The views of the river and the canyons are amazing. The sun shades the red rocks of the canyon differently from minute to minute as it passes overhead. Don't try to enjoy the views while driving the windy roads though, or you will get an up close view of the bottom of the canyon. Instead stop here to stretch your legs and admire the scenery. The Salt River roils through the canyon in front of you, and makes one feel small when looking at how deep the canyon is. You can't help but wonder how many thousand of years that water has flowed to cut so deep into the bedrock. This is the first and last stop for fifty miles in either direction if you need a potty break. The restrooms aren't the cleanest but they are what they are. read more

Be aware that the bathrooms are pit toilets with no water or hand sanitizer available. The time we stopped the smell was pretty bad and there were lots of flies. read more

I have very mixed reviews about this rest area. The view, on one hand, is spectacular. This is a great spot for photos, getting out of the vehicle to stretch your legs and just taking in some beautiful views. The rest stop itself, however, was absolutely trash. The "bathroom "situation was basically just 4 Porta potty type seats in a medium size room with a metal door for each that barely "closed". It didn't feel safe, my child was not going to sit on that dirty thing, and there aren't even sinks or any way for you to wash your hands after touching the door. read more

Beautiful views of the canyon and the old and new bridges! There are stairs leading down to a platform close to the river. You could also walk on the old bridge and admire the Vista. read more

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We wanted to explore and take a day trip on winding roads. This didn't disappoint and we had no idea what would be at the rest stop. There was an attendant. The bathrooms were clean and the view was great! We walked across the pedestrian bridge and explored under it. It was a great turn around point for us! read more

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Drive. Park. Stretch. Enjoy. If you are driving US route 60 after passing by Globe and on your way to Show Low or traverse to SR 73 entering the White Mountain Apache Tribe reservation, you will never miss seeing the Salt River Canyon Rest Area after that long, winding road requiring you to go low speed. It sits on both San Carlos Apache Reservation and White Mountain Apache Reservation tribal lands. Although I have driven the area countless times but I never had the chance to stop here in order to take a break from driving, not until recently. It was worth turning off the engine and be refreshed. My eyes enjoyed feasting on the picturesque backdrop of the landscape, the rocky cliffs, and the diverse species of Arizona trees. You can also walk into the historic 1934 bridge in which only pedestrians are allowed. Try to look down below to see the serpentine river and its rapids. There is a stair going down wherein you can be closed to the river bank; however at that time, access was blocked with chains in place. The rest area is well-maintained, with clean rest rooms. There was even the maintenance personnel at that time. Here, you can also learn about the Apache tribe as there are informational posters mounted for you to read. Whether you are traveling alone, with family, or with your four-legged babies, stopping in Salt River Canyon Rest Area in the middle of your journey will be a good idea. read more

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