Salt River Commercial Raft Trip April 11

I would like to invite everyone to come along on a commercial paddle-rafting trip on the upper Salt River, in the depths of the Salt River Canyon, on Sunday April 11. Cost per person, if you go with my group (they gave me a pretty good discount) is $110.86. The trip starts at the Salt River Canyon Bridge put-in, north of Globe on US 60. (Note: This is NOT tubing, nor is it near the tubing area!!!) Paddle rafts have the guide in the stern, who calls commands and steers. Passengers paddle according to the guide's calls. Check out the website for photos. This part of the river has Class II and III rapids. It is amazingly beautiful: big whitewater with saguaros along the banks!

The company I use is Independent Whitewater/Raft the Salt, which is based in Buena Vista, Colorado. Their "home river" is the Arkansas. They have been running raft trips on the Salt for many years, previously under the name of Blue Sky Whitewater. I have gone with them 3 times and found them to be very fun and very competent. Here is their website for more information: www.raftthesalt.com Phone number is 719-539-3555 or 800-425-5253. The people who answer the phone are owner/guides, and can answer any questions you may have.

The advantages of going commercial are that they set up the shuttle, they have the wetsuits and booties and helmets, etc. for everyone, and they give you a nice BBQ and salad bar lunch. All you have to do is to show up with your sunscreen and water bottle! Plus, you have the added safety of being with a professional guide instead of some random friend who has little or no experience. You do not have to have any experience on a guided paddle raft, and yet you get to participate in the paddling.

If you are interested please pm me for more info. In order to make a reservation you will need to call the company with your Visa or Mastercard (debit or credit) handy. And tell them the date and that you are with my group. Please pm me for the rest of the info.

azbackpackr · Posted: 4/14/2010, 10:23 am Post subject:

There is still time this year, as the river season will last longer than usual, well into May. If you want the party atmosphere, go on the weekend. If you would like a quieter, more wilderness-like trip try the weekdays. www.raftthesalt.com

desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

Pictures ?
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azbackpackr · Posted: 4/14/2010, 4:08 pm Post subject:

Ambika,

Sharon on ABC meetup group has posted some. I'm hoping Deborah will post some on here--she has put several on Facebook.

I bought a disposable waterproof camera, used half the shots, will have to finish it off, then mail it in, etc. Pain in the neck!

Deborah · Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 297 Location: Tucson

Sorry, I just took a couple of people shots of me so I guess you will just have to go there and see the beauty of the canyon for yourself. I highly recommend it.
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