Photo Slideshow

Our group of thirteen departed Tempe, Arizona for the Upper Salt River in the early morning hours on Sunday, April 19. After a healthy, gourmet homemade breakfast, an Exuberance Events signature, we began our 2.5 hour drive in great spirits and filled with anticipation.

When we arrived at our destination, about 45 minutes north of Globe, Arizona, we met with our trip guides from Wilderness Aware Rafting (www.inaraft.com). After our Wilderness Aware Trip Leader, AJ, led us through a thorough safety talk and the other guides got us fitted with life jackets and helmets, we headed down to the put-in spot and met with our individual guides. Our group took two boats, adeptly guided by Miles and Glen, two of the country's best and most accomplished river guides.

Under clear blue skies and bright sun, we got a few lessons in paddling "Forward 1! Forward 2!" and then we were off! The Upper Salt River Canyon meanders through over a dozen Class III rapids; our group's favorites included Maytag Chute, Mother Rock, and the powerful waves of Exhibition Rapid and Mescal Rapid.

At midday, we pulled off to the side of the river to our lunch spot. A shaded ramada, hors d'ouevres and a hot lunch of delicious sizzling fajitas made for a tasty and satisfying reprieve. Our guide, Glen, offered to take our group on a short hike to Travertine Falls, a beautiful shaded oasis tucked into the cliffs the preside over the Salt River. We all enjoyed this leg-stretching hike and were eager to return to the river.

The second half of our day on the river included thrilling rapids, some fancy maneuvering and heart-pounding "surfing" on an eddy in the midst of the powerful Mescal Rapid. All too soon, our day had come to an end and it was time to head back on the bus to our starting point. We climbed aboard the Wilderness Aware "vintage" bus ending day that was, as described by the guides, as "a Class III river trip with a Class V ride home."

If you missed our river rafting trip this year, sign up for our eNewsletter and find our about more events, yoga and adventures to come, including our 3rd Annual Upper Salt River Rafting Trip 2010!