Salt River Canyon is one of Arizona’s most breathtaking scenic drives. This winding highway descends from high up on the canyon rim, all the way down to the Salt River below, with incredible views at every turn.

It’s often deemed “Arizona’s Other Grand Canyon” or the “Mini Grand Canyon,” as the canyon features the stacked layers of rock and dramatic landscapes that closely resemble those of the Grand Canyon.

For comparison, the Salt River Canyon is approximately 2,000 feet deep whereas the Grand Canyon is nearly 6,000 feet at its deepest point. Even though these two canyons have a massive difference in size, they have very similar features and climate zones.

At the rim before descending the canyon you’ll be surrounded by ponderosa pines, oak trees and green shrubs dotting the landscape. As you descend, you’ll begin to find an abundance of prickly pear cacti, yuccas, and ocotillos down by the river.

In this post I dive into everything you need to know before setting out for the Salt River Canyon in Arizona. Everything from permits, road conditions, and fun things to do will all be covered below.

The Salt River Canyon is located in eastern Arizona about a 2.5 hour drive east from Phoenix, making for a great day trip to escape the city.

The portion of the canyon you can drive through is located on US Route 60 which runs between the major towns of Show Low and Globe. 

So if you happen to be taking a road trip from either Phoenix or Globe up to the towns of Show Low, Snowflake, or Holbrook you’re going to drive through the Salt River Canyon.

Below I have inserted the map of the Salt River Canyon scenic drive showing the route we took from Globe to Show Low.

As you can see, the canyon encompasses a small section of the highway and is about halfway in between these two towns.

Even before you reach the canyon, the drive is still incredibly scenic. You’ll get views of Four Peaks, Mount Turnbull, and the other rolling mountains of the Tonto and Apache Sitgreaves National Forests.

Things to Do at Salt River Canyon

Besides just taking the scenic drive, there are a few other things you can do around the Salt River Canyon. 

Stop at Viewpoints on the Scenic Drive

There are several pull offs at many points throughout the Salt River Canyon scenic drive. 

There are viewpoints up on both canyon rims, down at the river, and at a few places in between!

One of the best overlooks is at a pull off close to the canyon’s north rim where you will see just one single palm tree. From here, you can walk down a short set of stairs overlooking Apache Falls and the river.

Salt River Canyon Rest Stop & Visitor Center

The nice thing about this drive is that there is a small rest stop and visitor center at the bottom right next to the river. The bathrooms are nothing fancy, just pit toilets and no sinks, but it’s nice to have.

You’ll also find a few infographics on the Native American tribes who once lived here in the canyon, so it’s worth a quick look around.

There are a few short and paved walking trails here that lead you to viewpoints of the river and bridge.

Walk on the Bridge

There are two bridges crossing the river, the red one is for vehicles, and the smaller gray bridge is only open to foot traffic.

The bridge is completely paved so it is easily accessible for people of all ages and abilities to cross. You get great river views from the bridge. 

You can access the bridge by taking a short walk from the visitor center. It is free to walk on.

Hiking in the Salt River Canyon

If you’re only doing the scenic drive and passing through, I would recommend hiking the Apache Falls Trail.

It is the best trail in the Salt River Canyon to hike because it’s short and easily accessible to people driving through.

The hike to Apache Falls is only a 0.8 mile round trip and on completely flat ground. 

It starts at the bottom of the canyon and follows the Salt River upstream. On the way you’ll take in views of the massive canyon walls and spot desert wildlife that you won’t find up on the rims.

The trail is mostly composed of gravel. You can easily do this hike in tennis shoes or sports sandals. Hiking boots aren’t necessarily required. 

You know you’re getting towards the end when the trail begins to veer off to the right onto a rocky area where you can easily get down to the waterfront.

Keep following the sound of the rushing waterfall until you can see it. You will have to walk on rocks along the riverbed which may be slick.

The Apache Falls is very unique because of the way you’re looking down at the waterfall as it flows beneath you.

The views you get from this trail looking up at the canyon walls are insane. If you’ve ever hiked rim to rim in the Grand Canyon, it’s a little similar but obviously on a much smaller scale.

Parking Info for Apache Falls

Do note that a permit is technically required to park at this trailhead. You are not able to get them on site. 

We didn’t have one and neither did another visitor we met while hiking, but we were only on the trail for 30 minutes or less. 

You can either get a White Mountain Apache Salt River Canyon permit for $15 on their website, or you can get a San Carlos Apache Recreation Permit for $10 at the Circle K in Globe.

If you’re going to go any deeper into the canyon to hike on any other trails (such as Cibecue Falls) I would say you definitely need a permit.

Since Apache Falls is practically right off the highway, it seems to be more lenient to visitors without permits. There was no one preventing people from driving to the trailhead or monitoring the area when we visited. So visit at your own risk.

Accessing the Trailhead

You can find the trailhead by taking Primitive Rd from US 60 at the bottom of the canyon. If you’re coming up from Phoenix/Globe, the turn will be on your left after you cross the bridge.

This is a gravel road that you can probably do in a sedan, but you will be much more comfortable in a high clearance vehicle. It’s pretty rocky in spots.

You can get the directions from clicking this link, but getting driving directions from AllTrails will also get you to the trailhead.

Salt River Rafting

If you want to experience the canyon in an exhilarating way, then whitewater rafting the Upper Salt River may be for you. 

Now this is something we didn’t do, but it is another option for something fun to do in the area. 

You do need a boat permit to float this section of the river. They are only available March 1st to May 15th each year.

This section of the river has Class III-IV river rapids and require prior experience/ knowledge in whitewater boating. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, you can click here to learn more about rafting and the permit you must get for it.

FAQ on Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive

Fees or Permit Required?

The Salt River Canyon scenic drive is free. You do not need any permits if you are only driving on US 60 and not going off on any gravel side roads.

Do I Need a High Clearance Vehicle?

High clearance or 4 wheel drive is not required to take the scenic drive through Salt Canyon. The road the entire way on US 60 is completely paved.

How Difficult is the Drive?

Below is a photo of the highway going through the canyon.

As you can see there are a lot of tight switchbacks on the canyon’s rims.

Obviously you will not be able to drive 70 MPH like you can on most sections of US 60. You will have to take it slow. This part of the highway is only a two lane road. 

It can be a little nerve wracking driving down the steep and narrow curves, but as long as you aren’t going too fast you’ll be fine.

Don’t take your eyes off the road too much to look at the scenery. That’s why there’s so many pull offs along the way.

How Long Does the Drive Take?

The drive from Globe to Show Low is 1.5 hours one way if you drive straight through.

The Salt River Canyon is just a small portion of that 1.5 hours. The drive through the canyon itself, from rim to rim, can be done in about 20 minutes one way. It’s only about 9 miles from rim to rim.

I would say plan to spend about an hour at the Salt River Canyon. This includes the driving, hiking to Apache Falls, and stopping off at the overlooks and rest stop.

Can You Camp Here?

There are campgrounds located along the river in which you’ll need a White Mountain Apache Tribe permit to stay at. They are primitive (no amenities) and are only hike-in or boat-in.

The campground is mostly used by rafters who are rafting the Upper Salt River.

If you do want to camp at the campgrounds, you can purchase your permit for $9 online here. 

Campers on IOverlander have reported recently (March 2024) that they’ve car camped overnight in the parking lot of the visitor center, but I don’t think that this is technically allowed.

We didn’t try it, so I can’t say for sure how it is so camp there at your own discretion. 

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

Any time of year is generally a good time to take the Salt River Canyon scenic drive. 

There are just a few things to know in certain seasons. 

In summer, temperatures will be pushing well over 100 inside the canyon. It would not be advisable to hike or be outside for too long while at the bottom.

But, if you’re just looking for some scenic views that you can get within the comfort of your car’s AC, then taking this drive is a great thing to do in summer to beat the heat. You don’t have to get out of your car much at all to enjoy the viewpoints.

In winter, the rims of the canyon are no stranger to snow. Ice on these roads can be dangerous if you’re not prepared and driving cautiously. 

Snow on the rims would make for awesome scenery, but just be updated on road conditions and be monitoring the weather in the area before you set out for this drive in winter.

I would say spring and fall are both amazing times to visit because these seasons are when Arizona has the most mild temperatures and weather.

In fall, you’ll also see trees along the drive changing into a vibrant yellow. And in spring you’ll be treated to wildflowers popping up all around you.

Is the Salt River Canyon Worth Visiting?

Yes! Whether you’re looking for an easy day trip from Phoenix or traveling along US 60 on an Arizona road trip, the scenic drive through the Salt River Canyon is worth visiting.

The viewpoints themselves make the drive worth it because you can stop and really take in the beauty of the canyon. The short hike to Apache Falls is a nice plus too.

I hope you got some valuable information from this article and now know what to expect on your trip to this one of a kind destination. Thank you for reading!