The Salt River Canyon is a 2,000+ foot-deep river canyon that's not only beautiful but loaded with history. Best of all; many of its scenic views can be easily seen from a car window. It is sometimes called the "Mini - Grand Canyon," because of its stark, sweeping vistas which were carved out by millions of years of earth movement and erosion. From Phoenix, U.S. 60 snakes down the west wall of the canyon, crosses the Salt River via a scenic bridge, then climbs up the east on its way to Show Low. The views can easily distract a driver along the nine-mile drive from rim to rim, along a series of switchbacks, that bring you down to the valley floor, then up the opposite side. At the bottom of the canyon, the Salt River roils through its rocky bed, unfettered by dams and channels, which harness the river downstream. At its lowest point, the road crosses the river over a curving bridge, which is paired with an older highway bridge that is now used only for foot traffic. A parking and rest area just before you approach the bridge provides interpretive displays, with paved trails that allow you a quick access to the riverside. Beyond the bridge, campers, hikers and other adventurers can turn off the main road onto dirt tracks that run for several miles along the river. Several pullouts are at varying elevations on both sides of the canyon which enable motorists to park and enjoy the view. At some turnoffs, such as one at Hieroglyphic Point, travelers can explore by foot. At this site, prehistoric tribes carved petroglyphs into the black boulders that line the slope below the road. The Salt River Canyon was used by Apache warriors during the 1800s as a refuge from pursuing the U.S. calvary troops. Since the canyon is fairly close and easily accessible, it can provide an excellent day trip for Valley Of The Sun residents. You could also enjoy camping, hiking, fishing and white-water rafting in the area. How To Get There: From the Phoenix area, take the Superstition Freeway east, then take U.S. 60 to the historic mining towns of Miami and Globe, where you may want stop for lunch or even stay over at a bed-and-breakfast. Continue north about 40 miles, until the road begins to drop down a steep grade. After the first hairpin turn, you will be in the Salt River Canyon.

If you are planning to visit Salt River Canyon. And if you are coming from outside of Arizona, you could fly into Phoenix, Arizona and then rent a car. There are many hotels and motels in both areas and if you need a place to stay; Priceline.com can arrange that for you. We have some links to Priceline.com on this page since they can arrange all of your air flights, hotels and car. In addition, you may need to purchase some outdoor camping gear and clothing. We also have some links to Altrec.com on this page since they are a good online source for any outdoor camping gear and clothing that you may need. We of course, appreciate your use of the advertising on our pages, since it helps us to keep our pages active. Your order must be placed from a link on our page for us to get credit.

Click On Any Of The Following Links By Amazon.Com
For Camping Gear. No Obligation!