Salt River Canyon Rest Area and Old Bridge
A stunning rest stop in Arizona's Salt River Canyon, offering breathtaking views of the river and rugged mountains, with historic bridges.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for canyon views
Salt River Canyon Rest Area and Old Bridge
Best Time
Best light for canyon views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning rest stop in Arizona's Salt River Canyon, offering breathtaking views of the river and rugged mountains, with historic bridges.
"The views of the canyon are absolutely breathtaking, with rugged mountains framing the vivid blue Salt River below."
🚗 Take a Break from the Drive
The winding roads are intense! This rest area is perfect for regaining composure and enjoying the views.
🚽 Be Prepared for Restrooms
Restrooms are compost toilets and can be smelly. Plan accordingly!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 848 reviews
Type
Rest Stop
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Breathtaking Canyon Vistas
Rugged mountains frame the vivid blue Salt River, creating a stunning ribbon of water winding through dramatic landscapes.
River Access & Viewing
A well-maintained staircase leads to the river's edge, offering close-up views of its refreshing waters and the underside of the bridges.
Historic & Modern Bridges
Admire the picturesque old bridge (1934) and the newer 'Apache Bridge' (1996) that gracefully span the canyon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Scenic Drive
Restroom Realities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Take a Break from the Drive
The winding roads are intense! This rest area is perfect for regaining composure and enjoying the views.
🚽 Be Prepared for Restrooms
Restrooms are compost toilets and can be smelly. Plan accordingly!
🚶♀️ Walk the Pedestrian Bridge
Enjoy bird's-eye views of the canyon and river from the accessible paved sidewalk and pedestrian bridge. +1
📸 Capture the Scenery
Every corner offers a feast for the eyes. Don't miss the chance to photograph the dramatic landscape. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Take a Break from the Drive
The winding roads are intense! This rest area is perfect for regaining composure and enjoying the views.
🚽 Be Prepared for Restrooms
Restrooms are compost toilets and can be smelly. Plan accordingly!
🚶♀️ Walk the Pedestrian Bridge
Enjoy bird's-eye views of the canyon and river from the accessible paved sidewalk and pedestrian bridge. +1
📸 Capture the Scenery
Every corner offers a feast for the eyes. Don't miss the chance to photograph the dramatic landscape. +1
💧 River Access
Take the stairs down for a closer look at the river and its flow.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking canyon views and the vivid blue Salt River, calling it a 'hidden gem.' The easy river access via stairs and the picturesque bridges are highlights. However, some find the compost restrooms to be quite smelly, and the winding drive to reach the area can be intense.
"Salt River Canyon Rest Area is a hidden gem in Arizona. The views of the canyon are absolutely breathtaking, with rugged mountains framing the vivid blue Salt River below. The river itself is a stunning ribbon of water, winding gracefully through the dramatic landscape. The rest area offers easy access to the river via a well-maintained staircase, allowing visitors to get up close to its refreshing waters. The bridges spanning the canyon are picturesque and blend harmoniously with the natural beauty. Every corner of this spot is a feast for the eyes, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who stops by."
Valdemar
"Decent area to stretch your legs on the way from Globe to Show Low. There's a row for ~20 cars to park, and there's accessible spots to park. There's an accessible paved sidewalk that connects to a bridge over the water, where you can see birds-eye views of the canyon and the river rapids. There's restrooms too but they are compost toilets, quite smelly.
You can take the stairs to get a closer look at the river and there's a viewing area that takes ~5 minutes to walk from one end to the other. You also get to see the underside of the bridges and river flow under. Nice views make up for the other downsides here."
A Z
"Wild ,wild drive to get here! You'll need to stop to regain your composure after coming down either side of the mountain. Beautiful area, and a nice stop too (fairly clean for general stop)."
Bikes Boats Boots WI
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The rest area is located along US Highway 60, between the San Carlos Apache Reservation and the White Mountain Apache Reservation in Arizona. It's a scenic, albeit winding, drive from Globe to Show Low.
Yes, the drive is known for its steep inclines and sharp curves. Many travelers find it a wild and intense drive, making the rest stop a welcome respite.
The original bridge was designed in 1933 and completed in 1934. The second bridge, the 'Apache Bridge,' was built in 1996, connecting the White Mountain Apache and San Carlos Apache tribes.
Yes, the rest area is directly accessible from US Highway 60. However, be prepared for a challenging drive to reach it.
Expect a winding and steep road with many curves. It's advisable to drive cautiously and be prepared for a dramatic descent or ascent depending on your direction of travel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Salt River Canyon Rest Area. It's a public rest stop.
Rest areas are typically open 24/7 for travelers to stop and rest. However, facilities like restrooms may have limited hours or maintenance schedules.
No advance booking is required. It's a public rest area, so you can stop by anytime.
As it's a rest area, standard rules apply. Be mindful of posted signs and respect the natural environment.
Yes, there is a well-maintained staircase that provides access to the river's edge.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy breathtaking canyon views, walk across a pedestrian bridge, access the river via stairs, and take photos of the bridges and landscape. It's a great spot to stretch your legs.
Yes, there are restrooms, but they are compost toilets and can be quite smelly. +1
You can hike along the river for a short distance. There are also viewing areas accessible via paved sidewalks. +1
Expect stunning views of rugged mountains, the vivid blue Salt River winding through the canyon, and the historic and modern bridges. +1
Yes, it's a nice place to eat lunch and relax after driving, offering beautiful scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic canyon walls, the winding blue river, the historic and modern bridges, and the unique geological formations. The light can be particularly beautiful in the late afternoon. +1
Mid-day offers good light for the canyon's colors, while late afternoon provides a beautiful golden hour glow on the rock formations.
The pedestrian bridge offers elevated views, and the area near the river access stairs provides unique perspectives of the water and bridge undersides.
Drone usage may be restricted in tribal lands and national forest areas. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canyon views, while a telephoto lens can help isolate details of the bridges or river.
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