Tonto National Forest
Cave Creek Ranger District
Cave Creek Ranger Districtis the first district on Tonto National Forest. It is located in the farthest left hand corner of the forest, and is notable for the water, hiking, and horseback riding recreation. It consists of over 570,000 acres (approximately 230,000 hectares) of Desert, Semi-Desert Grassland, Chaparral, and Pinyon-Juniper types of vegetation. The Verde River flows through this entire district; Horseshoe and Bartlett Reservoirs are located here.
Watershed protection was one of the most important reasons that the Tonto National Forest was established. Since then, the Salt and Verde rivers have had six dams constructed. While the dammed water is of great value for irrigating fields and for domestic use, it is also very popular with thousands of people who recreate in its waters every year.
Water recreation ranges from the simple to the sophisticated. Some activities require highly mechanized equipment, while other popular activities only require a swimming suit. Whatever your preferences, the Tonto National Forest has plenty to offer when it comes to water recreation.
There are also commercial partners who provide a variety of water-based recreation opportunities.
Tonto Basin Ranger District
The Tonto Basin Ranger District is located northwest of Globe and south of Payson. The district consists of approximately 530,000 acres (approximately 210,000 hectares) of Desert, Semi-Desert Grassland, Chaparral types of vegetation, as well as a few scattered areas of Ponderosa Pine. Roosevelt Lake (the largest lake totally within Arizona) and Apache Lake are within this district.
Watershed is one of the most important reasons that the Tonto National Forest was established. Since then, the Salt and Verde rivers have had six dams constructed. While the dammed water is of great value for irrigating fields and for domestic use, it is also very popular with thousands of people who recreate in its waters every year.
Water recreation ranges from the simple to the sophisticated. Some activities require highly mechanized equipment, while other popular activities only require a swimming suit. Whatever your preferences, the Tonto National Forest has plenty to offer when it comes to water recreation.
There are also commercial partners who provide a variety of water-based recreation opportunities.
Mesa Ranger District
The Mesa Ranger District is located north and east of the town of Apache Junction, and consists of approximately 430,000 acres (approximately 170,000 hectares) of Desert, Semi-desert Grassland, Chaparral, Pinyon-Juniper types of vegetation as well as a small area of Ponderosa Pine. The very popular Lower Salt River, Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake are located on this district. Mesa Ranger District is notable for its extremely popular water activities. Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake provide an excellent opportunity to use both motorized and non-motorized boats. The Salt River that cuts through the Mesa Ranger District is the home of Arizona’s famous Salt River Tubing. During summer months, this district is very populated because of the close proximity to the busy city and easy access to fun recreation opportunities.
Payson Ranger District
The Payson Ranger District is located on all four side of the town of Payson, and continues north to the Mogollon Rim. It consists of approximately 450,000 acres (approximately 182,000 hectares) of Chaparral, Pinyon-Juniper, and Ponderosa Pine types of vegetation. The Verde River and several trout streams pass through this district. The Payson Ranger District is notable for its campgrounds, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities.
Superstition Wilderness
Superstition Wilderness has a well-developed system of 34 trails, tracking a total of 180 miles. A place of legend, this wilderness was first designated in 1939. It now contains approximately 160,200 acres. The western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. The area is starkly beautiful, often rugged, almost always tough, especially for the ill-prepared. Searing heat and a shortage of water are typical in the summer. Bitter cold, torrential rains, and even snowstorms are typical in the winter. To those hardy enough to meet the challenges, this wilderness offers scenic beauty, and a chance to study the many plants and animals indigenous to the area.
Roosevelt Lake
Roosevelt Lake makes a popular boating and fishing spot in central Arizona. Formed by the Roosevelt Dam, built in 1911, the lake and the dam both lie in the Tonto National Forest. You’ll find several national forest campgrounds offering campsites for both RVs and tents. As you enjoy your camping experience, keep an eye out for the area’s wildlife, including deer, javelinas and the occasional black bear. Fishing is a common recreational activity at Roosevelt Lake. The lake is home to a variety of game fish including crappie, carp, sunfish, flathead, channel catfish, small and largemouth bass. There is no slot (size) limit for bass and you can keep six.
Four Peaks Wilderness
Four Peaks Wilderness was established in 1984 and contains approximately 60,740 acres with a major mountain rising up in its center from the desert foothills. The Four Peaks themselves are visible for many miles, and the rapid change in elevation produces interesting plant combinations. The Peaks are located in the southern end of the Mazatzal Mountain range in eastern Maricopa County and western Gila County. Eleven trails transverse 40 miles within Four Peaks.
For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto/
