Salt River Canyon

The Salt River Canyon is a specular canyon located about 40 miles northeast of Globe, Arizona. The canyon is known as the mini-Grand Canyon and is over 2,000 feet deep. The Salt River Canyon is about a two-hour drive from Phoenix; take Highway 60 north from Globe to reach the canyon.

The highway climbs through rolling hills as it approaches the Salt River Canyon, and the terrain changes from high desert with cactus and mesquite trees to forests of ponderosa pine. As you approach the canyon, Highway 60 works its way down to the bottom of the canyon via several switchbacks. There are grades up to 6% on this portion of the highway. There are numerous pull-offs along the way to the bottom that offer beautiful views of the canyon.

At the bottom of the Salt River Canyon is the Salt River Canyon Rest Area. Here one can cross an old highway bridge that now is only open to pedestrians to view the Salt River. To get an even closer look, there is a long flight of stairs that brings you near the edge of the river.