r/backpacking: A subreddit for traveling backpacking and wilderness backpacking, not restricted to one or the other. the journey upriver is absolutely gorgeous with fascinating geology and beautiful Sonoran Desert cactus!” –The Dyrt camper Shari G. Deeper into Tonto National Forest than the Phoenix-facing campgrounds, Fremont Saddle is also better suited to backpackers than the more car-camping and RV focused sites in Tonto. The Tonto National Forest, encompassing 2,873,200 acres (1,162,700 ha), is the largest of the six national forests in Arizona and is the fifth largest national forest in the United States. amazoncom backpacking arizona from deep canyons to sky islands by bruce grubbs paperback 1644 available to ship in 1 2 days ships from and sold by amazoncom best loop hikes arizona best hikes by bruce grubbs paperback 1409 only day and overnight hikes tonto national forest http book99downloadcom getphpasin0897326393html day and overnight hikestonto national forest will … All this was once obscured by shallow inland seas. These sea beds occasionally drained and were shot through with lava. It sits in a prime, central spot, with Christopher Creek, the Highline National Recreation Trail, and the entire Mogollon Rim nearby. Probably the sun and some other lines that might be anything. You’ll be able to connect to other, more regional trail systems from here, including the Pass Mountain loop. That is a separate trail that can be found on AllTrails here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/fossil-creek-waterfall-trail Due to the aforementioned road closure, you cannot access the waterfall trail from Strawberry, AZ. Overall this campground is a great experience with much to offer for everyone of all ages.” –The Dyrt camper Connor R. Another great camping spot near the Mogollon Rim, Haigler Canyon is a place where you can experience for yourself the kind of peaceful distance from civilization Zane Grey described when he wrote “to one who had long been used to flat desert, the drab and yellow barrenness, how fertile and beautiful these miles and miles of rolling green! The national forest includes eight wilderness areas and both high and low country, making it easy to find cooler temps at higher elevations in the summer, and winter-friendly hiking trails down low. If you’re planning a one-time visit to Tonto National Forest, an $8 Daily Pass will get you access to the park. And tucked away in every corner of Tonto National Forest are campgrounds for every type of outdoor enthusiast. One of the more popular trails near Phoenix, in the Usery Mountain Regional Park that juts out from Tonto National Forest towards Scottsdale, Mesa, and Apache Junction, the Wind Cave Trail is a quick butt-buster that will give you a chance to catch a glimpse of the Sonoran Desert’s native bats. To help narrow down where to begin, however, here are a few of the best: This is a nice, easy trail with some of the best views in Tonto National Forest, and even better, large portions are paved and accessible for outdoor enthusiasts with disabilities. Catfish, bass, and carp are plentiful and occasionally break state records. Near the south entrance to Tonto National Forest is Bulldog Canyon. Today it’s a great spot for bass fishing, boating, and even scuba diving. In order to enjoy this hike, it helps to be well prepared. “Overall, this is by far the best site I came across while hiking the Peralta Trail and is well worth the challenging trek to get here. The Fools Loop will carry you not only through portions of the Tonto National Forest, but also Agua Fria National Monument. You can still see their carved homes peering out across the Sonoran Desert. The Tonto National Forest forms a brownish green band against the rusty desert floor. And car campers aren’t left out, with eighteen sites set aside for tents. There are some easy pull-thru sites for RV’s.” –The Dyrt camper Shari G. Did you know that the Tonto National Forest is home to one of the largest solar-powered campgrounds in the United States? The trailhead can be found behind the power station, so you'll need to first drive in and behind the power station to reach the parking lot. And whether you go far afield or stick close to the campsite, you have a chance of seeing all kinds of wildlife— including horses. And who knows – maybe Sara will find the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine… For this desert backpacking trip, we’ll be hiking a loop in the Superstition Wilderness, within the greater Tonto National Forest – about 60 miles east of Phoenix, Arizona. Much of this area falls within Tonto National Forest, the fifth largest forest in the United States, and also one of the closest to a major metropolitan area. The slightly shaded sites are first-come first-served with limited amenities including restrooms with pit toilets. Always be cautious in bodies of water, crossing stream beds, rivers, and arroyos. This popular trail winds through beautiful Arizona desert, eventually reaching the famous Fossil Springs. Nearby are the remnants of the old Canyon Lake Apache Trail Scenic Byway, a former stagecoach route that once served the Superstition Mountains. That’s when you can take in the Saguaro cactus studded desert, Ponderosa pine trees, and ancient pueblos. No water or bathrooms. Just hook up your solar panel and you have everything you need for your RV.”  –The Dyrt camper Shari G. Built in 1939, the Bartlett Dam and the reservoir it created are yet another destination for anglers in Tonto National Forest and near Phoenix, Arizona. It harnesses the sunshine that makes Arizona such a popular destination for snowbirds to generate lighting, air conditioning, and ventilation for the welcome center and bath houses, pump well water, and power the 41 RV sites with 30 amp hookups. Cette fois-ci, nous sommes allés au printemps. This trail follows treads along Horton Creek past waterfalls and winds through magnificent stands of pine. There are many sites to choose from however, and the Salt River is attractive to the wild horses that roam Tonto National Forest. 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