Salt River Canyon
Salt River Canyon is a rugged, remote gorge carved by the Salt River in central Arizona. Known for intermediate whitewater, dramatic desert scenery, and hiking routes that climb above the river, it offers a quintessential southwestern canyon experience—far less developed than nearby Sedona or Grand Canyon and best accessed via rugged backroads.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | North America |
| Subregion | Arizona Plateau |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Gila County and Maricopa County |
| District | Salt River |
| City | near Roosevelt Lake |
| Timezone | AmericaPhoenix |
| Latitude | 34.4 |
| Longitude | -110.9 |
| Maps |
7:14 PM LOCAL TIMESalt River Canyon cuts a steep, canyon-flanked valley across central Arizona, from near Phoenix eastwards toward Glenwood, with a length of roughly 30 miles (50 km). The canyon walls rise dramatically from the river below—often 1,000+ meters—forming a largely undeveloped, exposed environment characterized by red and beige sedimentary strata, sparse riparian patches, and ridgetop plateaus. The Salt River, a tributary of the Gila, flows through the canyon, serving as both a recreational focus (notably whitewater rafting and kayaking on Class III–IV rapids) and a ecological corridor for desert flora and fauna. Recreational access is primarily via limited backroads and trailheads; popular activities include river trips, multi-day hikes that climb above the rim to plateaus and viewpoints, and day drives through the canyon. Expect hot desert conditions in summer and colder extremes during winter; water levels and flow are subject to dam releases and seasonal variations. The region is less trafficked and more rugged than Sedona or Grand Canyon, rewarding explorers willing to navigate rough roads and variable trail conditions.
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