Hopi Salt Mines Grand Canyon National Park Rafting

After passing by the Little Colorado River between miles 63.5 and 65 while rafting in Grand Canyon National Park, you begin to see white deposits against the red rock toward the bottom of the Colorado River canyon walls. These are the sacred Hopi Indian salt mines where the Hopi Indians would come to gather salt for seasoning and preserving their food.

Hopi salt mines in Grand Canyon

This area is considered sacred ground and river rafts are not allowed to stop to inspect the salt mines in more detail. In addition to using the salt for everyday uses, a pilgrimage to these Grand Canyon salt mines was traditionally the culmination of a Hopi Indian right of passage bringing males into adulthood.