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Recreation

Before you recreate on the Tonto National Forest, you are encouraged to make sure your desired destination is open. Review on the Conditions Report on this page and the individual recreation site page. Please understand that conditions can rapidly change and priority will always be public safety on the ground over updating a recreation site status on the web page. 

Your Fee Dollars at Work

Canyon in Tonto Basin

Recreation Fee Dollars are an investment in outdoor recreation. They support and enhance:

• Public Safety
• Recreation site maintenance and improvements
• Educational experiences
• Information wayside exhibits
• Youth programs and partnerships
• Interpretive programs

Current and future generations benefit as more than 80% of the funds are reinvested in the facilities and services that visitors enjoy, use, and value.

Recreation

Showing: 1 - 10 of 200 results

136th Street OHV Trailhead
Site Open
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
This OHV trailhead provides access to the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone at the end of 136th Street. There is no staging or parking here; this area merely provides access into the Desert Vista OHV…

2117 OHV Trailhead
Site Open
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
This OHV trailhead provides access to the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone from Needle Rock Road at MT-2117. There is no staging or parking; this area merely provides access into the Desert Vista OHV…

2119 OHV Trailhead
Site Open
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
This OHV trailhead provides access to the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone from Needle Rock Road. MT-2119 is accessible from Needle Rock Road or along 176th Street near Wildcat Drive. There is no staging…

388 OHV Trailhead
Site Open
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
This OHV trailhead provides access to the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone along Bartlett Dam Road at MT-388. There is no staging or parking here; this area merely provides access into the Desert Vista…

404 OHV Trailhead
Site Open
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This OHV trailhead provides access to the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone along Bartlett Dam Road at MT-404. There is no staging or parking here; this area merely provides access into the Desert Vista…

Abbey's Way 151
Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
The trail is surrounded by a beautiful mixed conifer forest. Edward Abbey (1927-1989) an environmental writer, worked for two seasons as a lookout at Aztec Peak and made reference to it in his…

Acacia Day Use Area
Site Open
Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
The drive from Apache Junction offers magnificent vistas of the Superstition Mountains, Salt River Canyon and Canyon Lake. The waters of scenic Canyon Lake wash against a gentle swimming beach at…

Airplane Flat Campground
Site Temporarily Closed
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning
Airplane Flat campground is in an open stand of mature Ponderosa pine. Canyon Creek is known for its trout fishing. Wildlife includes: Abert squirrel, black bear, mountain lion, elk, turkey and…

Aloe Vera Staging Area
Site Open
Biking Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
Aloe Vera Staging Area provides parking for trailers and vehicles along 144th Street. This staging area is primarily for equestrian and non-motorized users. Motorized users should access the Desert…

Apache Lake
Site Open
Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Apache Lake was formed in 1927 when the Horse Mesa Dam was completed. Outstanding trout and warm-water fishing. Wet winters bring a profusion of spring flowers. This lake is set among sun-painted…
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