Tonto National Forest

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.

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 :).

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!

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 13^th 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!

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.

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.

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 4×4 trails… it’s all so beautiful. Every weekend is a perfect Tonto weekend!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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!