Winter storms extend Salt’s rafting season through June
Milicent Obbards
Located 2.5 hours northeast of Phoenix, Mild to Wild River Rafting (M2W), on the White Mountain Apache Reservation on the Upper Salt River, offers seasonal river rafting trips to those wanting an exhilarating way to travel. Kerry Brown, 24, a M2W river guide, has been rafting with his dad since he was four months old. For as long as he could remember he has “chased the water.”
“Chasing the water” has been a phrase commonly used among river guides and outdoor enthusiasts; it is defined as going where the water or rapids flow throughout the season.
“The season on the Upper Salt typically lasts from February to mid to late May. However, this year’s season was extended through June 6. “This is very unusual”, Brown said. “The White Mountains had twice their annual rain and snowfall which allowed us to extend the season.”
M2W offers a variety of rafting excursions sure to fit any adventurer’s needs. Express runs are around six hours, camping trips are also offered in one, two and four-day trips.
White water rapids were classified on a scale of one to six for intensity; class one being moving water and class six being violent rapids.
“Rapids are caused by gradients and debris in the river. As the water is going up and over the river rock, it’s creating big waves,” Brown said.
Rafters that run the 10-mile express trip will navigate through five, class three rapids and numerous class two’s.
“Overboard” and “Exhibition” were two of the five, class three rapids and guaranteed to get the blood flowing and the adrenaline pumping. In between rapids, rafters could enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. Cottonwoods, Sycamores and Sage adorned the riverbank, and colorful desert blooms decorated the mountainside.
Desert wildlife such as javelina, mule deer and varying bird species – including bald eagles – were often spotted in the canyon.
Lunch is served midway down the river, allowing rafters to recoup and enjoy fireside relaxation while river guides grilled steak tri-tip and prepared lunch.
Sunscreen was recommended and bringing a waterproof camera would prove to be a smart investment when looking back on the trip.
Around 2,500 visitors raft the Salt River each season. Monies collected from fee’s are distributed among the White Apache Tribe and the National Forest Service, which are then used for parks and recreation equipment, road maintenance and general up-keep of the lands.
For more information on river rafting, visit http://www.mild2wildrafting.com.
For booking a trip with M2W, call 1-800-567-6745.
