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U.S. Forest Service · AZ

Salt River Canyon Wilderness Permit (Upper Salt River rafting)

Arizona's premier desert whitewater run through a remote wilderness canyon. Spring control-season launches (Mar 1-May 15) are allocated by a Dec-Jan weighted recreation.gov lottery.

Permit requiredovernightClass III-IV whitewater52.3 mi
Access requirement

2 ways to get a permit

Controlled-season launch lotteryLottery

Lottery application window is December 1 - January 31; payment for awarded permits is due by February 20. Trip window: 2027-03-01 → 2027-05-15.

98 daysOpens · Dec 1, 2026
Opens: Dec 1, 2026Apply by: Jan 31, 2027Confirm by: Feb 20, 2027
Apply on official siteNot verified · Jun 22, 2026Available this season
First-come cancelled-date releasesCancellation

Cancelled dates are released at a random time within 24 hours of cancellation; check recreation.gov for current availability. Trip window: 2027-03-01 → 2027-05-15.

Apply on official siteVerified · Jun 22, 2026Available this season
Permit rules
QuotaA Tonto National Forest Upper Salt River boater permit is required to float the Salt River Canyon Wilderness during the controlled season (March 1 - May 15). Launches are limited per day; trips must launch only on the launch date specified on the permit.
GroupMaximum group size is 15 people per trip.
Fees$16.00 non-refundable lottery application fee ($10 supports the wilderness river program, $6 reservation fee). $125.00 boater permit fee for successful applicants.
TransferPermit holder must be at least 18 years old and present on the trip; each participant must carry valid photo ID.
SafetyThe Upper Salt is a solid Class III-IV whitewater run requiring whitewater boating skills; it is a remote desert canyon.
Where to stay

Campgrounds nearby

Official campground records near this destination. Availability is labeled with the source actually checked.

TIMBER CAMP RECREATION AREA and GROUP CAMPGROUNDS

8.5 miles away · AZ · 15 sites

Availability not checked

Reservable + first-come

Availability: Unavailable
Official campground site

Reynolds Creek Group Camp (ID)

27.6 miles away · 1 sites

Availability not checked

Reservable

Availability: Unavailable
Official campground site

REYNOLDS CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND

27.6 miles away · AZ · 1 sites

Availability not checked

Reservable

Availability: Unavailable
Official campground site

Schoolhouse Campground (AZ)

30.9 miles away · AZ · 40 sites

Availability not checked

Reservable

Availability: Unavailable
Official campground site