Spanning 2.9 million acres of central Arizona, Tonto National Forest stands as the state’s largest national forest and the ninth largest in the country. Established in 1905, this remarkable landscape stretches from the saguaro-studded Sonoran Desert at 1,400 feet to the ponderosa pine forests of the Mogollon Rim at 7,400 feet—offering dramatically different ecosystems within a single forest boundary.
The forest’s proximity to the Phoenix metropolitan area makes it one of the most visited urban forests in the nation, yet its sheer size ensures plenty of room for solitude. Payson, Arizona serves as the primary gateway community, providing supplies, lodging, and dining options for visitors.
Twenty-three developed campgrounds dot the forest, including popular sites like Mesquite, Riverside, Horseshoe, and Reynolds Creek Group Campground. Reservations are recommended during peak seasons, particularly at lower-elevation sites during spring and fall.
Hiking trails wind through canyon bottoms and along ridgelines, while lakes and streams throughout the forest support excellent fishing opportunities. The dramatic elevation changes mean visitors can escape summer heat by heading to higher terrain or enjoy mild winter conditions in the desert lowlands.
The best visiting season depends on your destination within the forest. Desert areas are ideal from October through April, while high-country sites near the Mogollon Rim shine from May through October. Summer monsoons typically arrive in July and August, bringing afternoon thunderstorms that can affect trail conditions and campfire restrictions.
Explore Nearby
- Bear Springs Badlands — Public Land in Arizona
- Arizona National Scenic Trail — Public Land
- Lost Dutchman State Park — State Park in Arizona
- Fountain Hills, Arizona Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in Arizona
- Tonto Natural Bridge State Park — State Park in Arizona
