Arizona Rivers & Rafting Conditions

Whether you're a terrified novice or a river rat, there is a river in Arizona that you will have a blast on. Need something calm and scenic for the kids? Or are you after that fix of adrenaline only the wilds of the desert and an untamed river tearing through it can offer? Either way, you'll find a brief guide below to the rivers, and named stretches of rivers often rafted in Arizona. As always, please check with your guide for flow rate and times of year when the rivers are at their peak for the experience you're craving.

Please note this is a list of popular rivers and runs, not a comprehensive list of every river rafted in Arizona. For more a more comprehensive list of specific runs, contact one of the Guides featured in our listings, or click on the corresponding link in the river's review below.

Name	Class	Comments
Colorado River: Hoover Dam to Willow Beach	I - V	This 12 mile stretch of the Colorado is a great overnight trip, though you can easily take your time and make it a 2 day trek. Most waterways in Arizona are more difficult than most, so beginners should beware especially on the Colorado. Find Guides on the Colorado River
Colorado River: Lees Ferry to Lake Mead	I - V	230 miles of pure Grand Canyon Colorado River goodness. Trips usually vary from 6 days to 14+, and rapids vary widely. One of the most rafted areas in the world. Find Guides rafting the Grand Canyon
East Verde River: US Route 87 to Verde River	V+	If extreme is your game, this is the run for you. 34 miles of heart-pounding Class V+ action with the Mogollon Rim Mountains as a backdrop. No sightseeing on this trip, and for experienced paddlers only. Find Guides on the Verde River
Gila River: Kelvin to Ashurst-Hayden Dam		This 15 mile stretch of the Gila River is easily an overnight trip, although if you hurry you can run it in a day. Campgrounds are nearby however, and staying the night is better than missing all the fun this little river has to offer. Find Guides on the Gila River
Gila River: Virden to US Route 666		A fun trip, best taken at least overnight, as it runs 53 miles long. Campgrounds are pretty accessable, though reservations are recommended due to popularity of the stretch. Find Guides on the Gila River
Little Colorado River: Below Grand Falls to above Black Falls	II - III	A great day or overnight trip at 16 miles long and a challenging, though not experienced-only stretch of river. While you're here, check out the washes nearby and the scenery to last a lifetime. Find Guides on the Little Colorado River
Little Colorado River: Cameron to Colorado River	V+	This is one hairy section of the Little Colorado, sending you on a 51 mile journey that can take your breath away. A very dangerous bit of river, this is recommended for experienced paddlers only. Put-in is close to Flagstaff. Find Guides on the Little Colorado River
Salt River: Gleason Flats to Horseshoe Bend	III - IV	Known as a fairly consistent set of rapids, this 19 mile run is great for intermediate paddlers. Winding through the Mogollon Rim Mountains sets you up for some fantastic scenery and wildlife viewing. Find Guides on the Salt River
Salt River: Highway 60 to Mescal Rapid	III - IV	This 7 mile stretch of river is a great challenge for those of intermediate experience, offering some breathtaking rapids and the chance to hone your paddling skills. No hotels are closeby, so if you're planning on making this an overnight trip, pack a tent. Find Guides on the Salt River
Salt River: Route 60 to Roosevelt Reservoir	II - IV	This 60 mile run, usually a multi-day trip, is a fantastic river for those just mastering their paddling skills. This is a fun river to run and a trip you won't soon forget. Find Guides on the Salt River
Verde River: Bartlett Reservoir to confluence with Salt River	I - II	A short drive from Phoenix, this 19 mile long stretch is a great family float with great campgrounds along the way to make it a multi-day trip. Don't forget to check out Malpais Canyon while you're here, offering some spectacular scenery. Find Guides on the Verde River
Verde River: Beasley Flat to Gap Creek	II - IV	A relatively short run at 7 miles, this strech is recommended for those comfortable with paddling, this is a fun little river that will get your adrenaline pumping. Check out the White Flash Rapids while here, and experience some incredible beauty. Find Guides on the Verde River
Verde River: Childs to Horseshoe Reservoir	I - III	At 25 miles long, this is a great stretch to run overnight. Relatively easy, there are a few rapids that are a little more than a family float could handle; be sure to ask your guide if this is the right river for you. Don't miss seeing Mule Shoe Bend while you're here, a wonder of nature you won't soon forget. Find Guides on the Verde River
Verde River: Horseshoe Reservoir to Bartlett Reservoir	I - II	This is another great 19 mile float that makes for a fun overnight trip the whole family can enjoy. With flat waters as well as some exciting smaller rapids, this is a great way to get introduced to rafting or kayaking. Find Guides on the Verde River
Virgin River: Upper Gorge: I-15 at mile 23 to Cedar Pockets	III	A fun stretch of river to raft or kayak, this section of the Virgin River is controlled by the Quail Lake Reservoir, so it enjoys a longer summer season. At 6.5 miles long, it's a perfect day-trip for those seeking just a bit of adrenaline. Find Guides on the Virgin River
Virgin River: Lower Gorge: Cedar Pockets Rest Area to Littlefield	IV	At 11 miles, this is a great day trip for those looking for a step up from the Upper Gorge on the Virgin River. There's some great drops here and exciting rapids to be explored. In the first mile there's a stretch of open water known to form sand waves, a unique experience in rafting that'll get your heart pounding. Find Guides on the Virgin River