Tonto Basin, Arizona
Top Spots in and near Tonto Basin
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Tonto Basin, Arizona
Hike to Brown's Peak
5.06 mi / 1957 ft gainStarting at the trailhead you will begin hiking through oak trees and forest. At numerous times throughout the hike Roosevelt Lake can be seen to the northwest. Approximately 3 miles into your hike you will reach a small campsite in the saddle of the mountain. This is your turnaround point if you...Read more -
Roosevelt, Arizona
Camp At Burnt Corral Campground On Apache Lake
5.0Located in the Superstition Wilderness about 65 miles northeast of Phoenix, AZ, Apache Lake is one of the most popular recreational lakes in Arizona because it has something for everyone: hiking, boating, fishing, water skiing, camping, swimming, and more! The Burnt Corral Campground is located o...Read more -
Roosevelt, Arizona
Visit Tonto National Monument
3.71.5 mi / 305 ft gainExplore two remarkably preserved American Indian cliff dwellings that date back to the 13th century. Set within a shelter bluff on the side of steep cliffs, the Upper and Lower Cliff Dwellings are well protected, and have great views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. If you get to the park early...Read more -
Young, Arizona
Camping on Roosevelt Lake Overlook
5.0Stumbled upon this phenomenal spot while dual-sporting through the Sierra Ancha range.Turning off 188 the Globe-Young Highway winds down into a valley and crosses the Salt River before passing some small homesteads and farms. It then climbs into the foothills of the Sierra Ancha mountain range. A...Read more -
Payson, Arizona
Hike Barnhardt Trail
4.88 mi / 1912 ft gainTo get to the trailhead, use the turnoff of highway 87 labeled Barnhardt trail (has a marked sign coming from both Payson and Phoenix). Barnhardt road is just over 4 miles and is unpaved. The road can be driven on by lower clearance cars because the terrain is not too rocky. Once at the trailhead...Read more -
Fort McDowell, Arizona
Kayak Saguaro Lake
4.0If you want to enjoy some paddle time on the beautiful Saguaro Lake, launching from Butcher Jones Recreation Area is your best bet. If you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent from the nearby Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch and they’ll bring the kayaks to the launch point for you (as well as provide...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Kayak Canyon Lake Reservoir
4.5Canyon Lake is located in a National Recreation Area. It was created by the damming of the Salt River, in Arizona, specifically by the Morman Flat Dam. The lake sits at an elevation of 1,660' and has a mean depth of 130', and an area of 1.484 mi². We launched our kayaks from the boat launch area ...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Hike the Boulder Canyon Trail
4.010 mi / 1500 ft gainParking for the trailhead is actually in the same lot as the marina. There is a restaurant, campground, and restrooms all in the vicinity of the parking lot. The actual trailhead is on the other side of the street opposite the parking lot entrance road. The hike begins an uphill climb. In a c...Read more -
Fort McDowell, Arizona
Hike Butcher Jones Trail Around Saguaro Lake
4.64 mi / 300 ft gainButcher Jones Recreational Area truly has a little bit of everything. However, the highlight of the area is the Butcher Jones Trail, a 4 mile out and back trail that is suitable for all skill levels. With minimal elevation gain and beautiful views, it can't be beat!The trailhead is located right ...Read more -
Mesa, Arizona
Horseback Ride in the Sonoran Desert
5.0This picturesque location is truly unique; featuring Saguaro Lake, the spectacular Bulldog Cliffs and the Salt River winds through the Ranch property, and you’re able to experience it all on horseback. What I loved most is that the horses were well cared for, the handlers obviously adored the ani...Read more -
Mesa, Arizona
Kayak the Lower Salt River
5.0It's not an Arizona summer without time spent on the Salt River! And there's no better way than by kayak. Summertime on the Lower Salt is full of people, mostly in tubes and on SUP's. Getting on the river in the early hours of the morning help avoid some of the crowds. The best launch point by...Read more -
Maricopa County, Arizona
Hike the Goldfield Ovens Loop
7.5 mi / 575 ft gainA Tonto Day Pass is required for this hike as you will park your vehicle at the Blue Point Picnic Area. The trail starts North of the restrooms which are located at the backside of the parking lot. The trail takes you through a mesquite filled area alongside large rock faces. Be sure too look for...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Hike the Dutchman's Second Canyon Loop
5.016 miTo get to the trail head, drive past Lost Dutchman State Park on the 88 and then take the dirt road (on your right) with arrows leading you to First Water Trail Head. There is an outhouse at the trailhead, so I suggest visiting it before you begin this hike. I also started this hike about an ho...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Hike Black Mesa Loop
4.59 miFrom First Water Trailhead, a short walk east brings you to the junction of the Dutchman trail and the Second Water trail. If you follow the Dutchman trail to the right you'll be heading southeast for a while, catching glimpses of Weaver's Needle in the distance. You can complete the loop going...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
White Rock Springs Camp Loop via First Water Trailhead
4.724.18 mi / 3635 ft gainThe Superstition Wilderness is a stunning 160,200 acre area outside Apache Junction, AZ, with over 170 miles of (variously maintained) trail networks. There are any number of trips you can design to fit your time and skill level. This adventure offers a three day/ two night backpacking trip cover...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Hike Battleship Mountain
5.011.5 mi / 443 ft gainBattleship Mountain is nestled within the Superstition Mountains, surrounded by dramatic peaks and desert landscapes. The hike itself is beautiful, and the views once on top of Battleship Mountain are exceptional. The diversity and uniqueness of geological formations in the mountains surrounding ...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Tonto Basin
Tonto Basin, Arizona
Cholla Campground
Overview
Cholla Campground at Roosevelt Lake, is one of several campgrounds on the shores of the largest lake/reservoir located entirely ...
Roosevelt, Arizona
Frazier Group Campground
Overview
The campground overlooks Roosevelt Lake and is nestled in the saguaro cactus-studded Sonoran Desert.Recreation
In addition to ca...
Roosevelt, Arizona
Burnt Corral Campground
Overview
Burnt Corral Campground and Recreation Area (elevation 1914') is about 5.8 miles south of Roosevelt Dam along the Apache Trail (...
Roosevelt, Arizona
Windy Hill Campground
Overview
Located on central Arizona's largest lake, Windy Hill offers great water recreation opportunities to the public. Because of its...
Young, Arizona
Reynolds Creek Group Campground
Overview
The Reynolds Creek Group Campground is a rustic and secluded, creek side camp located on the Pleasant Valley Ranger District in ...
Roosevelt, Arizona
Grapevine Group Campground
Overview
Groups are drawn to Grapevine Campground's unique setting and expansive facilities. The site's location near Roosevelt Lake's sh...