Tonto National Forest: Our most recommended tours and activities

Phoenix: Kayaking Trip to Foxtail

1. Phoenix: Kayaking Trip to Foxtail

There is no better way to escape the summer heat than to go kayaking on the Lower Salt River. As you cruise below cliffs and past beautiful desert scenery, look out for native wildlife. The sit-on-top kayaks are very stable and easy to maneuver; after a 15-minute orientation, you'll be ready to go.  UNGUIDED kayaking experience. While this is primarily a scenic float there are sections of swift water and kayakers often tip out- so be prepared to get wet. At the end of the route, staff will be waiting to gather the kayaks as you board an air-conditioned van to return to the ranch.

Sonoran Desert: Sunset Jeep Tour with Tonto National Forest

2. Sonoran Desert: Sunset Jeep Tour with Tonto National Forest

Experience a world-famous Arizona sunset on a low-speed, off-road sightseeing tour of the Sonoran Desert via the Tonto National Forest. Your professional tour guide, a certified off-road driver, will tell you about the Sonoran Desert flora, wildlife, Arizona history, and Native American ethnobotanical practices. Hop aboard the Jeep and cruise past the Pass by Pinnacle Peak Park, a scenic 3,169-foot granite summit located in North Scottsdale, and Reata Pass, the last standing buildings of an old western town. Hear about these locations and their significance. At sunset, stop at a panoramic lookout point that overlooks the historic Great Western Trail. Feel free to exit the Jeep and walk around the scenic lookout. Whether you're interested in a couple of group photos or a full Instagram shoot with your camera, your guides are also great photographers willing to help. Depending on cloud conditions, the sky typically changes to various shades of pink, red, orange, and purple, all within the backdrop of the stunning Sonoran Desert.

Box Canyon and Pinal Mountains Half-Day ATV Tour

3. Box Canyon and Pinal Mountains Half-Day ATV Tour

Explore the extreme northeast corner of Florence, Arizona on board a thrilling Terrain Vehicle (ATV). Located halfway between Tucson and Phoenix, the Box Canyon and Pinal Mountains make for an ideal day out from both cities. The dirt trail that will set your blood racing is about 30 miles long, and you will have 3.25 hours to play. Once your guide has equipped you with safety equipment and received a short training, head off along dirt trails that twist, turn, and bump up and down the Pinal Mountains. Climb up and over the front range of the mountains. At the same time, your guide points out Indian petroglyphs left behind by the ancient Native Americans.  Another point of interest is an old adobe building that served as a way station for the Butterfield Overland Stage Coach Company during the 1860s. For a short time, it also serviced the Pony Express on what was known as the "Butterfield Route." The real highlight of the tour is Box Canyon. You'll be in the canyon for about 6 miles. Get set for the drama of the middle 3 miles, a slot canyon with walls only about 10-20 feet apart and 900 feet high on both sides!

Phoenix and Mesa: Kayaking Trip to Granite Reef

4. Phoenix and Mesa: Kayaking Trip to Granite Reef

What better way to beat the Arizona heat than in the cool waters of the Lower Salt River? Kayak out into the beautiful wilderness of the Tonto National Forest. Keep your eyes peeled for native, desert wildlife. On the Granite Reef float, you'll witness the confluence of the Salt and Verde Rivers and the majestic Red Mountain. The sit-on-top kayaks are very stable and easy to maneuver; after a 15-minute orientation, even beginners will feel safe and comfortable in the water. This self-guided float is the most convenient way to kayak the Lower Salt River. Park your car at Saguaro Lake Ranch — no Tonto Pass required — and launch from a private kayak beach. Enjoy the 4.5-hour float. At the end of the route, staff will be waiting to gather the kayaks as you board an air-conditioned van and return to the ranch.

Sonoran Desert: Guided 2-Hour UTV Adventure

5. Sonoran Desert: Guided 2-Hour UTV Adventure

Hop in, buckle up, turn the switch, and hit the trail in the toughest vehicle the Sonoran Desert has ever seen. The 4-seat UTV can be filled to capacity and can still climb trails, crawl boulders, and zip all over the desert without breaking a sweat. Whether you're craving adventure or simply want to enjoy some sightseeing at your own pace, this UTV is dialed in to deliver. With electric power steering, a thrilling V-Twin engine, and towing capacity to take everything with you, this exhilarating drive handles like a dream. 

Tucson: 5 Line Zipline Course over Sonoran Desert

6. Tucson: 5 Line Zipline Course over Sonoran Desert

The Zipline EcoTour will give each person the opportunity to zip across and learn about the Sonoran Desert flora and fauna while pushing the limits of their comfort zones. This includes a ride on 5 zipline spans ranging in length from 400-1,500 feet. The last and longest run is a dual line making it possible to zip alongside a friend or loved one! In between ziplines, plant your feet back on the ground and explore the desert landscape from our short hiking trails. Familiarize yourself with different types of plant life such as ocotillo, agave, and different types of cactus. While you are ziplining and hiking, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife: desert spiny lizards, gila monsters, javalina, deer, and even bobcats inhabit the property! There is water provided along the trails. Located just one hour north of Tucson, and two hours south of Phoenix enjoy the scenic drive out to see us in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains. The views from our property overlook the San Pedro River Valley, the Galiuro Mountains, Tonto National Forest, and the Catalina Mountains. True to the desert landscape, the views are sweeping and will not dissapoint!

From Scottsdale: Sonoran Desert & Tonto National Forest Trip

7. From Scottsdale: Sonoran Desert & Tonto National Forest Trip

Take a break from the streets of Scottsdale and get out of the city to discover the Sonoran Desert. Drive by jeep to the Pinnacle Peak neighborhood and see an old stagecoach station. Meet wild horses by the Verde River after walking through Tonto National Forest. Make your way to the Village at Pinnacle Peak to meet your friendly guide and group for the day. Jump in the jeep and admire the picturesque Arizonan landscape as you head towards the desert. Learn about local wildlife as your guide points out the different species you come across. Enter the Sonoran Desert and pass by a stagecoach station as you stroll around in the arid landscape with growing cacti and distant mountain peaks. Continue to the Tonto National Forest and begin walking along the winding tree-lined path. Find your way to the roaring Verde River to have the chance of watching wild horses playing on the riverbanks, before returning to Scottsdale.

Scottsdale: Tonto National Forest Off-Road H1 Hummer Tour

8. Scottsdale: Tonto National Forest Off-Road H1 Hummer Tour

Explore one of Arizona’s most picturesque trails on an off-road H1 Hummer excursion. The trail winds through the heart of the Tonto National Forest and Arizona’s most beautiful mountain ranges: the 4 Peaks and the Superstition Mountains. Enjoy beautiful views of Saguaro Lake and learn about the flora and fauna of this majestic landscape. Experience the thrill as the Hummer conquers the rugged desert terrain. If you crave excitement you’ll be sure to feel the rush of adrenalin as the H1 climbs 60-degree slopes, traverses 40-degree side slopes, and fords up to 2.5 feet of water. Even with all the thrills, this is a family friendly excursion that is suitable for all ages.

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What people are saying about Tonto National Forest

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 33 reviews

This was a lot of fun. My husband really enjoyed the UTV ride we did four of them while on vacation this week and this was BY FAR the BEST one. You get to go faster (as comfortable) and actually drive verses jus following along at slow speeds in a row/group. Mitch was a great tour guide. If you are going to do a utv ride I highly rec booking through stellar adventures here.

It was an incredible experience! Totally worth it. Our tour guide Scott was very knowledgeable and kind. He made sure that we had blast. Thank you Scott for such an amazing tour and for making us laugh. The sunset at the desert was so beautiful

We had a beautiful ride and learned a lot from our awesome driver Earl! He was fun, informative and personal! An overall great experience!

There were 4 of us and we had a blast. Our guide Grace was knowledgeable of the plant life and of the area. Highly recommend for anyone.

Nice kayak experience and beautiful scenery with wild horses