The Salt River runs through central Arizona and is one of the most unique and exciting ways to see the Upper Sonoran Desert I know. This month I was fortunate to run and photograph the Upper Salt not once, but twice. The Upper Salt is a 53 mile class III – IV whitewater run that flows through a deep desert canyon beginning on the White Mountain Apache Tribe’s ancestral lands and flows into the Tonto National Forest.

This section of the Salt is a free-flowing section of river which means that with no dams to control the flow, boaters are totally at the mercy of Mother Nature. This winter was kind to Arizona, if you like snow that is. A large snow pack and a cool spring have meant that Salt River flows have been exceptionally good for boating. Some years the river only runs with a boat-able flow for a week or so, but this year there has been several months of water.

Spring run off coincides nicely with wildflower season in the Salt River Canyon. The Sonoran Desert is beautiful and extreme, but to see it with water and the bursting colors of blooming cactus and wildflowers is not to be missed.

My first trip down the Canyon was for seven days on the water beginning April 4th, 2010. My second trip began on April 25th, and we spent eight days on the water. It was incredible to see the progression of the wildflowers blooming in such a short period of time. Not only were new varieties of flowers blooming, but there was an up canyon migration of the blooming by species. The yellow brittlebush that blanketed the canyon slopes in particular could be seen peaking further up canyon on the second trip.

Photographically both trips had a lot to offer. I had finished the first trip feeling I had not documented what I had experienced adequately. Having a second chance at it does not often happen. I also found the technical nature of the whitewater made it difficult for me to adequately photograph the action. On the second trip I had more opportunity as I had a second oarsman on my boat, Owen. This allowed me to spend a little more time looking beyond the next drop or turn in the river and I was able to get out and shoot some of the other boats on the trip as well.

In my early days photographing white water, I did it primarily form a kayak. The maneuverability and solo nature of a kayak offers greater flexibility for photographing whitewater action. The raft on the other hand dies allows me to carry more photographic gear which is a benefit when it comes to landscapes.

Below are two slideshows, one from each trip. I hope you enjoy them and I’d love to hear what you think in the comments at the bottom of the post.

Salt River Trip 1

Salt River Trip 2