At 3 Million Acres Tonto is the 5th largest forest in the United States and by some distance the largest of the six national forests in Arizona, and has the most interesting, diverse scenery, with terrain and elevation ranging from the Sonoran Desert (1,400 feet) to the Mogollon Rim (7,400 feet). Besides desert and mountains it contains lakes - mostly artificially created, fertile river valleys, rocky canyons and flat plains. Cacti, in particular the familiar giant saguaro, cover much of the area but there are also dozens of smaller species. The cactus colonies merge with bushes, chaparral and grasslands above 4,000 feet, while the higher hills to the north support varied woodland habitats including juniper, mixed fir and ponderosa pine. Tonto contains eight separate wilderness areas, all of which have quite limited access, as the land is generally steep and rough, without many trails, and experiences harsh weather for most of the year.

Boundaries: To the southwest, the national forest boundary follows the edge of the Superstition and New River Mountains - beyond stretches the low, flat desert, the ever-expanding city of Phoenix and the 'Valley of the Sun'. From Phoenix, I-17 runs north through the Agua Fria River valley, with the edge of the forest a few miles to the east; this extends for about 40 miles, past the new Agua Fria National Monument as far as Cordez Junction. Tonto is then bordered to the north by the Prescott, Coconino and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, and to the east by the Fort Apache and San Carlos Indian Reservations. The Mogollon Rim, a 2,000 to 3,000 foot high escarpment that forms the southern edge of the great Colorado Plateau, which stretches for over 100 miles across central Arizona, defines the northern boundary of the Tonto National Forest.

Roads: Few paved roads penetrate this vast area; just AZ 260 across the north, US 60 across the south, AZ 87 from Phoenix to Payson and AZ 188 from Globe to AZ 87. There are a selection of lesser roads, most well known being the Apache Trail between Mesa and Theodore Roosevelt Lake, through the Superstition Mountains. Roosevelt is the largest of the man made lakes; others are the Saguaro, Canyon and Apache Lakes, Bartlett and Horseshoe Reservoirs.

Boundaries: To the southwest, the national forest boundary follows the edge of the Superstition and New River Mountains - beyond stretches the low, flat desert, the ever-expanding city of Phoenix and the 'Valley of the Sun'. From Phoenix, I-17 runs north through the Agua Fria River valley, with the edge of the forest a few miles to the east; this extends for about 40 miles, past the new Agua Fria National Monument as far as Cordez Junction. Tonto is then bordered to the north by the Prescott, Coconino and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, and to the east by the Fort Apache and San Carlos Indian Reservations. The Mogollon Rim, a 2,000 to 3,000 foot high escarpment that forms the southern edge of the great Colorado Plateau, which stretches for over 100 miles across central Arizona, defines the northern boundary of the Tonto National Forest.

Recreational Activities: Include Boating and Water Sports in the many lakes, rivers and streams as well has hiking, fishing, camping, backpacking, and picnicking. There are helpful links below designed by the National Forest Service to help you safely and more completely experience the many wonders of the Tonto National Forest. Please click on the links below 'Recreational Activities'.