Salt River Wilderness - Bridge to Bridge March 12-15 2023 (4,000 to 6,500cfs)

Here is a little recap of our rafting run down the mighty Salt River; down through the Wilderness section.
Unfortunately I don't have clips of Mescal and the section between Lower Corral thru the Maze (dang! I really wanted the Maze stuff).
I was rowing a 10.5 RMR Storm with a passenger, and I felt pretty small. Like most videos the footage I got didn't do justice of what this flow looked like.

[@scotts3602]

Man you do some awesome rafting trips! Salt river looks so vnarly!

[@SJSCHOCH]

Thanks, dood!

[@agrankin3309]

Nice work. Truly gnarly.

[@marciasadler3266]

Love watching ran this 30 years ago. Better listening to waves than music

[@MoonPuppyExx]

Some great video angles here of the river. I'm from AZ, but when I picture a river, I always picture a lot of greenery. It's a bit weird to see a river with just mostly brown surroundings and desert terrain. LOL. That's one of the few things I do like about southern Arizona: it's desert with some forest and pine trees sprinkled here and there on mountains even. But I will always prefer the high country as I like cold weather. I am no fan of heat, and never was. But the desert has its own beauty for sure. Despite being a native, Salt River is one of the very few places I've never been to. Yet. It is on my list. Also, may I ask the name of the first song at :23 seconds?

[@SJSCHOCH]

Thank you!

[@MrShocher]

Guide Big Balls Schoch, Now that was a spicy spicy video. Way to get after it!

[@SJSCHOCH]

ahahahahahaha

[@r1cpatnor]

Omg, quartzite falls was gnar! I lost my vid of that one.

[@SJSCHOCH]

bummah!!! It was good meeting ya, dood!

[@johnhallett6512]

What size rafts were you in. Loved the video. That is a bucket list trip for me. Although I’m not sure I’m ready for those flows. Your pack raft videos are a lot of fun to watch also! Thank you!

[@SJSCHOCH]

Thanks! I was in a 10.5' RMR Storm - not enough boat for this type of water ahahahaha

[@johnhallett6512]

Wow! No wonder you were high siding! Looked light a amazing trip. We are very lucky to have such amazing places to play here in Arizona!

[@Alexandre.Savine]

Cut short after day 1 (March 11). Was running in a mixed group (4 duckies, 2 raftс, cataraft) on SE-380X solo. Too tough for me now. May be in year or two will be back. But with solid raft support, sure.

[@SJSCHOCH]

Oh yeah! I totally get that...

[@danehewitt1709]

The big rock in Overboard looks a whole lot different with that much water...

[@cryptot3ch]

Awesome video man! So wish I was there! Are you guys on a facebook group by chance? I haven't been able to find anyone since I paddled with you all a couple years ago.. :( Really would like to come along on some of these adventures!

[@SJSCHOCH]

I just posted the video over on the Upper Salt Rafter group on FB. You can find me there. Thanks, dood!!!

[@r1cpatnor]

You make it feel like I was there... Oh yah, I guess I was

[@SJSCHOCH]

ahahahaha!

[@HDeeGardiner]

Thanks for sharing these great adventures. I have studied many of your videos in preparation for our trip next week. Do you have any recommendations for good campsites for a four day trip with an afternoon launch? Or campsites to avoid?

[@SJSCHOCH]

Thanks! Hmmm it kinda comes down to what ever you can get in. If you have a short day 1 then maybe Salt Draw (just above Mescal). I really like the camp at the bottom of Rock Garden (river left). We stayed at Hess (mid point on river left) and that was nice. Cherry is kind of hard to get to, but has some hiking options. Coon Crik has some nice protection.

[@davidwiltse6287]

Why the horrible music? Woulda been great just listening to the water...