Viewing Wildlife

Viewing Wildlife Areas

• Cave Creek Ranger District

  

   

  Cave Creek Ranger District is the first district on Tonto National Forest. It is located in the farthest left hand corner of the forest, and is notable for the water, hiking, and horseback riding recreation. It consists of over 570,000 acres (approximately 230,000 hectares) of Desert, Semi-Desert Grassland, Chaparral, and Pinyon-Juniper types of vegetation. The Verde River flows through this entire district; Horseshoe and Bartlett Reservoirs are located here.

  Watershed protection was one of the most important reasons that the Tonto National Forest was established. Since then, the Salt and Verde rivers have had six dams constructed. While the dammed water is of great value for irrigating fields and for domestic use, it is also very popular with thousands of people who recreate in its waters every year.

  Water recreation ranges from the simple to the sophisticated. Some activities require highly mechanized equipment, while other popular activities only require a swimming suit. Whatever your preferences, the Tonto National Forest has plenty to offer when it comes to water recreation.

  There are also commercial partners who provide a variety of water-based recreation opportunities.

  Contact information:

  Address: 40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262
  Phone: (480) 595-3300
  Fax: (480) 595-3346

• Needle Rock Day Use Area and Non-Motorized Beach
• Globe Ranger District

  

  The Globe Ranger District is located north, south, and west of the city of Globe, and borders both the Fort Apache and San Carlos Indian Reservations. It is located at the “Bottom,” of the forest, being the district that is furthest south. The district consists of approximately 450,000 acres (approximately 182,000 hectares) of Desert, Chaparral, and Pinyon-Juniper types of vegetation, as well as a small area of Ponderosa Pine. The Upper Salt River flows through much of this district. The Globe district of Tonto National Forest is notable for the horseback riding and hiking opportunities. There are many amazing trails available that offer a genuine desert-landscape scenery.

  Contact Information:

  Address: 7680 S. Six Shooter, Canyon Rd., Globe, Arizona 85501
  Phone: (928) 425-7189
  Fax: (928) 402-6292

• Mesa Ranger District

  

  The Mesa Ranger District is located north and east of the town of Apache Junction, and consists of approximately 430,000 acres (approximately 170,000 hectares) of Desert, Semi-desert Grassland, Chaparral, Pinyon-Juniper types of vegetation as well as a small area of Ponderosa Pine. The very popular Lower Salt River, Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake are located on this district. Mesa Ranger District is notable for its extremely popular water activities. Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake provide an excellent opportunity to use both motorized and non-motorized boats. The Salt River that cuts through the Mesa Ranger District is the home of Arizona’s famous Salt River Tubing. During summer months, this district is very populated because of the close proximity to the busy city and easy access to fun recreation opportunities.

  Contact Information:

  Address: 5140 E. Ingram St., Mesa, Arizona 85205
  Phone: (480) 610-3300
  Fax: (480) 610-3346

• Fish Creek Vista
• Pleasant Valley Ranger District

  

  The Pleasant Valley Ranger District is located on all four sides of the town of Young, and it continues north to the Mogollon Rim and east to the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. The district consists of approximately 420,000 acres (approximately 170,000 hectares) of Chaparral, Pinyon-Juniper, as well as significant areas of scattered Ponderosa Pine-Juniper types of vegetation. Recreationalist enjoy the hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and horseback riding. Pleasant Valley is popular because of its proximity to Young, and its easy access of a quick summer get away.

  Contact Information:

  The Pleasant Valley Ranger District office is presently closed. Please contact the Payson Ranger District main office using the contact information below.

  Address: 1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, Arizona 85541
  Phone: (928) 474-7900
  Fax: (928) 474-7966

• Airplane Flat Campground
• Colcord Ridge Campground
• Upper Canyon Creek Campground
• Valentine Ridge Dispersed Camping Area
• Tonto Basin Ranger District

  

   

  The Tonto Basin Ranger District is located northwest of Globe and south of Payson. The district consists of approximately 530,000 acres (approximately 210,000 hectares) of Desert, Semi-Desert Grassland, Chaparral types of vegetation, as well as a few scattered areas of Ponderosa Pine. Roosevelt Lake (the largest lake totally within Arizona) and Apache Lake are within this district.

  Watershed is one of the most important reasons that the Tonto National Forest was established. Since then, the Salt and Verde rivers have had six dams constructed.  While the dammed water is of great value for irrigating fields and for domestic use, it is also very popular with thousands of people who recreate in its waters every year.

  Water recreation ranges from the simple to the sophisticated.  Some activities require highly mechanized equipment, while other popular activities only require a swimming suit. Whatever your preferences, the Tonto National Forest has plenty to offer when it comes to water recreation.

  There are also commercial partners who provide a variety of water-based recreation opportunities.

  Contact Information:

  Address: 28079 N. Az Highway 188, Roosevelt, Arizona 85545
  Phone: (602) 225-5395
  Fax: (928) 467-3239

• Apache Lake Marina & Resort
• Crabtree Wash Shoreline Area
• Davis Wash Shoreline Area
• Diversion Dam
• EADS Wash
• Eucalyptus
• Roosevelt Lake Visitors Center
• Three Mile Wash Shoreline Area
• Vineyard Canyon Picnic Area