Salt Banks
Salt Banks emerges at 78°F on the Fort Apache Reservation in Navajo County, flowing 13 degrees above the 65°F average annual temperature at 3,115 feet elevation. This roadside spring sits on tribal lands where public access remains unknown and requiring coordination with tribal authorities.
The spring sits in the White Mountain region of the Fort Apache Reservation, where elevation supports mixed forest and grassland ecosystem. Water emerges virtually roadside on Reservation Road, requiring only about 140 feet from vehicle access. The surrounding landscape reflects the transition zone between Arizona's desert lowlands and forested mountains typical of Apache County's diverse terrain.
Salt Banks occupies a location significant to the White Mountain Apache people, whose territory encompasses this spring and surrounding lands. The spring's name references mineral deposits common to the region. Geologically, the 13-degree temperature differential above ambient suggests moderate-depth circulation through the local aquifer system.
Access to this spring requires prior coordination with Fort Apache authorities due to tribal land status. Public access policy remains uncertain, making advance inquiry essential before any visit attempt. The roadside location would make access easy once permission is obtained. The spring sits in a region receiving 14.7 inches annual precipitation, creating a wetter environment than much of Arizona's thermal spring country.
Is Salt Banks worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Overview Timber Camp Recreation Area has one of the most popular family and group campgrounds in the Tonto National Forest offering both day-use sites and over-night areas.Recreation Abundant recreation opportunities such as cross-country horseback riding, hiking, in-season hunting, exploring, off-highway vehicle use and wildlife viewing are in close proximity. In the spring, whitewater rafting trips on the Upper Salt River launch a mere 20-minute drive from the site. Brundrett 2 and the equ...