $210

What are people saying about Salt River

Half-Day Lower Salt River Rafting Tour

Elizabeth_E, Apr 2026

Super easy, traveled with...

Super easy, traveled with husband and three boys (10,8,5). Few rapids to get exciting, not too long and not too short.

Half-Day Lower Salt River Rafting Tour

Mary_A, Mar 2026

Great recreational and informative river tour.

The rafting experience was pleasant and the guide (Lindsay) was extremely well versed in the ecology and history of the area, which he shared with our group throughout the rafting experience. The driver and guide were both engaging from the pickup to the launch point, and pull out to return. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an enjoyable and informative river experience.

Guided Rafting on the Lower Salt River

Paula_J, Jul 2025

First Time Rafters

Our rafting guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. We saw wild horses and the scenery was amazing! We had a great experience!!

Half-Day Lower Salt River Rafting Tour

Jean_C, Mar 2026

Gentle float - great for...

Gentle float - great for seniors. Easy access. . Guides were patient and supportive. Great experience.

Half-Day Lower Salt River Rafting Tour

Karen_P, Apr 2026

Beautiful location. More...

Beautiful location. More strenuous than the description suggested, with more rowing required. Water level was low and we got stuck at one point, and at another we hit a rock and my brother fell out of the raft. Guide was knowledgeable and skilled. Viator did not communicate my request to Cliff Creek Outfitters that we wanted to be put in with another group. When I actually identified the tour provider and called them directly, I had lost the opportunity to cancel our private tour and paid for four people when there were only two of us. This was Viator’s problem, not the operators of the activity and I am less than pleased about it. If you have less than four people, call Cliff Creek Outfitters directly to schedule.

Half-Day Lower Salt River Rafting Tour

Donna_B, Oct 2025

Highly Recommend Salt Water Rafting with Owen!

Our guide, Owen, was exceptional. He elevated the Salt River rafting trip by sharing his deep knowledge of the local ecology and history, turning the journey into a highly engaging and educational experience. We arrived with no expectations and left with incredible memories, thanks entirely to Owen's expertise. I strongly recommend this trip for anyone seeking adventure combined with unique insights into Arizona's wilderness.

Half-Day Lower Salt River Rafting Tour

Eric_L, Mar 2026

Perfect Family Rafting Adventure for All Ages

We had a group of 8 (4 adults and 4 kids), and our river rafting trip was an amazing experience from start to finish. Our guide, Owen, was fantastic—full of local knowledge and great with the kids. He had them out of their shells in no time, joking around, having fun, and even helping polish off the snacks! The scenery was incredible, and spotting a wild horse along the way was a highlight we won’t forget. The trip itself was very easygoing with minimal paddling required, which made it perfect for all ages—our 73-year-old mom had a great time too. Highly recommend for families or anyone looking for a fun, scenic, and relaxed adventure!

Salt River

5.0

(3,274)

Arizona

Know before you go

A recreational day pass is required to get on the water. They can be purchased on-site.
If you’re tubing on your own, there are six recreation sites with parking lots: Water Users, Blue Point, Goldfield, Coon Bluff, Phon D Sutton, and Granite Reef.
If you’re looking for wild horses, test your luck at Saguaro Lake, Phon D. Sutton Recreation Area, Granite Reef Recreation Area, and Coon Bluff recreation areas.

Salt River Tours and Tickets

10 results

What are people saying about Salt River

Salt River

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