Phoenix Arizona Rafting Vacation Planning - AZ

The Perfect Phoenix Spring Time Vacation - Whitewater River Rafting in Phoenix

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Colorado Rafting Arizona Rafting

Wilderness Aware
1-800-462-7238
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Spring is a wonderful time to visit Phoenix, Arizona. The weather is mild, and the area's best white water raft trips are just a short drive away. No Phoenix vacation is complete without experiencing a white water rafting trip in the Salt River Canyon. And you won't find a better white water rafting outfitter than Wilderness Aware!

There are so many things to do in the Phoenix area, whether its white water rafting, hiking amongst the Saguaro cactus in the Sonoran desert, golfing or taking in a baseball game during Spring Training - you have so many options to make your Phoenix vacation perfect. Phoenix, Arizona visitors are some of the best repeat customers we have, coming back year after year to Phoenix and the beautiful Salt River Canyon.

For help planning your Phoenix, AZ vacation - check out the following informative links:

Phoenix, Arizona Vacation Lodging
The choices in the Phoenix, AZ area are endless. You're guaranteed to find the perfect accommodations for your Phoenix vacation.

Phoenix, Arizona Restaurants
Phoenix has a great selection of dining choices - offering up a variety of cuisine from around the world. You'll find something to love in Phoenix, Arizona.

Phoenix, Arizona Vacation Activities
Make your Phoenix vacation one you'll remember forever. In Phoenix, rafting is just one of many fun and exciting activities to try - spend some relaxing time at a spa, or get out and enjoy the scenery for a hike or horseback ride.

Directions from Phoenix, AZ (Sky Harbor Airport) to...
Salt River, AZ - closest white water rafting trips to Phoenix.
Arkansas River, CO -near our Buena Vista, CO headquarters.
Dolores River, CO - 3, 6 & 10 day trips in May and June.
Gunnison River, CO - remote wilderness two-day rafting trips.
Colorado River, CO - mild family float trips.
North Platte River, CO - wilderness trips in May and June.

Phoenix, Arizona History: Born from an Ancient Culture

For more than 1,000 years, the Hohokam people lived on the land that would become Phoenix. The Hohokam was an ancient culture that carried out extensive trade with nearby tribes including the Anasazi and Mogollon. Their greatest contribution, however, was the establishment of over 135 miles of canals built in order to make the harsh desert land suitable for growing crops. The Hohokam eventually abandoned the area around 1300-1450 because of long periods of drought.

The year 1866 saw a small camp form on the south side of the Salt River (now Tempe). This was first permanent settlement in the valley since the decline of the Hohokam. This settlement was formed by Hispanic workers from Fort McDowell - the US Army's camp located along the Verde River. The camp was formed in 1865 to quell Native American uprisings.

In 1867, a man named Jack Swilling observed the abandoned river valley and its potential for farming. The terrain and climate were ideal - the only problem was a regular source of water. It was the existence of the long gone Hohokam cultures canals that made Swilling's dream of farming become a reality. He had a series of canals built that followed the ancient tribes existing system. The area flourished. Many names for the new community formed, but it was Lord Darrell Duppa that suggested it be named "Phoenix", as it described a city born from the ruins of a former civilization.

The city of Phoenix was later incorporated in 1881 with an estimated population of 2500. In 1912 that Phoenix became the capital of the newly formed state of Arizona. By 1950, the population had grown to and estimated 100,000 people. Like many cities in the American west, it has endured its share of fires, floods and crime sprees - and is now a thriving metropolitan city with a many things to offer both its residents and visitors.

Phoenix and the Salt River Canyon: Endless Recreation

There is no end to the list of activities and attractions near Phoenix, AZ. For excursions outside the city, you can hike or take a white water rafting trip through the Salt River Canyon, visit Saguaro National Park, or take a walk through history at the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.

If staying close to the city is more to your liking, take some time to shop in Scottsdale, walk amongst the natural rock formations in Papago Park, visit history itself at Tovrea Castle, or catch an exciting baseball game during Spring Training or a NASCAR race at Phoenix International Raceway.

Don't forget to visit many other vacation towns and destinations on your Phoenix, AZ vacation, including Tucson, Globe, Sedona, and Flagstaff.

Reserve your Colorado River Whitewater Rafting Adventure NOW! Space is Limited. Click Here... or CALL: 1.800.462.7238

Wilderness Aware Rafting • PO Box 1550 Buena Vista, CO 81211 • Toll Free: 1-800-462-7238 • Phone: 719-395-2112 • Email: rapids@inaraft.com