Hikes in Tonto National Forest
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
Or check out our full range of tour destinations in the United States.
Best Hikes in Tonto National Forest
Arnett Canyon from E Arnett Road
The Arnett Canyon Trail is a beautiful spot to hike, horseback ride, or bike in the Tonto National Forest. This route starts your hike from E Arnett Road and travels 5.3 km through the canyon. It’s an overall easy hike with fairly minimal elevation gain. With changing scenery from desert to woods and lots of wildlife to observe, Arnett Canyon is a rewarding hike that’s suitable for most skill levels. Expect light to moderate traffic on this route.
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Pine Creek Loop
The Pine Creek Loop is a hike north of Mesa in the Tonto National Forest with views of The Boulders, Boulder Mountain, Pine Mountain, and the surrounding desert. This hike is quite easy, making it a good pick for all levels. When the wildflowers are blooming, it’s a great place to enjoy nature. Bring plenty of water on this hike and avoid visiting in the hot summer months.
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Drew Trail via Highline Trail
Drew Trail via Highline Trail is a moderate 21.2 km hike that leads you up the side of a mesa to a viewpoint near a campground. This hike is delightful on a day where you’re searching for shade and it’s at its very best in the fall when the colors of the trees turn. You can hike this route as is or use it to connect to the network of trails atop the mesa. Expect light traffic.
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Horse Tale Trail
The Hawes Trail System offers trail runners, hikers, and mountain bikers a place to get outside in the Tonto National Forest with a maintained network of trails near the Salt River. The Horse Tale Trail is a 6.9 km route in this network on the north side of this network that, while alright for hikers, is great for trail runners and mountain bikers in particular.
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Red Creek Trail
Red Creek Trail is a 15.6 km route in the Tonto National Forest that sees little traffic despite its pleasant scenery. This trail is nicely shaded under a canopy of trees as it meanders along the creek, making for a lovely view. There are camping sites along the trail if you want to backpack. Watch for motorized traffic and free-roaming cows on this route. You may need a high-clearance vehicle to reach this trailhead.
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Black Cross Butte Hike
The Black Cross Butte hike is a challenging trip in the Tonto National Forest that sees light traffic. This route loops around the butte to give you an amazing view of the Salt River below and the thousands of tall saguaros that dot the desert around you. We recommend downloading your route ahead of time since the trail down the east side of the butte can become quite difficult to follow.
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See Canyon and Drew Trail Loop
The See Canyon and Drew Trail Loop is an 18.3 km moderate hike in the Tonto National Forest that takes you to the headwaters of the See Spring and through a gorgeous canyon. The fall colors are incredible to view from atop the mesa, making this a great autumn hike. Bring a GPS route on this hike as it’s not quite as easy to follow the further you get into the canyon.
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Bulldog Saddle Trail
The Bulldog Saddle Trail is a fun, quick hike that starts right from the city limits of Apache Junction, Arizona. The hike takes you to the saddle between Peak 3004 and the ridge beside it. 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.
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Twisted Sister to Saguaro Trail
Twisted Sister to Saguaro Trail is a 5.0 km moderate point-to-point 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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East Mountain Trail
East Mountain Trail is a 11.3 km moderate hike near Globe that’s popular for its easily followed route and lovely views of the surrounding mountains. There’s a nice amount of shade on this trail and you won’t need to share it with many others. You can also make this hike a loop if you’d prefer a shorter adventure or make use of the campsites south of the trailhead. Expect light traffic on this hike.
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Bearfoot Trail
The Bearfoot Trail is a long, relaxed hike that starts near Strawberry and travels down into the canyon north of Pine. While the trail goes all the way to the Bearfoot Bridge, this is a nice choice for families or hikers who want to go as far as they like since the views are consistent throughout. Expect good signage and light traffic on this hike.
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Arizona Trail to North Happy Camp Road Loop
The Arizona Trail to North Happy Camp Road Loop is a 12.7 km loop hike in the Tonto National Forest with diverse scenery and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. It’s good for hikers and birdwatchers, but you won’t find much traffic out here. Part of the route shows off the rolling hills of the desert and part takes you through a dramatic canyon. You’ll need a capable vehicle to reach this trailhead.
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Saguaro, Ridge, and Granite Trail Loop
The Hawes Trail System is a well-developed mountain biking and hiking route collection near the Salt River in the Tonto National Forest. The Saguaro, Ridge, and Granite Loop makes use of several trails in the system to put together a hike with awesome desert and river scenery. This trail system is mostly used by mountain bikers, so you’ll need to share the trail. Bring more water than you think you’ll need and avoid this trail in the summertime or heat of the day.
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Massacre Grounds and Wind Gap Trail
The Massacre Grounds and Wind Gap Trail leads you through an area once defined by Arizona’s gold rush. While its storied boom and bust past is fascinating, it draws hikers for its natural beauty above all else. With the Superstition Mountains spread before you on this route, you’ll be able to appreciate Arizona’s desert scenery as it climbs towards the base of the mountains ahead. This route is family-friendly and dog-friendly (leashed). It can get very hot out here, so take advantage of the fountains at the trailhead and fill up your bottles before setting out.
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Pass Mountain Saddle Hike
Pass Mountain Saddle is a much, much easier hike than the full ascent of Pass Mountain. It’s got none of the scrambling while still allowing you to enjoy the views and the lack of traffic this trail provides. While a little rocky near the end, it’s a trip suitable for all levels that won’t take too much time out of your day. Bring plenty of water and prepare for minimal shade on this route.
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See Spring Trail
See Spring Trail is a moderate 3.9 km hike in the Tonto National Forest that takes you to the headwaters of the See Spring at the mouth of a gorgeous canyon. This is a nice place to start before hiking the longer, more challenging See Canyon Trail as it’s much easier and simpler to follow. Expect moderate traffic on this route.
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Wind Gap Trail
The Wind Gap Trail leads you through an area once defined by Arizona’s gold rush. While its storied boom and bust past is fascinating, it draws hikers for its natural beauty above all else. With the Superstition Mountains spread before you on this route, you’ll be able to appreciate Arizona’s desert scenery as it climbs towards the base of the mountains ahead. This route is family-friendly and dog-friendly (leashed). It can get very hot out here, so take advantage of the fountains at the trailhead and fill up your bottles before setting out.
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Hawes Trail to Granite Trail Loop
The Hawes Trail System is a well-developed mountain biking and hiking route collection near the Salt River in the Tonto National Forest. The Hawes Trail to Granite Trail Loop makes use of several trails in the system to put together a hike with awesome desert and river scenery. This trail system is mostly used by mountain bikers, so you’ll need to share the trail. Bring more water than you think you’ll need and avoid this trail in the summertime or heat of the day.
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Usery Mountain Hike
The Usery Mountain hike is a fun, scenic adventure in the Tonto National Forest that sees moderate traffic. This route provides good views without requiring much elevation gain since it just takes you to the base of the mountain. It’s a very pretty trip that might still feel like a workout, but it’s suitable for strong beginners and active families. Bring plenty of water on this hike.
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Derrick Trail
The Derrick Trail is a 9.2 km route near Payson that can be used on its own but is often used in addition to other routes for backpacking trips. This trail is nicely forested. While there aren’t any big, expansive views, you’ll enjoy the shade, the quiet of the trees, and the birds and wildlife that abound here. Expect moderate traffic on this hike.