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Tonto Basin, Arizona

Top Spots in and near Tonto Basin

  • Tonto Basin, Arizona

    Hike to Brown's Peak

    5.0
    6 mi / 1957 ft gain
    Starting 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...
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  • Roosevelt, Arizona

    Camp At Burnt Corral Campground On Apache Lake

    5.0
    Located 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...
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  • Roosevelt, Arizona

    Visit Tonto National Monument

    3.7
    1.5 mi / 305 ft gain
    Explore 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...
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  • Young, Arizona

    Camping on Roosevelt Lake Overlook

    5.0
    Stumbled 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...
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  • Payson, Arizona

    Hike Barnhardt Trail

    4.8
    8 mi / 1912 ft gain
    To 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...
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  • Fort McDowell, Arizona

    Kayak Saguaro Lake

    4.0
    If 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...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Kayak Canyon Lake Reservoir

    4.5
    Canyon 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 ...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Hike the Boulder Canyon Trail

    4.0
    10 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Parking 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...
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  • Fort McDowell, Arizona

    Hike Butcher Jones Trail Around Saguaro Lake

    4.6
    4 mi / 300 ft gain
    Butcher 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 ...
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  • Mesa, Arizona

    Horseback Ride in the Sonoran Desert

    5.0
    This 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...
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  • Mesa, Arizona

    Kayak the Lower Salt River

    5.0
    It'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...
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  • Maricopa County, Arizona

    Hike the Goldfield Ovens Loop

    7.5 mi / 575 ft gain
    A 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...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Hike the Dutchman's Second Canyon Loop

    5.0
    16 mi
    To 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...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Hike Black Mesa Loop

    4.5
    9 mi
    From 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...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    White Rock Springs Camp Loop via First Water Trailhead

    4.7
    24.18 mi / 3635 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Hike Battleship Mountain

    5.0
    11.5 mi / 443 ft gain
    Battleship 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 ...
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Camping and Lodging in Tonto Basin

Cholla Campground
Tonto Basin, Arizona

Cholla Campground

Frazier Group Campground
Roosevelt, Arizona

Frazier Group Campground

Burnt Corral Campground
Roosevelt, Arizona

Burnt Corral Campground

Windy Hill Campground
Roosevelt, Arizona

Windy Hill Campground

Reynolds Creek Group Campground
Young, Arizona

Reynolds Creek Group Campground

Grapevine Group Campground
Roosevelt, Arizona

Grapevine Group Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Tonto Basin

Marmot Men's Alpha 60 Vest Review

Marmot Men's Alpha 60 Vest Review

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The 5 Best Hikes In Phoenix

The 5 Best Hikes In Phoenix

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7 Hikes You Need to Do in the Phoenix Area

7 Hikes You Need to Do in the Phoenix Area

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10 Of Arizona's Best Campsites

10 Of Arizona's Best Campsites

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The 5 Best Winter Camping Spots in Arizona

The 5 Best Winter Camping Spots in Arizona

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The top 25 hikes in Arizona

The top 25 hikes in Arizona

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