Arizona's Salt River is best known for its rapids and when the water is flowing fast, diving is impossible. When water flow is down and white water rafting is not a possibility, it's time to dive. Be sure to check with the local Salt River Project as you plan your trip since turbulence can occur when water is released from the nearby reservoir. Keeping these safety tips in mind, let's take a look at what the Salt River has to offer.
About the Salt River
Arizona's salt river is sourced within the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, and is normally running fast between March and May, depending on the amount of rainfall as well as the amount of snowpack in the mountains above.. The river's headwaters are located east-northeast of the city of Phoenix, in the Fort Apache National Forest.
The best part of the Salt River is the upper section, from the headwaters in the Fort Apache National Forest, all the way down to Roosevelt Lake in the south-central Sierra Ancha Mountains of Tonto National Forest. Here, natural beauty surrounds you, and there are few signs of modern civilization. You'll find black bears and mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, lots of snakes, and many raptors including hawks, eagles, and falcons living in the rocky areas around the river, and in the water, you'll encounter lots of trout, along with frogs and other amphibians.
The weekends are busy times on the river, particularly when it's moving fast and when boaters are trying to take advantage of the short window of time available for running rapids; but for the rest of the year, you'll encounter few people, particularly on weekdays. It is possible to paddle a canoe or kayak down the river, camp along its shores, and enjoy the beauty of the Sonoran desert all year. There is one area you can see but not enter; the Apache Falls section is situated a short distance above the Highway Sixty crossing, but it is protected by ancient Apache Nations laws. There are stiff fines for flouting the law, and many who ignore the rules end up spending a few nights in jail. In addition, there is a no stop zone beginning at 41.3 miles and continuing for approximately one mile; this is enforced between December 1st and June 30th, as it is an important Bald Eagle rookery.
In all, the deepest portions of the Upper Salt River cover a distance of about 52 miles. You can also dive in Roosevelt Lake. The section of the river which is legal to access begins at the US Highway Sixty crossing in Gila County and extends all the way to Roosevelt Lake. In years when winter has been dry, rapids may never occur so the best time to dive will be during the season normally reserved for river rafting - usually March through May. You can check with the National Forest Service to find out whether the river is accessible to divers at any time, or if you are passing through the area, you can stop in at the White Mountain Apache store on Highway Sixty, right at the river. There, you can also purchase permits to use the river.
The nearest city to the White Mountain Apache store is Phoenix, at 137 miles away. You'll need to have all air and provisions prepared in advance, and you will need to have someone shuttle you to the entry point and pick you up at your stopping point. Whether you spend a few days traveling the river or just visit for a day, you are certain to enjoy an unforgettable experience in a wilderness that reflects the way Arizona must have looked over 100 years ago.