Tonto National Forest

The Tonto National Forest encompasses almost 3 million acres of rugged country, ranging from saguaro cactus studded desert to pine forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim connected by a series of scenic drives. This unique variety in vegetation and range in altitude from 1,300 to 7,900 feet offers outstanding recreational opportunities throughout the year. There are over 29,000 acres of lakes in the desert, including Theodore Roosevelt, Apache, Canyon, and Saguaro lakes on the Salt River all with marinas and other facilities and Bartlett with marina and Horseshoe Reservoir on the Verde River. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy viewing and hunting small game, deer, bear, javelina, and turkey. There are many miles of hiking and horseback trails.