Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive
Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive
4.5
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4.5
282 reviews
Excellent
203
Very good
66
Average
8
Poor
1
Terrible
4
lettuce1321
Page, AZ90 contributions
Jun 2018 • Business
You better pay attention. Too many clueless drivers and speed demons. Take flatlanders off their level straight freeways and throw steep grades with lots of sharp curves plus super beautiful views to distract their attention and you get trouble. Also be prepared for unexpected rocks on the road. Any size from pebbles to giant boulders.
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ev S
Phoenix, AZ9 contributions
May 2020 • Couples
Being afraid of heights and seeing the negative reviews, I almost didn’t make this trip, but I’m so glad we did. It was no where near as scary as some people said and well worth it. The drive into the canyon has many beautiful rock formations and scenic views. There is some down and uphill climbs but nothing drastic. There’s 3 tight turns the last 3 miles into the canyon, but if you go speed limit it’s quite doable and there’s ample guard rails (not like going up to Jerome). The canyon is beautiful with a small waterfall. I only wish we were able to walk down and get a better view. The pathways were closed for some reason, so I’d check on that before visiting again. Still a great trip.
Written 17 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ccrowe3
Lakeside, CA485 contributions
Mar 2020
We were traveling on our way to stay in Pinetop-Lakeside and stumbled upon the Salt River Canyon. The drive is amazing and scenic, we stopped to take a bunch of photos, and we want to go back and get permits to hike and explore the Indian reservation in the area. It all looks amazing!
Written 24 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RollTideRollAZ
Peoria, AZ945 contributions
Sept 2020
Drove through here in Sept 2020. Rest areas closed; but portable bathrooms outside. Site roped off; but you can still get down to the water by going down a path down to the right. Good pictures of the bridge and you can go into the water.
Written 7 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jth3309
Reedsburg, WI178 contributions
Mar 2020
Some 35 miles outside of Globe, AZ is a place worth the drive. The views from the highway are breath-taking. There are a few turnouts that can be used for taking pictures. At the bottom is a nice rest area with clean bathrooms. You can take walks from there also. The river runs right next to the rest area and the canyon walls are picturesque. It really is close to being the Little Grand canyon.
Written 3 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mr Z
Peoria, AZ5 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We just finished the drive from ShowLow to Phoenix. It was beautiful, and the road was in great shape. The restrooms, however, at the rest stop by the salt River bridge or absolutely horrible. They were dirty damaged, and had garbage all over. What a disappointment for a beautiful area.
Written 12 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ha Ha! We are a small rafting company that has nothing to do with the Arizona Department of Transportation's public highway restrooms.
Written 29 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Diana B
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Family
The scenic drive was amazing, it was like driving thru mini Grand Canyon. We stopped at the rest area and walked down to the river so I can feel the water( I have this thing about touching water wherever I go). Water was refreshing. Wish we had gotten a permit to spend the day so we could relax in the water. BEAUTIFUL.
Written 12 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KatyWbutcher
Tucson, AZ30 contributions
Jan 2016
An absolutely incredible drive I take at least once a week out of necessity... And every time I cherish it. The views change with variable x being the weather/season and variable y being the time of day. I could go on and on about the majestic fogs, and waterfalls during the rain showers, the shimmer of rocks of dozens of glistening colors, the breathtaking views, and must see must stop rest stop at bottom of the canyon. But from a seasoned pro I will instead give you a list of things to take seriously into consideration when you decide to take this trek:
1. When it rains, or it has rained just prior, TAKE IT SLOW!! Rocks, big rocks DO FALL from the tall canyon walls and into the middle of the road. If you hit one, you could go flying off a cliff or seriously damage your vehicle. Swerve to avoid one and you could slide off a cliff or barrel into another vehicle. These big rocks are for real. And DANGEROUS!
2. Fog likes canyons, particularly this one. If there are even the slightest conditions necessary to produce fog, I guarantee the canyon and roads leading to and from it will be thick with it. Visibility will be at best 25 feet at times so LOW BEAMS PLEASE. Actually, it's good to always have your lights on in the canyon.
3. People traveling with kids and adults who get carsick: I guarantee they will. My kids do, so if they come along for the trek to grandpa's house through the canyon I line the seats with towels and have bags, wipes, and changes of clothes handy. Empty stomachs and some Dramamine before travel are also a must. My children, now twelve years into doing this trip have never out grown the nausea of all the curves and elevation changes. There are not always quick enough places to pull over either.
4. Speaking of pulling over. If you for any reason pull over... PULL WAY OVER and not on a curve.
5. Be courteous. Don't be a burden by going way too slow or way too fast. Yes the curves are sharp. Yes they are fun to race around on to feel the intensity of both gravity and inertia spiking your adrenaline levels to ultimate highs. But no, they are not fun if you or someone because of you goes flying off a 300 ft cliff. Yes these curves often hold some of the most breathtaking views. But no, please don't go so slow as to practically crawl at 10mph holding up a miles of frustrated drivers. And if people want to pass you, let them. Some people are driving through the canyon to get from point a to point b. They are not there to sight see today. So pull a little to the right, slow down, and let them pass. But likewise, if you pass someone don't then just slow down and cause a frustrating, reckless chase of cat and mouse.
6. The rest area at the canyon bottom is the loveliest rest stop worth stopping at in Arizona. It is so incredible that it is even designed to provide beautiful windows of nature to be seen even while sitting on the loo. It is clean and full of interesting information. It's also a nice place to break for a picnic and get easy access to the river below. But it once was disgusting. Filthy. Grotesque. It even was shutdown for a period of time. So please keep it in its new lovely condition. Don't litter or drop of a weeks worth of trash from your camping trip. It's worthy of decency and respect.
7. And finally... Be sure your vehicle is in proper working order before you journey on this trek. It is 86 miles of curves and steep ups and downs between the closest gas station or business between Showlow and Globe. There is little to no cell phone coverage in that distance either. So GAS UP. Your tires must be at least a sonewhat decent (save your bald tires for the race tracks) or #1,2,4,5 mentioned above will be as real as day and night. And check your brakes especially if you have a heavy load or are hauling anything behind you. Your brakes will be tested to the limits. At night I often see brakes ahead or in my mirrors sparking from vehicles neglecting proper maintenance.
So now that the rules are laid out by a pro, just follow them and you will enjoy a very special ride. It is definitely one to remember and worth the trek especially on a crisp sunny day. But remember to always watch for rocks falling or on the road. This really is a true hazard. Maybe I'll see you there!
1. When it rains, or it has rained just prior, TAKE IT SLOW!! Rocks, big rocks DO FALL from the tall canyon walls and into the middle of the road. If you hit one, you could go flying off a cliff or seriously damage your vehicle. Swerve to avoid one and you could slide off a cliff or barrel into another vehicle. These big rocks are for real. And DANGEROUS!
2. Fog likes canyons, particularly this one. If there are even the slightest conditions necessary to produce fog, I guarantee the canyon and roads leading to and from it will be thick with it. Visibility will be at best 25 feet at times so LOW BEAMS PLEASE. Actually, it's good to always have your lights on in the canyon.
3. People traveling with kids and adults who get carsick: I guarantee they will. My kids do, so if they come along for the trek to grandpa's house through the canyon I line the seats with towels and have bags, wipes, and changes of clothes handy. Empty stomachs and some Dramamine before travel are also a must. My children, now twelve years into doing this trip have never out grown the nausea of all the curves and elevation changes. There are not always quick enough places to pull over either.
4. Speaking of pulling over. If you for any reason pull over... PULL WAY OVER and not on a curve.
5. Be courteous. Don't be a burden by going way too slow or way too fast. Yes the curves are sharp. Yes they are fun to race around on to feel the intensity of both gravity and inertia spiking your adrenaline levels to ultimate highs. But no, they are not fun if you or someone because of you goes flying off a 300 ft cliff. Yes these curves often hold some of the most breathtaking views. But no, please don't go so slow as to practically crawl at 10mph holding up a miles of frustrated drivers. And if people want to pass you, let them. Some people are driving through the canyon to get from point a to point b. They are not there to sight see today. So pull a little to the right, slow down, and let them pass. But likewise, if you pass someone don't then just slow down and cause a frustrating, reckless chase of cat and mouse.
6. The rest area at the canyon bottom is the loveliest rest stop worth stopping at in Arizona. It is so incredible that it is even designed to provide beautiful windows of nature to be seen even while sitting on the loo. It is clean and full of interesting information. It's also a nice place to break for a picnic and get easy access to the river below. But it once was disgusting. Filthy. Grotesque. It even was shutdown for a period of time. So please keep it in its new lovely condition. Don't litter or drop of a weeks worth of trash from your camping trip. It's worthy of decency and respect.
7. And finally... Be sure your vehicle is in proper working order before you journey on this trek. It is 86 miles of curves and steep ups and downs between the closest gas station or business between Showlow and Globe. There is little to no cell phone coverage in that distance either. So GAS UP. Your tires must be at least a sonewhat decent (save your bald tires for the race tracks) or #1,2,4,5 mentioned above will be as real as day and night. And check your brakes especially if you have a heavy load or are hauling anything behind you. Your brakes will be tested to the limits. At night I often see brakes ahead or in my mirrors sparking from vehicles neglecting proper maintenance.
So now that the rules are laid out by a pro, just follow them and you will enjoy a very special ride. It is definitely one to remember and worth the trek especially on a crisp sunny day. But remember to always watch for rocks falling or on the road. This really is a true hazard. Maybe I'll see you there!
Written 19 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tamiee2018
Maricopa, AZ2 contributions
Sept 2017 • Family
I can understand why people say that this road has nice views, but I wouldn't know or care due to the EXTREME danger of being a passenger with an excellent driver and still horrified at all the severe curves and narrowness. Only a one lane road on each side with NO in between barriers and major dangerous drop offs down to nowhere with rocky cliffs to smash into on the other.
We actually were behind a car that was in my opinion going too fast and I told my husband to keep very slow holding the door handle for dear life and closing my eyes as much as I could. That car disappeared around another dangerous curve and we suddenly saw one the few guardrails on that road was torn open in with a huge obvious gap and major dust blowing around it. We knew in our hearts that car had gone over the edge. I was horrified beyond belief. There is no way to pass on this road and that car was never to be seen again in front of us. To this day, I have nightmares about witnessing that. Wondering who they were, how scared they must have been falling to their, I'm positive, certain death. Never ever would I again go or let anyone ever take me up this road. Those brave enough to go this route, be careful. To me, no scenery is nowhere near worth the fear, and around almost every unseen upcoming corner, serious potential loss of life.
I do not recall any signs posted that a motor home, especially large ones, could make it safely on this road. There is no way. If I am wrong, so be it, but even in a smaller car that road was terrifying. EVERYONE, be careful NO MATTER what you are traveling in...motorcycles...take a different road. Just our opinion.
We actually were behind a car that was in my opinion going too fast and I told my husband to keep very slow holding the door handle for dear life and closing my eyes as much as I could. That car disappeared around another dangerous curve and we suddenly saw one the few guardrails on that road was torn open in with a huge obvious gap and major dust blowing around it. We knew in our hearts that car had gone over the edge. I was horrified beyond belief. There is no way to pass on this road and that car was never to be seen again in front of us. To this day, I have nightmares about witnessing that. Wondering who they were, how scared they must have been falling to their, I'm positive, certain death. Never ever would I again go or let anyone ever take me up this road. Those brave enough to go this route, be careful. To me, no scenery is nowhere near worth the fear, and around almost every unseen upcoming corner, serious potential loss of life.
I do not recall any signs posted that a motor home, especially large ones, could make it safely on this road. There is no way. If I am wrong, so be it, but even in a smaller car that road was terrifying. EVERYONE, be careful NO MATTER what you are traveling in...motorcycles...take a different road. Just our opinion.
Written 7 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bestatthebeach
Albuquerque, NM130 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
We were traveling between Tucson and ShowLow and after reading this we were anticipating a scenic byway or loop. We didn't check the map as we felt sure we'd see the marking for it. When nothing materialized after many miles I checked map and couldn't find anything labeled "scenic drive" and then looking at where the bulk of the canyon appeared to be we assumed we'd missed it. We then entered the area of hwy 60 that goes through the canyon and it really is an incredible road with lots of switchbacks and changes in altitude. The rock formations are very interesting and you definitely should stop at all the pull outs since going back is not really an option. Rest area is closed and doesn't show any signs of opening.
Written 3 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Towing a 35’ fifth wheel with a height of 13’6”, any low overpasses or tunnels that would be a problem
Written 30 July 2019
Below is a description of part of the drive. There are passing lanes so slower vehicles don't impede traffic. I don't recall any low overpasses.
"With a cliff-hugging road and hairpin turns, the switchbacks down the Salt River Canyon is one of the most exciting portions of the drive. "
Written 30 July 2019
I'm coming from Globe. I really want to see the small falls. How do I get there? Is this map area correct or is it leading me somewhere else? I'll be driving back to globe after.
Written 27 July 2019
Are you wanting to see Cibecue Falls? That is a hike of a couple of miles off the drive thru the canyon.
Written 30 July 2019
Rt 60 takes you through Salt Canyon. It's a decent highway, our sedan handled it fine. If you're traveling it in winter, a 4-wheel drive might be worth considering, and you'd want to keep a sharp eye on the weather. The canyon was impressive in dry weather, but don't think I'd like to drive it in ice and snow.
Written 14 March 2019
Hi, So what is the route driving from Show Low To Globe and then if we go on to Chandler? What if we are driving in the afternoon or late afternoon which will be likely? Thanks.
Written 13 April 2017
We came up from Tucson that day. It was raining and generally miserable, drove it south to north, ended in Sho Low. In spite of the weather, you could tell immediately, it was something special.
As long as you've got daylight, it won't matter what time! Enjoy it.
Written 20 April 2017
I can't decide btw going to Salt River Canyon or Chiricahua National Monument! I have 4 days to hike and am flying into Phoenix. Help! Thx!
Written 15 March 2017
Chiricahua is a loooong way from PHX...almost 2 hrs to Tucson, then another 2+ hrs to Chiricahua. Hiking/camping there is great.
I haven't heard about hiking Salt River Canyon.
CARRY A BATHTUB's WORTH OF WATER for every hour you plan to hike ANYPLACE in Arizona......
....the "rule of thumb" being, "no matter how much water you carry, when you've used 1/2 your water turn around and go back exactly the way you came.
Happy Hiking!!
Written 15 March 2017
Hi, can you tell me how far past Globe to go on this drive? I wonder if I need to drive all the way to Show Low?
Thanks!
Written 24 February 2017
I'm guessing less than an hour. Beautiful drive.
Written 12 March 2017
Sadly the store was closed and rest area might not be functioning
Interesting fact, the river runs through a natural salt bed area upstream and is actually saltier than an average river.
Written 8 September 2016
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