The Tonto National Forest is a large territory of preserved lands northeast of Phoenix ideally suited for recreation. There is a lifetime of official and unofficial trails in the Forest. Most of them are in the desert, with little shade and oppressive heat, but if you live in Arizona that probably doesn't stop you. Based on its size and preservation, there are stunning vistas of the Forest even a short drive from the Phoenix area. Describing it as a "forest" is a deceptive term. It is more of a National Desert. Acknowledging that point does not make it a less impressive place to explore. Arguably, the panoramic views are even more impressive in the desert because there are no trees blocking your line of sight. One of the more surprising aspects of the forest is how few Arizona citizens take advantage of the recreation opportunities. Phoenix is a megacity, but if drive 30 minutes away, you can have a 10 mile trail all to yourself. This means either Phoenix citizens are not into the outdoors or there are enough trails for everyone to spread out. One trail in particular that my brother, wife, and I were able to explore by ourselves was the Ballantine Trail. It's halfway between Mesa and Payson on highway 87. The first couple of miles suffered significant burn damage a year earlier. This was quite disappointing at first. As we continued hiking, we were able to appreciate the signs of transition from burned and blackened landscape to fresh grass and bush rejuvenation. The return hike along the side of the mountain, rather than over the top, yielded one of the most stunning views of grass and saguaro cacti that I have seen. read more

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I was in town in Show Low staying at my friend's place and decided to take my dog to Tonto National Forest (specifically the two sixty trail area) so we could enjoy the weekend day. It was an hour ride, but I think it was so worth it! My dog really enjoyed it! What I loved was that the facility and trail were clean and well maintained. There was a restroom station and a marker/direction for a subtrail at the entrance from a parking lot. The trail itself was clear and not crowded at all. There were just 2 other people we met during a weekday late morning during our visit for an hour there. My dog really enjoyed roaming around the trail and we loved that we didn't see any trash at all. While the trail was a bit unleveled, the path was clear! Bonus too that it was a free hike/walk for us, including parking! The only minus was that there was no cell phone signal (T-mobile/Mint Mobile), so I was very wary that we might get lost if we didn't keep track of ourselves well enough..so we mostly stayed on the trail and didn't go in too far. But...it is a wonderful place to enjoy the nature for sure! read more

Tonto National Forest - My dog enjoying Tonto National Forest. - Parks Near Me

Even if you're visiting the Phoenix area for only a few days the Tonto National Forest area provides several memorable experiences. We spent a full day visiting the Lost Dutchman national park, Goldfield Ghost Town and the Apache Trail road (at least to the part where it was closed) Because of large fires the Apache trail is closed at the halfway point. Dont let that stop you from driving it anyway. Lots of place to pull over and take pictures.. There's also a nice lookout at Canyon Lake, and if you can swing it try getting there at sunset.... The Goldfield Ghost town is also a fun and free diversion with gun battles and plenty of sweets and gift shops.. The Lost Dutchman park has a great morning hike called Siphon Draw to Flatiron trail.. 6 miles total and it's not easy but the views are epic. Look it up on Yelp... read more

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Beautiful. We will be back. The lake is bigger than we thought. It was a rainy day however.

The Tonto Natural Bridge area and waterfall were SOOOO pretty. We recently discovered this area and it was truly a great experience. Beautiful scenery and quaint, natural land. read more

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Expansive preserve with emphasis on the lake, river and mountains. Need to get a Tonto pass so you can park at any of the parks you choose on the Bush Hwy. All the stops and parks have those septic tank toilets not flushable and no sinks. There are wild horses about and the trails and parking lots are dotted with horse doo doo. Beautiful trails, forest, mountain, geographical rock formations with sandy and rocky trails. read more

Tonto National Forest - Parks Near Me

What a wonderful section of Arizona. My favorite part -- thus far -- is Tonto's western region where, during the spring time, the wildflowers burst into vibrant yellows, oranges and purples amid the striking saguaros. The forest has an amazing history. One of the first known cotton farming communities was situated near Tonto. And its cliff dwellings were occupied dating back to the 13th century. And it is home to greatness. You will find in different areas of the monument the likes of agave, cholla, prickly pear, ocotillo, and also pines. Thick, dense forests of pine! And so many camgrounds and lakes! My favorites so far are Tonto National Bridge, Tonto Creek and the campground there and also Saguaro Lake. With nearly three million acres, there is much to see and do. Enjoy the adventuring! read more

Tonto National Forest - Christopher Creek day use area - Parks Near Me

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If you don't have time to make it from Phoenix up to the Grand Canyon, then the Tonto National Forest is the next best thing. Seriously! My friends told me that this is where they take people who want to see the natural beauty of the area and they aren't kidding! The washboard road is a 20+ mile ride along route 88 and the Apache Lake. The scenic views are constant and some of them are even well marked with paved parking lots and National Park Service bathrooms along the way. Tips: I wouldn't recommend taking the whole ride if you're someone who gets carsick. You want a car with really good brakes and shocks. It is NOT a smooth ride. Make sure you have plenty of gas. Plan ahead. The ride took us three hours. You don't want to be doing this in the afternoon with the sun setting. This is not the type of road you want to drive at night! Notes: Most of the park does not have cellular coverage. I'm not kidding about this! Be careful when walking around. It's Arizona and while the snakes and other creatures are afraid of you, they will attack you if they feel threatened. read more

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If anyone asked me for a few words of wisdom to guide them through life, I would tell them to always take the scenic route. While plotting my epic road trip for 2015, I consulted my GPS for the fastest route. After realizing that was also the most boring route, I consulted an actual map. It was then that I realized that I could add about 30-40 minutes to my trip, but instead of going through boring cities, I opted for the drive through The Tonto National Forest. The drive through this area is amazing. We began in the low mountain desert and finished the drive in the high pine forest. The change in elevation was significant to this below sea level boy, but despite the lack of oxygen, I've never seen nature look this beautiful. I keep typing and deleting my next paragraph because I just don't have the words to explain how incredible this 2 million acre forest truly is. Just trust me when I say that it will change your life. read more

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The Historic Apache Trail Scenic Drive is amazing. There's so much beauty on the way and some cool stops too. If you all the way to Apache Lake you'll go throw Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flats. Canyon Lake is one of the prettiest lakes I've ever seen, the rock formations are so cool! A good portion of the road is paved and the other part is hard packed dirt, most vehicles could go on the dirt but it's more fun in a truck for sure. I really enjoyed the drive, it's definitely one I'll do again. Be aware of the fact that there a lot of switchbacks, blind turns, single lane parts of the road and one-way bridges. A lot of the road requires you to be super aware of drivers coming from the other direction. read more

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Just a short drive from Phoenix sits 2,969,602 acres of captivating beauty and wildlife that make up the largest national forest in the state. Roosevelt, Apache, Canyon, Saguaro Lakes and Horseshoe and Bartlett Reservoirs all within the Tonto's. These bodies of water provide not only water and electricity but also fishing, swimming, boating, skiing and relaxation. From Pine south to Superior and Carefree east to Young is a diverse range of sights, sounds and discoveries. Altitude ranges from 1,300 to 7,900 feet and offers nearly 900 miles of trails! This is a hikers or outdoor enthusiast paradise. If you are keen and alert you will see one or more of the 400 plus species of fish and wildlife that call Tonto home. Once home to prehistoric Indians, ruin sites abound. Some are publicized, most are not. Camping- Check out www.fs.usda.gov/Tonto/ for camp site fees and information. Passes- Daily Pass $8.00 Discovery Pass(annual) $80.00 /$60 for Seniors Other Special Permits- Refer to above website. Don't sit on the sidelines of life and never benefit from this natural wonder literally in our backyard. There are activities for every age and interest! The fun is researching and going out and experiencing. Make memories for a lifetime and for your kids. Remember to do your part and clean up after yourself. Mother Nature and the critters that call this beautiful area home will thank you for your efforts. As a visitor or resident, remember to plan ahead any activity into wildness. People tragically die every year from heat, dehydration or cold while hiking. Falls and snake bites along with boater drownings we read or hear about every year. Don't underestimate Mother Nature or it could cost you or a loved one their life. read more

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Beautiful place. If your lucky enough to live in the forest, then your lucky enough. Gorgeous!

While the name Tonto in Spanish/Italian means "stupid", I found this park to have a natural genius. Covering a large area of Arizona, the park blends a variety of microclimates and different atmospheric zones. The landscape scenes and fauna change suddenly and often going around bends. The north has snow covered mountains. The Sedona region has very red mesas and big plains where you can find big mule deer jumping. In Payson, there is a pine forrest, and over the hills towards the South there is a endless sea of tall cactus. Roads are excellent. This park is definitely worth a trip if yoy are in the Phoenix area. read more

Tonto National Forest - Boulders and cactus in Tonto National Forrest - Parks Near Me

This is a unique and special place, only God knows how to do beauty the landscape is so perfect and it's magical, you don't need a perfect camera to take a perfect picture because it is just perfect my pictures came up great even though it was 104 degrees around 6pm you may feel a nice breeze. The only thing just be careful driving down the hill and up always follow the signs read more

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This place was so beautiful! Canyon lake is just breathtaking, drive and scenery of the entire tonto national forest is one to remember! read more

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Hiked trail 56, great clean park. Friendly rangers. Safe and well marked. Small fee, well worth the cost of keeping the area clean and safe. Fun for teens and adults. read more

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Love it!!! I live here in bearflat Arizona and it is just amazing!!!! Totally would come here for a vacation!!! read more

Tonto National Forest - 4 peaks!!!!!! - Parks Near Me

Acacia and Boulder park areas were just trashed. The cars following you through the winding roads tailgate you so close its scary. It is a beautiful park, and could be more so but, people sucks sometimes and make the experiences lesser. We will come back, maybe get passes and utilize some campgrounds. Nevertheless, it's trashy out there. Literally and metaphorically. read more

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We popped in with hopes of seeing wild horses which we did. It was a really cool experience! read more

Tonto National Forest - Parks Near Me

Tonto National Forest is endless. If you explore the forest from Apache Junction, enjoy elements like Lost Dutchman State Park, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, Roosevelt Lake and all the endless trails and hikes. If you explore the forest near Payson, enjoy elements like Fossil Creek, the Tonto Natural Bride, fishing and hiking through tall Pine trees. read more

Open grounds and hills that are like a part of an obstacle course. All perfect to have fun with the UTVs. Take a detour through Four Peaks if you have a chance too. read more

Lots of pros, but a few cons. First, I'll start with the pros. The forest is beautiful with many different types of terrain and geographical features. It's very large, so don't think you can see the whole thing, or even a decent part of it in just one afternoon. There are huge swaths of desert with saguaro and several other types of cactus species. Near Payson is the Mogollon Rim with beautiful hikes, and amazing lakes at high elevations. Really nice on a hot day in the valley. (And, that's a good part of the year). Most parts are accessible by paved roads, but there are many dirt roads as well that go on for miles. Yes' you can drive most of them in an ordinary 2 wheel drive car, but eventually they take their toll on the suspension, tires, and the occupants. The combination of heat, sun exposure, lack of shade, and low humidity, can take it's toll - always, always, always, take water when hiking, or just walking even a short distance to see a site just off the road.. And, wear sunglasses and a big silly lightweight hat. You won't regret it. Wildlife abounds here, If you are quiet and conservative when hiking. I've seen lots of wild horses, mostly near the water sources, coyotes, javelinas, skunks, many kind of raptors, quail, rabbits, snakes, scorpions, etc. etc.... Be careful though. The plants and animals in this part of the country should mostly be view viewed from a distance. Event the most innocuous looking of them is armed for combat. Try a full moon night hike. You'll be amazed at the temperature difference and visibility. My cons: I've seen this in these reviews mentioned more than once, and I concur. Whoever suggested that in order to park in the forest recreational sites, you have to have a pass that can not be bought in the park boundaries should be fired. Your first visit to the forest will probably result in a pleasant drive into it, followed by an angry drive back out and back in again to a nearby convenient (not so much) store to purchase a pass, often as far as 10 - 30 minutes away. I'm sorry, but this system stinks. Making a day pass available at the location you are visiting is a standard and what a majority of the public is expecting. The pass costs $8.00, and is only good for 24 hours. A one year pass for the forest is $84.00. Seems a bit steep. I bought a one year National Park Pass for $80.00. and it gives me far more access to far more interesting and unrestricted places. Dogs are allowed in the park, and at most recreational sites. Leash laws, it seems are strictly enforced, I'm guessing by the signs throughout the forest. It's funny, hiking on the trails avoiding piles and piles of domestic and wild horse feces, and then having to scoop my 34 pound dog's poopies, and carry it back to a trail head. In general, I find Arizona to not be a dog friendly state anyway. Next: "Signs Signs Everywhere there's signs F***ing up the scenery Breaking my mind Do this, don't do that Can't you read the sign" The private vendor for signs in the national forest probably retired after their contract was fulfilled in this place. Never, never, never have I seen so many ugly signs about 'no parking", "cars not displaying passes", "dogs must be leashed", etc... You'll be driving along a beautiful park road somewhere, and every 50 feet is a sign telling you to not park on a road that is not that heavily traveled. In conclusion. I do like this park, but am not a fan of it's management practices. Please go, it's beautiful, but buy your pass ahead of time, and add at least one extra hour to your day so you can read all the signs. read more

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This is the largest of the six national forests in Arizona, and it is spectacular. It is close to Phoenix and offers great desert and mountain hikes. Some of the hiking trails are also approved for equestrian use, and in addition to seeing amazing mountains and cacti, sometimes you can see some pretty horses. That said, it is never too crowded. Of course, go in the fall, spring, or winter - not the summer.. it gets hot! Well deserving of five stars! read more

What a beautiful drive. Bring swimsuits and snacks! Stop along the way and soak it all up. Finish your ride before 4pm at the cave dwellings. If you're looking for food skip Globe. Unless you're on a bike and hit up the saloon. Happy travels! read more

Tonto National Forest - Cool cave along the way. - Parks Near Me

Stunning and wonderful! Must do if in Carefree. Oh- and awesome geocaching! Great hike to the top of the old Native American community. Stunning view. Must do. read more

Tonto National Forest - Parks Near Me

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The Tonto national Forest is fantastic until the valley people show up and trash it. I personally will be glad when these people go back to work and stop visiting. read more

Tonto National Bridge State Park Beautiful and Great Staff!!! Hike Can Get Slippery, Though! This is the most beautiful attraction. The 2 employees or volunteers (not sure) that I ran into knew EVERYTHING about the area, the park, the wildlife, the area in general, and were so friendly! I will not soon forget the stunning rainfall and cool weather down at the bottom of the hike. The hike itself is not a difficult one - although, one area has some slippery rocks - which may not be suitable for someone unprepared for a 'bumpy ride,' so to speak. I met a squirrel who one of the mid-hike tour employee/volunteer fed and had the cutest name for, that escapes me. This is a stunning area to view, hike, and tour - even if you don't take the entire hike, the views from above are plentiful and gorgeous! Get your camera ready :). read more

We love living in this gorgeous forest. We contacted the Mesa Ranger District yesterday and received excellent service. While they are locked due to Covid-19, they processed our pass over the phone and we were able to pick it up right away. In addition he was so helpful and pleasant. Thank you!!!! read more

We came to float the salt river today we were planing on putting a car at one end and driving to the start. Well we pull up and find out that we had to have a park pass to park our vehicles. Says nothing on the Website and the passes are sold at the walgreens in town. Make a lot of sense to me. Either sell on site which would make the most sense or at least put something on your site about needing a park pass. Just my opinion but who ever made that rule should be shot in the foot! read more

What's not to love about wide ipen, gorgeous, Arizona terrain? I love this state, and I certainly love the Tonto area. The lakes, the campsites, the 4x4 trails... it's all so beautiful. Every weekend is a perfect Tonto weekend! read more

Absolutely gorgeous drive thru this forest. I Love the great state of Arizona and this forest is just another reason why. If you have time, check out the drive to Roosevelt dam, it is bumpy and a rough ride, but worth it, on the way stop off at the superstition museum, goldfield mining town and lost Dutchman state park. All nearby. All worth the stop. read more

Spent the day at Acacia Day use area midweek in June. There was hardly anyone there! We were able to spread out and enjoy Canyon Lake. There was plenty of shade, it is maintained well, clean, restroom facilities nearby. We had a GREAT time! Don't forget to pick up your Tonto Pass ($6) before heading up the skinny two lane road! I suggest the Circle K in town. Don't forget to bring plenty of water! read more

Only spent an hour or two in Tonto Nat'l Forest. Drove out of Phoenix around dusk in late September (while on a weekend business conference), on a moonless night, to set up camera/tripod and get a good pic of the stars (which I don't usually see much, living near NYC). In the process, I almost stepped on a western diamondback rattlesnake! It was soooo cool, and (after avoiding it), I stepped back a bit, out of his striking range, and he didn't move while I snapped some pics, and I otherwise left it alone and then walked the other way. Apparently, August and September (especially around dusk) is prime time for seeing (or getting bit by) a rattlesnake. I was on a trail just off of I-87, between Phoenix and Payson about 15 miles south of Payson, in scrubby, rocky canyon hills with lots of cactuses. This forest is really huge... almost 4 million acres!!! (bigger than Yellowstone), but fewer people know about it, as its a "National Forest" and not a "National Park". The topography/scenery/wildlife, is quite varied in Tonto, depending on where you are. I would not consider the section I was in a "forest"... definitely desert canyon hills. After this trip, I would not bring my dog along this time of year, unless she's had the vaccination against snake venom (which is apparently available). Dogs are much (20X) more likely than humans to get bit, while hiking. read more

Tonto National Forest - Starry, moonless night in Tonto Nat'l Forest - Parks Near Me

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This is an excellent wild desert place right on the edge of Phoenix Metro. It's got great trails for a variety of activities. This place rocks. read more

The reason I'll never leave Arizona is for Tonto National Forest. I spend lots of time there with my Olde English Bulldog. There are MANY different parks to visit along the Salt River, where you can picnic, hangout, enjoy watching Wild Horses, take a stroll, so some light hiking, horseback riding, and SO much more. read more

I usually find time on a Saturday or Sunday to hike up to the petroglyphs. Great scenery, wildlife everywhere, and bring some towels. There's a watering hole up the trail, and location makes for a good picnic. read more

thank God for our national foresys, parks, and preserves.