Tonto National Forest
Explore Tonto National Forest, one of Arizona's largest reserves. From canyons and desert basins to sky-high lakes and saguaro-studded deserts, it offers year-round adventure.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Western United States |
| Subregion | Southwest U.S. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Maricopa County |
| District | Tonto Basin District |
| City | New River |
| Timezone | AmericaPhoenix |
| Latitude | 33.73 |
| Longitude | -111.55 |
| Maps |
7:14 PM LOCAL TIMETonto National Forest is a vast, rugged landscape of canyons, deserts, and reservoirs that stretches across central Arizona. Dominated by prominent features like Salt River, Payson region, and extensive shoreline at Lake Roosevelt and Saguaro Lake, the forest offers a mosaic of ecosystems—dry shrublands give way to mesquite and pinyon-juniper woodlands as elevation rises. Visitors come for outdoor recreation: boating and kayaking in large reservoirs, multiday hikes into remote canyons, fishing for bass and catfish, and desert photography among cacti and layered rock formations. Popular access points include near Mesa, Payson, and Fountain Hills, with trails and campgrounds catering to day users and overnight stays. Be prepared for variable desert weather, high summer temperatures, and strong sun; the area's remote sections reward careful planning and respect for Leave No Trace principles.
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