Tonto National Forest Guide: Scenic Drives
Tonto National Forest Highlights
- The Apache Trail Scenic Byway is a 44-mile trip 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.
- After reaching Roosevelt Dam, if you continue on the Apache Trail Scenic Byway you come to the Tonto National Monument. Here you’ll find the ruins from dwellings of the Salado people, who lived in the area from the 13th through 15th centuries. The upper ruins can be reached by a three-mile guided hiking tour and are open November through April. The lower ruins are open all year and can be accessed by a short—but steep—hike up from the visitor center.
- Rim Road, or Forest Road 300, is a 50-mile scenic drive that follows the Mogollon Rim between AZ 87 and AZ 260. There are some fantastic views and you may get lucky and see some wildlife. Most of the road is dirt or gravel so slow speeds are necessary and in winter the road is not maintained.
- Fossil Creek Road (FR 708) begins in Strawberry and ends east of Camp Verde. A little more than 26 miles, this winding road has some excellent views of the canyon. At the end is Fossil Creek, which has some great swimming holes. Stop by Strawberry Lodge before your journey for a great breakfast or lunch.
- If staying in Phoenix area, for a change of scenery and drop in temperature try taking Highway 260 from Wood Canyon Lake to Heber.
By Travel Expert:
Kim Lipker
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