How to Visit Tonto National Forest

Tonto National Forest in Arizona ranges from desert landscape to mountains covered in pine forests. Even though it's an "urban" forest because of its close location to Phoenix, Tonto is one of largest national forests in the United States. With its diverse landscape, the forest offers visitors a wide range of activities and beautiful scenery.

Instructions

1. Learn about the Salado Indians at the Tonto National Monument, former cliff dwellings. The lower ruins originally had around 19 rooms and you can walk around inside. To see the upper ruins, with 40 rooms, you'll need to book a ranger tour in advance. The lower ruin area has a self-guided trail that takes you by many cacti plants as well.

2. Drive that Apache Trail, or AZ 88. Forty miles of both paved and unpaved road links Apache Junction with Globe, Arizona. You'll pass blue lakes, cacti, and the Superstition Mountains. Exercise caution on the road and keep in mind that RVs don't do well on it.

3. Hike sections of the trail system in the forest which consists of over 900 miles of trails. The range of terrain and ecosystems create a trail system, offering a little something for everyone. Pass large cacti, trek up steep slopes or search out snowfall in the winter. You'll need to watch the heat during the summer months and keep an eye out for thunderstorms which can cause dangerous flash flooding.

4. Explore the Superstition Mountains for the famed Lost Dutchman Mine. You can prospect or look for the mine or other lost treasures as long as you don't change the landscape in any way. Digging or other activities are only permitted with approval from the National Forest Service.

5. Rock hound or prospect for gold in the forest's streams. Winter is the best time to look for rocks and mineral deposits. Try your hand at panning for gold, but be sure not to infringe on any established mining claims. Consult with a ranger and read forest materials on what you're allowed to do within the forest and what you are allowed to take before going rock hounding or prospecting.

6. Enjoy swimming, boating or fishing in one of the forest's lakes and reservoirs. Theodore Roosevelt Lake and Bartlett Reservoir are two popular choices. These desert lakes offer a great way to cool down on hot summer days. Bartlett Reservoir tends to have many different species of wildlife around, including lizards and rattlesnakes.

7. Visit the Tonto Natural Bridge, one of the largest natural travertine bridges in the world. To reach the bridge, take AZ 87 north of Payson. Several trails in the area can take you to the bridge and the canyon. The Bridge Trail takes you directly beneath the bridge, but it can be slippery and steep in points.