Contact regional ranger stations for additional information. Did not find it difficult more easy. ★ The view down the canyon with setting sun is excellent. Great views on the top but not along the way. Absolutely beautiful hike. It's about like Flatiron, but a little less dramatic. Didn’t need my head lamp. There are six National Forests in Arizona, and this one is the largest. View my Landscape photography at: Being so close to the lake, you can expect to be joined by several other hikers along the way. Lots of sand and ruts. This hike has zero redeeming qualities, just a long walk across a boulder strewn, cow pie riddled, thorny wasteland. Even better after snowmelt as there is alot of running water. We spent a day trip viewing Roosevelt Lake Recreation Area. From October through April each year, urban dwellers take advantage of cooler temperatures and enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, rock climbing and scenic driving throughout the surrounding Tonto National Forest. Comment Report abuse. This was an experience. Beautiful roads winding through stunning forest scenery rising and falling almost 3,000 feet. Jan 25, 2020 near Apache…, AZ. Review of Tonto National Forest. A FJ Cruiser and or Jeep Wrangler can make it. Nothing challenging. Finished the whole thing in about 4 hours. A lot fun, some difficult parts. We took our dogs and so only hiked to the saddle and enjoyed views of the peak. We rode through the forest from Holbrook down to Phoenix. ★ Three weeks ago, we drove from Tucson to Flagstaff, taking the scenic back route. Campers awake to a scenic backdrop of rugged bluffs, saguaro cactus and desert skies. The West section of the trail is especially incredible. Such a variety of scenery and history, I did not expect. Great off-road experience for a stock JKU! The Dude Fire of 1990 burned portions of the forest along the Highline Trail; thus, this trail is an ideal place to observe how our forests renew themselves after a burn event. You have to mind your footing and the trail is rocky. Great vistas all the way up and fantastic 360 degree views from the top. Off roading in my Jeep. At over 2.9 million acres, the Tonto National Forest is the largest national forest in Arizona, and the seventh largest national forest among 154 USDA National Forests. Otherwise lots of sand. It took us much longer than by using I-10 and I-17, but it was such a beautiful drive on State Highway 188. This was our first hike up Siphon Draw Trail towards Flatiron. Not one for the summer months. Watch water level and prepared to be out ALL DAY. Tonto National Forest, Arizona: Hours, Phone Number, Tonto National Forest Reviews: 4.5/5. Parts of the Tonto National Forest remain closed through at least the end of the month due to currently active wildfires and high fire danger. This is about one hour ride. Going to the cabin means 20+ water crossings, all easy wades. Having said that, the view from the Flatiron was amazing! Find rest at any of the dispersed campsites scattered throughout. A bit technical. Got the picture up against the canyon. It was very quiet and made the hike even more enjoyable. The national forest includes eight wilderness areas and both high and low country, making it easy to find cooler temps at higher elevations in the summer, and winter-friendly hiking trails down low. Hiking Trails, Scenic Drives, Horseback Riding Tours. The Tonto National Forest (TNF) offers a wide variety of riding opportunities for Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. ★ Semi full moon. However, Tonto's plentiful wildlife includes bears and snakes, so dogs should be monitored at all times, and preferably on a leash. Just two other hikers ahead of me. Spend days on end hiking, biking, and ATVing through the backcountry wilderness of Tonto National Forest. Tonto National Monument showcases two Salado-style cliff dwellings. The Coconino National Forest roads and trails are emasculate. We clocked about 12 miles and took us about 2.5 hours in a lifted JKU with 33s. Great hike for a cool day. We brought a filter and so had plenty to drink. A stock suv with better tires is totally fine. Well worth the hike! Very quick drive. Snakes - saw 2 Arizona Black Rattlesnakes on different parts of the trail. A beautiful quick, easy trail on horseback. My quaranteam and I went on a hike to find the Salt River Wild Horses in Tonto National Forest. Summary: A nice 200 foot waterfall that you can visit right from your car. Learned so much about the type of rock formed over millions of years here, so fascinating. Great hike. Our service project will focus on much-needed recovery efforts on wilderness trails in the Eastern Superstition Mountains. Took narrow side trails and exited on Beeline highway. It is pretty and quiet. Take water, food and sunscreen. There was still plenty of moving water which surprised both of us. Butcher Jones Trail #463 – 5.0 miles out and back Unlike most of the hikes in Tonto National Forest, you’re sure to see water on this trail with gorgeous views of Saguaro Lake. You could drive the ragged road into Shannon Gulch near Payson if you didn't mind beating up your car. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We did this hike on 2/16/19 and the trailhead was open. In early June of 2019, the Woodbury fire burned more than 123,000 acres of the Superstition Mountains in Tonto National Forest. Yellow Peak Loop via Dutchman Trail #104 and Black Mesa Trail #241, Horton Spring Loop via Horton Creek Trail #285 and Highline Trail #31, Best Hiking Trails in Tonto National Forest. The FJ looks like a Tonka Toy. Very bumpy on the first part of the ride from hwy 17...this part is at a challenge level of a 5-6 but after that it’s a 1... we’ll worth it and very beautiful! But don't forget your compass! There is a large wash that is about half or more of the trail that has pretty deep sand, 4WD necessary for this part. Tonto National Monument provides a place to explore and learn about a unique part of America's heritage. It wasn’t difficult at all my dog and I made it with simplicity. Phoenix, Arizona, is the gateway to the \"urban\" Tonto National Forest, which boasts landscapes ranging from cactus-strewn desert to forested mountains. Looked like a great jeep trail with lots of off shoot challenges. Worked great!! Sweet trail! The Tonto National Forest is comprised of more than two and a half million acres of lush land. Poison ivy - plenty of this seen along creek banks. Water was flowing at almost every creek crossing and flowers were blooming. Sonoran Desert cacti and flat lands slowly give way to the highlands of the Mogollon Rim. I arrived early, just after 7am. It's not hard driving, just scenic with lots of cactus and rolling desert views. Learned so much about the type of rock formed over millions of years here, so fascinating. Beautiful trail one hour drive from Phoenix. A great day hike if you’re up for it. After the mountains were recently on fire it’s like the heat still remains. Tonto National Forest. L. L. Ward. Awesome Trail...there was no water in the river yet...I miss that part...another month or two there will be :D. Good hike along old unused 4WD road and then along the newer 4WD road to the top. With year-round access, permits are strictly enforced and set in place to protect fragile environments from overuse. Track (3/2/20, 3:33:20PM) Return from Cave! Tucked away in a tiny valley surrounded by a forest of pine trees, Tonto Natural Bridge has been in the making for thousands of years. United States ; Arizona (AZ) Things to Do in Arizona ; Tonto National Forest; Search. Photos of Tonto National Forest - 193. ★ Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Hikes in Tonto National Forest. My first off roading trip and was not disappointed. I highly recommend. Photo opportunities abound. Also had a lot of quail and rabbits. Wasn’t crowded at all. I arrived at 0545. Hieroglyphics Trail 4/5/19 Lots of water, snow and elevation changes! The waterfall was flowing which was cool. Well worth it. The waterfall trail is wonderful, a fairly steep climb down, then a manmade wooden bridge takes you to a tunnel with water cascading from above, after the bridge ends, some … Nice and cool 65 degrees. Remember, going down is much more difficult then going up. ★ Hiking up to the Wave Cave in the Superstition Mountains Tonto National Forest. Was a nice challenging trail to complete in 5 hours, even for a veteran. High clearance and 4wd a must. Trail is rocky but not too steep. Stopped about 3 times to get out so my wife and daughter could take pictures. the Deer Flat area of Tonto National Forest northeast of Phoenix, but hiking there still has great scenic value. Kind of annoyingly rocky. The Tonto National Forest, encompassing 2,873,200 acres (1,162,700 ha; 11,627 km2), is the largest of the six national forests in Arizona and is the fifth largest national forest in the United States. You should find the trail in great shape. Avoid at all costs. We stopped on many occasions to sample the bounty of the Tonto Basin, much like the ancient Salado would have. Nothing too strenuous and lots of beauty. This was also the only hike I’ve been on when I didn’t meet a single person on the trail. The last mile or so to the top, has some hand over hand climbing involved that will make many hikers uneasy. We traveled from Tonto Basin AZ, trailering our UTV’s 90 miles to the AZ Rim. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Many wildflowers. Helpful. We went through many parts of this Forest, and saw much diverse scenery. The Highline Trail, established in 1870, was used to travel between homesteads and to attend school in Pine. We did it with a jeep Beautiful ride I must do and also a Badge of Honor, for Jeep, 10-18 trail is open all the way from Cave Creek FR24 to FR41 to I17/W. There is hiking, camping, water activities, etc. Elevation 7,540 feet. Signage on NF roads and trails are awesome. Explore a National Treasure! Going back to make the summit in a couple days though! Beautiful colors and lots of water! The views were amazingly spectacular. Track (3/26/20, 12:48:51PM) Butcher Jones OHV- via popercito entrance. If you are hiking the Tonto National Forest you must pick up this book. Add Your Photos. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. I wouldn’t recommend a solo trip through here. hotter than up in the forest. Drove it this afternoon with my Toyota FJ. 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