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    Tonto National Forest

    Hikes in Tonto National Forest

    Region in Arizona, United States

    There are so many gorgeous trails in the Tonto National Forest, choosing which ones to explore first is no easy task. Thankfully, choosing the best hikes in this amazing part of the Grand Canyon State is easier than ever with our wide-ranging collection of route guides. From relaxed beginner-friendly strolls to epic mountain-scaling climbs, there’s something for every level in the Tonto National Forest. With scenery that oscillates from cacti-studded desert to lush pine forest, you’ll just want to keep hiking, and hiking, and hiking.

    The trails in the Tonto National Forest can be used by hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, families, those with dogs, and backpackers. With proximity to Phoenix in some parts of the forest, it’s a top destination for hikers in the city, but the more far-flung trails will speak to the lovers of the remote wilderness, too.

    15 Must-Do Hikes in the Tonto National Forest

    As you plan your adventures in the Tonto National Forest, start with these 15 hikes. Of course, we’ve got over 100 routes in this region that you can follow, so this is only the start! These hikes are some of our favorite in the forest and show off the unique desert beauty of this area, from saguaro-lined trails to hidden swimming holes.

    Since the Tonto National Forest is so big, we recommend taking a good look to track down all the trails in whatever part you’ll be visiting. Some corners are lushly forested, some are dry and cholla-filled, but all of them capture the unique, changing landscape of Arizona. Let’s get started!

    • Water Wheel Falls - Water Wheel Falls is a hike near Payson that has become increasingly popular because of its excellent swimming opportunities. The trail was named for an old water wheel you can see from the trailhead, and the route follows the East Verde River to a gorge used by cliff jumpers and a short waterfall into a wonderful swimming hole.
    • Wave Cave Trail - You probably didn’t think you could surf in Arizona, did you? The Wave Cave is a unique cave where a “wave” of rock protrudes out into the cave opening. It’s one of the many fascinating rock formations and caves that make Arizona’s landscape so fun to explore. The hike to the cave is moderate, with a few short, steep sections.
    • Box Canyon Trail - When the temperatures start to soar, you need a chilled-out afternoon in a refreshing swimming hole. The Box Canyon Trail is a quick 1.3 km hike that leads you down into a box canyon with a swimming hole in it. The red granite walls are gorgeous and the water feels perfect when the sun is shining.
    • Verde Hot Springs - The Verde Hot Springs hike takes you along an easy trail to a hot spring at an abandoned resort. Perched along the Verde River, the pools were constructed in the 1920s when this area was a tourist attraction. A fire in the 1960s destroyed the resort, but the foundation and pools survived. Abandoned ever since, the pools are open for public use and offer a unique spot to get a soak in.
    • Treasure Trail and Siphon Draw Loop - The Treasure Trail and Siphon Draw Loop is a 4.8 km hike with amazing desert scenery. This route takes you through a dramatic basin lined by low granite mountains, and you can also use the trail to climb The Flatiron. Even if you want to stay on the easier paths, this is a hike with incredible scenery. It offers a lot without being too difficult or demanding.
    • Horton Creek Trail - Horton Creek Trail is a 13.8 km popular hike enjoyed by everyone from families to solo hikers to those with dogs. The trail follows along Horton Creek, taking you past waterfalls, small pools, and through trees. This is a very relaxing hike, and despite the elevation gain and distance, it feels fairly gradual until a bigger climb at the end of the trail, which can be skipped in favor of an easier trip.
    • Butcher Jones Trail - Butcher Jones Trail leads you through the Sonoran Desert to the shores of Saguaro Lake and the Salt River. This is an absolute oasis in the middle of the desert and an excellent place to spot wildlife like bighorn sheep, javelinas, and bald eagles. If you’re exceptionally lucky, you could even spot the wild horses of the Lower Salt River while travelling through the area.
    • Bob Bear Trail - Bob Bear Trail (formerly known as Fossil Springs Trail) is one of the most popular day hikes in the Tonto National Forest. This trail leads you along a canyonside route with amazing views of the Verde Valley, down through a treed-in trek, and to Fossil Springs. These springs flow over a short waterfall into a swimming hole. It’s a beautiful site that’s ideal on hot, sunny days.
    • Picketpost Mountain Trail - Picketpost Mountain Trail is a 6.8 km hike that leads you up a dramatic, isolated butte. Previously used as a battleground in efforts by Geroge Stoneman to seize this land from the Yavapai, the butte is now an area for campers and hikers to appreciate Arizona’s rugged scenery. At the top, make sure you bring a little note or treat to place in the mailbox. You can also read the notes from previous hikers.
    • Bulldog Saddle and Pass Mountain - The Bulldog Saddle and Pass Mountain Trail Loop is a fun hike that starts right from the city limits of Apache Junction. The hike takes you all the way around Peak 3004 and beside Pass Mountain. The views are awesome and the hike will get your legs working without being overly strenuous. This is a good pick if you want to feel like you’re in the mountains without having to actually climb one.
    • Hawes Trail System Loop - The Hawes Trail System is a well-developed mountain biking and hiking route collection near the Salt River. This loop makes use of several trails in the system to put together a hike with awesome desert and river scenery. You can even check out an old mine shaft from the region’s past mining days.
    • Blue Wash Trail - Blue Wash Trail is a scenic 4.5 km just north of Phoenix. This route leads you through a wash to Camp Creek Falls. With rugged canyon scenery, a few viewpoints, and the flowing water to follow as you near the falls (depending on the time of year), this is an enjoyable hike for all skill levels. This trail is also popular with horseback riders.
    • Lone Mountain - Lone Mountain, also known as EJ Peak by locals, is a 2,800-foot mountain in the Usery Range just outside of Phoenix. The trail up the mountain and back is only 3.7 km roundtrip, making this one of the easier summits you can bag. From the top, enjoy a fantastic view of Pass Mountain, Brown’s Peaks, McDowell Peak, and the rest of the Goldfield and Usery Mountains in the distance.
    • Praying Hands to Slot Rock - Want to check out two of the coolest rock formations in the Tonto National Forest in one hike? The Praying Hands to Slot Rock hike is an awesome trek that shows off just how otherworldly the scenery of the Arizona desert can be. You’ll start at Praying Hands, a rock formation that--you guessed it--looks just like praying hands. You’ll then hike to Slot Rock, another neat formation with natural windows and narrow slots.
    • Massacre Falls - As the legends of the Superstition Wilderness say, a rich Mexican family came to this area to mine gold in the 1840s. Cornered and killed by the Apache, Massacre Falls and Massacre Falls Trail got their names from this bloody past. Don’t let the moniker deter you, though. This is a great waterfall hike with lots of pleasant scenery and not as much violence these days.

    Scroll down to see even more hiking trails in the Tonto National Forest.

    When is the Best Time to Hike in the Tonto National Forest

    The best time to hike in the Tonto National Forest depends on the part of the forest you’re in. If you’re closer to Phoenix or exploring lower elevation desert trails, you’ll want to avoid the scorching summer months. Visiting between mid-October and late May will keep you out of the brutal heat. Note that this region experiences a monsoon season in the summertime that can make hiking dangerous due to flash flooding. As a rule of thumb, raincheck your hike if a monsoon is on the way.

    If you’re in higher elevation areas, you’ll often be able to hike year-round. Some mountaintops get snow in the winter that can make hiking difficult, but for the most part, a light jacket should suffice to make your winter explorations in the forest viable. No matter where you are in the forest, the summer will likely still get very hot, so if you’re not used to the Arizona heat, we recommend avoiding July and August at least.

    Other Outdoor Activities in the Tonto National Forest

    While the trails are excellent, hiking is certainly not the only way to explore the Tonto National Forest! There’s lots that can be done outside out here.

    Adventurers on two wheels can take advantage of the many mountain bike and dirt bike paths. Those with four-legged friends can explore horse and dog-friendly trails. Campers can set up their tents in sites both backcountry and front-country. Photographers can capture the rugged beauty of the desert and the unique wildlife that calls it home, and those who love off-roading will find exciting trails to cruise.

    How to Plan a Trip to the Tonto National Forest

    The Tonto National Forest is an easy enough region to plan a trip to, with only a bit of advance planning necessary to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch.

    Since the forest is so large, you’ll want to pick a home base or two. The Phoenix area enjoys easy access to a large part of the forest, particularly the northern and northeastern suburbs. If you want to stay out of the city, there are lots of routes accessible from Payson, Goldfield, Roosevelt, and other small towns northeast of Phoenix. State parks and towns within the Tonto National Forest often offer camping opportunities. If you’ll be booking campsites in the busy season (generally April-May and October-November), book as soon as you know your plans to ensure you get the spots you need.

    Most of the trails in the Tonto National Forest require a pass. Check with the USDA to see what kind of pass best suits your travel plans. Day passes can be purchased at many gas stations throughout the forest.

    Arizona Adventure Tours

    From deserts to epic canyons and from red rock mountains to creek-lined forests, Arizona’s got some of the most impressive and diverse scenery in the United States. Want to see it with the help of an expert guide or take a self-guided tour? Check out our adventure tours in Arizona.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the Tonto National Forest

    Is the Tonto National Forest worth visiting?

    The Tonto National Forest is definitely worth it, especially for those who want to hike, bike, or otherwise explore somewhere that feels rugged and off the beaten path. With a diverse range of scenery to see, you can appreciate the desert beauty near Phoenix or head up into the mountains to check out grand forests.

    What is the best month to visit the Tonto National Forest?

    We like to visit the forest in the spring (April and May) when the wildflowers are starting to bloom and the weather isn’t too hot yet.

    Why is it called the Tonto National Forest?

    The forest contains the Tonto Basin, which is where the name came from.

    Can you have a fire in the Tonto National Forest?

    This area is extremely prone to wildfires, so many campsites restrict fire activity. Check with your specific destinations and don’t start any fires unless you can confirm they’re permitted.

    Can you camp anywhere in the Tonto National Forest?

    While you can’t quite camp anywhere, there are lots of camping areas in the forest you can take advantage of.

    Explore other great hiking regions in the United States

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    Best Hikes in Tonto National Forest

    Showing 41 to 60 of 111
      Open details for Cave Creek and Skunk Creek Loop

      Cave Creek and Skunk Creek Loop

      Hard
      15.8 km
      525 m
      4-6h

      The Cave Creek and Skunk Creek Loop is an interesting trail with, frankly, mixed reviews. Some hikers prefer the Skunk Creek side and would rather do that as an out and back, some feel the same about the Cave Creek Side, and some enjoy the entire loop. Come try it for yourself and see which team you’re on. This route sees moderate traffic.

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      Open details for Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail

      Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail

      Very Easy
      1.4 km
      16 m
      0.5h

      The Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail is a very quick trip near Houston Mesa that is great for families with small kids or those who want a short, simple hike. The views are pretty and the trail is easy to find your way on. It’s also conveniently close to town. Expect moderate traffic on this route.

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      Open details for Prospector’s View Trail

      Prospector’s View Trail

      Easy
      5.6 km
      174 m
      1.5-2h

      Prospector’s View Trail is a simple, easy hike in Lost Dutchman’s State Park that is rated as easy. This hike takes place over terrain mild enough for all skill levels and the views are all classic Arizona desert scenery. There are lots of additional trails nearby you can use to extend your adventure if you’d like. You can also check out the mining past of the area in Goldfield after your hike. Expect light traffic on this hike.

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      Open details for Bartlett Reservoir Trail

      Bartlett Reservoir Trail

      Moderate
      7.2 km
      170 m
      1.5-2.5h

      The Bartlett Reservoir Trail hugs the shores of Bartlett Lake with SB Mountain looming overhead. This hike is moderate with some inclines and some laid-back sections. With lots of little coves to stop into for a rest, it’s a good hike to take at a leisurely pace. We do recommend bringing a GPS route as the trail can become hard to find at times.

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      Open details for Pine Creek and Ballantine Loop

      Pine Creek and Ballantine Loop

      Moderate
      10.6 km
      458 m
      3-4.5h

      The Pine Creek and Ballantine Loop is a hike north of Mesa in the Tonto National Forest that takes you to appreciate The Boulders, an interesting mountain. This hike is moderately difficult and suitable for strong beginners and better. It can be overgrown, so long pants and a set of clippers are recommended. Bring plenty of water on this hike and avoid visiting in the hot summer months.

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      Open details for Picketpost Loop Trail

      Picketpost Loop Trail

      Moderate
      13.8 km
      230 m
      3-4.5h

      Picketpost Loop Trail is an 13.8 km loop hike that leads you around a dramatic, isolated butte in the Tonto National Forest. Previously used as a battleground in efforts by Geroge Stoneman to seize this land from the Yavapai, the butte is now an area for campers and hikers to appreciate Arizona’s rugged scenery. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and avoid hiking this trail between June and August when the temperatures soar.

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      Open details for Military Sinkhole Trail

      Military Sinkhole Trail

      Moderate
      7.1 km
      312 m
      2-3h

      The Military Sinkhole Trail is a very scenic route in the Tonto National Forest that leads you through a forest on the edge of a mesa to a viewpoint. This hike is nice and shady and it’s at its absolute best during the fall when the trees come alive with color. There are lots of campgrounds just beyond the trail on the mesa if you want to make a weekend trip out of it. Expect moderate traffic on this route.

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      Open details for Sixshooter Canyon Trail

      Sixshooter Canyon Trail

      Hard
      21.2 km
      1,189 m
      7-10h

      The Sixshooter Canyon Trail is an incredible hike that we’d venture to call an underrated gem. Despite its amazing scenery, this route doesn’t see very much traffic. It begins in the brushy desert and leads you up through a forest with an amazing variety of trees (excellent for birding)into a canyon that stretches up to Pinal Peak. The scenery is unreal, the hike is challenging, and you’ll likely encounter few fellow hikers as you soak up the views.

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      Open details for Pine Strawberry Trail

      Pine Strawberry Trail

      Moderate
      13.4 km
      336 m
      3.5-4.5h

      The Pine Strawberry Trail is a. 13.4 km point-to-point trail that starts in southeastern Pine, stretches south, and then climbs alongside Strawberry Mountain to Strawberry. With ever-changing scenery, this is a delightful trail to use for as long as you want. Hike a portion to get out with the kids and dogs or make a full day of it and do it as an out and back. Expect moderate traffic on this route.

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      Open details for Bulldog Canyon Hike

      Bulldog Canyon Hike

      Moderate
      16.7 km
      323 m
      4-5.5h

      The Bulldog Canyon hike is a fun trail that starts right from the city limits of Apache Junction, Arizona. The hike takes you beside Dome Mountain, Lone Mountain, and Pass Mountain. The views are awesome and the hike will get your legs working without being overly strenuous. This is a good pick if you want to feel like you’re in the mountains without having to actually climb one. This route is shared by vehicle and horse traffic. Additionally, you can hike just a portion of this route if a point-to-point doesn’t work for you.

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      Open details for Pueblo Canyon Trail

      Pueblo Canyon Trail

      Hard
      19.6 km
      1,065 m
      6.5-9h

      Pueblo Canyon Trail leads you to one of the best-kept unprotected ruin sites in the state over 19.3 km of challenging terrain. Despite being a workout, this hike will feel well worth the trip with gorgeous views and, often, a good bit of solitude. This route is very remote with no cell service, so come prepared with everything you need for a long day out on the trail.

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      Open details for Willow Springs Loop

      Willow Springs Loop

      Moderate
      6.9 km
      195 m
      2-2.5h

      The Willow Springs Loop is a 6.9 km loop hike in the Tonto National Forest that can be reached quickly from the upper northeast reaches of the Phoenix metro area. This hike offers stellar views of towering saguaros and red rock mountains. It does require some routefinding and a GPS track is essential, but it’s worth the small bit of preparation required. Bring lots of water on this route.

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      Open details for Tunnel via Arizona Trail

      Tunnel via Arizona Trail

      Moderate
      6.3 km
      301 m
      2-2.5h

      As far as caves go, this one is pretty impressive. This hike leads you along a stretch of the Arizona Trail to the end of a canyon where a deep tunnel into the rock wall awaits. This is a fun hike for families and it’s only moderately difficult. The elevation gain is gradual until the last quarter mile, where you’ll have to climb a rocky steep section. The tunnel is worth it, though! Expect moderate traffic on this route.

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      Open details for Babe Haught Trail

      Babe Haught Trail

      Hard
      7.6 km
      459 m
      2.5-3.5h

      Babe Haught Trail is one you can do again and again. This short, sweaty trail near Payson offers a panoramic vista from its summit atop a mesa, making you glad you persevere through every rocky step. You can either hike this route as-is or continue further to nearby Knoll Lake, a great place to camp for the night. Bring plenty of water on this hike and pack your poles and sturdy boots.

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      Open details for Flume Road Trail

      Flume Road Trail

      Moderate
      14.5 km
      398 m
      3.5-5h

      If you’re on the hunt for a waterfall hike (chasing waterfalls, if you will), try the Flume Road Trail. This hike is 14.5 km long and on the easier side of moderate, making it great for a longer leg stretch without too much elevation gain needed at any point. The waterfalls are beautiful, especially if it has rained recently. Expect moderate traffic on this route.

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      Open details for Arnett Canyon Trail Segment

      Arnett Canyon Trail Segment

      Moderate
      13.4 km
      160 m
      3-4h

      The Arnett Canyon Trail is a beautiful spot to hike, horseback ride, or bike in the Tonto National Forest. This route is 13.4 km long and moderately difficult with fairly minimal elevation gain. With changing scenery from desert to woods and lots of wildlife to observe, it’s a rewarding hike that’s suitable for most skill levels. Expect light to moderate traffic on this route.

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      Open details for Monument Peak Loop

      Monument Peak Loop

      Very Easy
      5.5 km
      67 m
      1-1.5h

      The Monument Peak Loop is a 5.5 km easy hike near Payson that circles a small peak with lovely views of the surrounding forested mountains. This trail has a nice balance of shade and views, with some parts of the trail leading you through the pine forest and some parts offering glimpses of the surrounding landscape. Expect heavy traffic on this hike.

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      Open details for Wild Horse Trail

      Wild Horse Trail

      Easy
      11.3 km
      186 m
      2.5-3.5h

      Wild Horse Trail is a 11.3 km easy out and back trail near Apache Wells that’s popular for its mild terrain and great desert scenery. This route is frequented by both hikers and mountain bikers, so be prepared to share the trail. Several interconnecting trails offer you the opportunity to extend your adventure if you’d like. Expect moderate mixed traffic on this route.

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      Open details for Blue Point to the Oven Hike

      Blue Point to the Oven Hike

      Moderate
      6.4 km
      124 m
      1.5-2h

      The Blue Point to the Oven hike is a 6.4 km trek in the Tonto National Forest that leads you along the Salt River to an old limestone oven built into the hillside. Between the river scenery and the massive oven, it’s a unique hike with lots of spots to dip your feet and cool down on hot days. Expect moderate traffic on this route.

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      Open details for Weavers Needle Vista Hike

      Weavers Needle Vista Hike

      Moderate
      6.4 km
      124 m
      1.5-2h

      The Weavers Needle Vista hike is a beautiful loop trail with a popular viewpoint over the Sonoran Desert. With cacti, desert foliage, and mountains to enjoy, it’s a delightful trip suitable for all ages. Keep in mind that this loop is poorly marked and hard to follow, making a downloaded GPS route a necessity. Additionally, we don’t recommend this hike in the extreme heat of the summer months.

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