Salt River Canyon Wilderness, Protected wilderness area in Gila County, Arizona
Salt River Canyon Wilderness is a protected area in Gila County featuring dramatic canyon walls with dense saguaro forests throughout. The Upper Salt River flows through the deep gorge, creating a striking geographic division between the plateaus on either side of the canyon.
The area received federal protection status in 1984, preserving this natural corridor for the future. The designation was granted to safeguard the ecological importance of the canyon system.
The Salt River serves as a boundary between the Fort Apache Indian Reservation to the north and the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation to the south.
Visitors should know that water flows are most powerful between March and May and require special permits for river travel. Elevation varies significantly from low desert to higher forest areas, which will affect physical demands.
Apache Falls drops with substantial water volumes through the arid Sonoran Desert landscape. This waterfall stands out because it exists in one of the driest regions of the continent, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding aridity.
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