Tonto National Forest

The Tonto features some of the most rugged and inherently beautiful land in the country.

Photo credit: USDA Forest Service

The Tonto National Forest, Arizona, embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from Saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim. This variety in vegetation and range in altitude (from 1,300 to 7,900 feet) offers outstanding recreational opportunities throughout the year, whether it's lake beaches or cool pine forest. As the fifth largest forest in the United States, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited “urban” forests in the U.S. (approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the Mogollon Rim to the north and the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations to the east.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto

Wilderness Areas/Wild & Scenic Rivers

Four Peaks Wilderness - The Four Peaks themselves are visible for many miles, and are one of the most widely recognized landmarks in central Arizona.

Hellsgate Wilderness - Spring and fall are ideal times to visit this area, however trails are rare and access is limited.

Mazatzal Wilderness - Established in 1940 and expanded to its present size in 1984, its name is from an old Indian culture in Mexico, and is correctly pronounced "Mah-zaht-zahl," meaning "land of the deer."

Salome Wilderness - This Wilderness was established in 1984 and contains approximately 18,530 acres, with a major canyon running practically its entire length.

Salt River Canyon Wilderness - The Salt River and its spectacular canyon bisect the wilderness for its entire length.

Sierra Ancha Wilderness - The extremely rough topography limits cross-country travel; however, there is an extensive system of trails (trail condition varies from good to poor).

Superstition Wilderness - The area is starkly beautiful and often rugged, but can be inhospitable to those not equipped to meet nature on her own terms. 

Invasive Species