Tonto National Forest
Near the heart of Arizona, the Tonto National Forest is a cauldron of colliding ecosystems—it is here that desert meets mountain, saguaro cactus succumbs to ponderosa pine, and the earth touches the sky. Slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut, Tonto's nearly three million acres make it the fifth largest national forest in America. The vertical-walled canyons, steep technicolor cliffs, and scrub-covered hills have changed little since Zane Grey wrote Under the Tonto Rim in 1926. Yucca, cholla cactus, barrel cactus, and agave thrive in the semi-arid hillsides and mesas, while floodplains along the rivers nourish stands of mesquite, black walnut, and sycamore. Here, in the rugged country along the Mogollon Rim, Geronimo led the Apache into several violent clashes with the U.S. Army. Read More »
Tonto National Forest Highlights
- Located five miles north of Roosevelt Dam, Cholla Campground is the largest all-solar powered campground in the United States. It has 206 campsites and is open all year. Hiking, fishing, boating, birding, and wildlife viewing are all available.
- The Apache Trail Scenic Byway is a 44-mile drive that begins at Apache Junction on AZ 88 and ends at Roosevelt Dam at the junction of AZ 188 and AZ 88. You’ll pass the Lost Dutchman State Park where you can retrace gold seekers footsteps and go to Canyon Lake, a nice stop for fishing. Tortilla Flat is a great place for lunch or a snack before continuing on to Apache Lake and, ultimately, to Roosevelt Dam.
- Houston Mesa Horse Camp is located just two miles north of Payson at the Junction of Houston Mesa Road and AZ 87. There are 30 family and two group sites available as well as corrals. Open February through November. Houston Mesa Loop Trail is a nine-mile loop that can be accessed directly from the horse camp.
- The Tonto National Forest, in conjunction with the Arizona State Parks OHV Program, has established two areas dedicated for the use of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV): Bulldog Canyon and Rolls OHV areas. Some roads are considered primitive and may be difficult to pass without a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
- The 160,200-acre Superstition Wilderness contains some of the best canyon and mountain hiking in the Southwest. The 180 miles of trail include many multi-day loop possibilities. Most of the 12 trailheads lie off the scenic Apache Trail Highway.
- First Water Trailhead, off the Apache Trail Highway east of the Phoenix area, is the starting point for an eight-mile loop via the Dutchman's, Black Mesa, and Second Water Trails. The easy Parker Pass has good views.
- The Hawes Loops, located in North Mesa, offer some great cross-country desert bike riding. A trailhead is on the east side of Power Road, 2.1 Miles north of 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) just after you cross a canal.
- Experienced kayakers and rafters enjoy the scenery and wildlife along the 59 miles of the Verde River between Camp Verde and Sheep Bridge near Horseshoe Reservoir. January to early April will give you the best chance of good flows.
- Queen Creek and Devils Canyons, off US 60 east of Superior, are popular for their diverse crag climbing, bouldering, and sport routes. Oak Flat Campground nearby is a basic and convenient place to stay.
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Tonto National Forest Travel Q&A
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What's your favorite hike? Where's the best campsite? Join the conversation! Ask Your Question
What You Can Do in Tonto National Forest
Articles & Advice on Tonto National Forest
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Parks Near Tonto National Forest
- Tonto National Monument,AZ (22 mi.)
- Mazatzal Wilderness,AZ (23 mi.)
- Lost Dutchman State Park,AZ (26 mi.)
GEARZILLA: The Gorp Gear Blog
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