Tonto National Forest

Tonto National Forest is one of 11 National Forests in the Southwestern Region of the Forest Service, USDA, composed of Arizona and New Mexico. The Tonto is comprised of complex, dynamic ecosystems that have many values and uses. In addition to its outstanding recreational opportunities, it is a repository of clean water, diverse wildlife habitat, and many historic and prehistoric sites. Grazing by domestic livestock, timber harvest, and extraction of essential minerals are also important components of the multiple-use management policy of the forest as mandated by Congress.

One of the largest national forests in America, the Tonto embraces nearly three million acres of rugged, scenic landscapes ranging from cactus-studded desert to pine-clad mountains. This variety in landscapes, coupled with a wide range in elevation (from 1,300 to nearly 8,000 feet), offers outstanding recreational opportunities all year long, making the Tonto one of the most heavily visited national forests in the nation.

There are a wide variety of roads within the Tonto National Forest. All forest roads are marked with numbered signs. When you encounter horizontal signs on roads, this means they are generally suitable for prudently operated passenger cars. Vertical signs are placed on routes generally suitable only for high-clearance or 4-wheel-drive vehicles.

Many roads have steep grades, sharp "blind" curves, low water crossings, etc.; they may also carry heavy traffic including logging and cattle trucks. During periods of wet weather, many roads become muddy and even impassable. Using them in this condition can damage not only the road but your vehicle as well. All roads require the use of good judgment and caution.

Recreational Opportunities
The Tonto National Forest is crisscrossed with dozens of hiking, biking, and horseback trails. During winter months, mild weather attracts residents and tourists to beautiful lakes along multi-hued desert canyons. Seeking refuge from the summer heat, visitors flock to the forest's rivers and lakes as well as to alluring trout streams and the cool shade of tall pines in the Mogollon Rim country (the setting for the Zane Grey classic Under the Tonto Rim). The rugged country along the Mogollon Rim was once roamed by Geronimo and the site of many a skirmish between the Apaches and the U.S. Army. Today, the Rim running through the Tonto National Forest contains a great area for hikers, bikers, and horsemen that want to traverse steep, rocky trails. Visitors will find challenging trips for the day or extended packing adventures. See GORP information on the Highline National Recreational Trail for trail information on this area.

The wilderness areas within the Tonto Forest include some great trail systems. GORP has compiled extensive trail information on six of these wildernesses, including the Mazatzal, Hellsgate, Salome, Sierra Ancha, Four Peaks, and the popular Superstition.

Boating and Water Sports
Six man-made reservoirs on the Salt and Verde Rivers and the flowing portions of these rivers, all within a three-hour drive of Phoenix and Tucson, provide an abundance of water-related recreation opportunities for the public. Power-boating, sailing, water-skiing, swimming, rafting, and tubing are some of the more popular recreation activities on the forest's lakes and waterways. World-class whitewater can be experienced on the upper stretches of the Salt River.

Sightseeing
The Tonto offers outstanding opportunities for those who like to enjoy the natural beauty of the forest while traveling along its many highways and byways. The Apache Trail National Forest Scenic Byway (State Route 88 between Apache junction and Roosevelt Lake) is rich in history and scenic beauty. Many routes within the forest provide unique vistas that span the spectrum from lush Sonoran desert characterized by the presence of the stately saguaro cactus to Ponderosa Pine-covered mountains near the Mogollon Rim.

Wilderness
All or parts of eight congressionally designated wildernesses, encompassing more than 589,000 acres, are managed to ensure public enjoyment while protecting the unique natural character of these special places. Wilderness areas within the Tonto Forest include Mazatzal, Hellsgate, Salome, Sierra Ancha, Four Peaks, Superstition, Salt River Canyon, and Pine Mountain. GORP has compiled extensive trail information on the first six of these wildernesses.

In addition, portions of the Verde River have been designated by Congress as Arizona's only Wild and Scenic River.

Fish and Wildlife
Over 400 vertebrate animal species live within the Tonto, including eight that are listed as threatened or endangered. Protecting and maintaining quality habitat to support and improve wildlife diversity is a primary management objective. Hunting opportunities abound from big game such as deer and javelina to game birds including quail and Canada geese. Anglers may choose from trout in cold mountain streams to bass and other warm-water species in desert lakes.

Hiking and Riding
Hikers and horseback riders have over 860 miles of trails to explore. Some are conveniently located near urban centers and are suited for the novice. Others are deep within some of the most remote wilderness areas in the United States and offer a challenge to the experienced trekkers. Whether it is your first time on the trail or you have been hiking or riding for years, you should inquire at a local Forest Service office for current trail conditions and information that will make your trip more enjoyable.

Camping
A broad range of opportunities are available to overnight campers. Most forest areas are open for camping to those who do not require any of the amenities of civilization. You may even boat-camp at a remote spot on the shore of one of the reservoirs. Several developed campgrounds are located in areas that allow camping year-round, while others are among Arizona's most popular during the summer months when desert dwellers seek relief from the summer heat.

For more information on camping in the Tonto National Forest, please see Fred Dow's U.S. National Forest Campground Guide.