Tonto National Forest
636 Reviews
Encompassing about 3 million acres (1,214,057 hectares), the Tonto National Forest is the country’s fifth-largest forest. The altitude ranges from 1,300 to 7,900 feet (396 to 2,408 meters), allowing for diverse flora, fauna and landscapes throughout. In fact, while in one part of the forest you might find a cactus-filled desert, in another you’ll walk through rugged mountain dotted with pines. You’ll also find beautiful lake beaches for peaceful relaxation and aquatic pursuits.
The main reason people visit Tonto National Forest is the outdoor recreation. There are eight wilderness areas in Tonto National Forest, including Four Peaks Wilderness, Hell's Gate Wilderness, Mazatzal Wilderness, Salome Wilderness, Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic Area, Salt River Canyon Wilderness, Sierra Ancha Wilderness and Superstition Wilderness. Each of these offers its own unique experiences. For example, while the Four Peaks Wilderness Area is known for its Four Peaks landmark and 16 designated hiking trails totaling about 40 miles (64 kilometers), the Salt River Canyon Wilderness is where experienced white water rafters go.
Tonto Basin, Arizona, 85553
Tours and tickets to Experience Tonto National Forest
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Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset
Scottsdale’s 2019-2020 #1 ranked TripAdvisor outdoor activity. Our rigorous Sunset Desert Jeep Tour is a bumpy off-road sightseeing tour through the scenic trails of the Tonto National Forest, connected to Scottsdale, Arizona.
Experience a world-famous Arizona sunset as our professional tour guides teach you about the Sonoran desert flora, fauna, and Native American history. At sunset, we will stop at our panoramic lookout point overseeing the historic Great Western Trail.
Vehicles used: Modified open-air Jeep Gladiator (14 seats) and Jeep YJ (7 seats).
Off-Road Jeep Adventures is a special recreation permit-holder through the U.S. Department of Agriculture: Cave Creek Ranger District.
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From
$79.00
From
$79.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour - Morning or Afternoon
Our rigorous Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour is a low-speed, bumpy sightseeing tour of the scenic Sonoran desert via the Tonto National Forest. Learn about the Sonoran desert flora and fauna on the most scenic trails in the Scottsdale area. Your daytime tour will trek through spectacular Jeep trails leading to the Verde River, where guests can catch a glimpse of our roaming wild horse population.
Vehicles used: Jeep YJ (7 seats).
Off-Road Jeep Adventures is a special recreation permit-holder through the U.S. Department of Agriculture: Cave Creek Ranger District and the U.S. Department of the Interior: Bureau of Land Management.
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From
$99.00
From
$99.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Monument Valley Air and Ground Tour from Phoenix
See more of Arizona's stunning natural beauty on a comprehensive full-day tour by air and land that culminates in Monument Valley. Enjoy a scenic flight from Phoenix over Tonto National Forest, Sedona, San Francisco Peaks, the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell, before landing near Monument Valley. Then take a four-wheel drive tour with a Navajo guide to explore Monument Valley and the Navajo Tribal Park. After the 1.5-hour ground tour, try Navajo tacos for lunch before taking in more views on your return flight to Phoenix.
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From
$741.06
From
$741.06
2-Person Guided U-Drive ATV Sand Buggy Tour
This is an exciting off-road/racing styled adventure in Arizona's Sonoran Desert you won't want to miss! With a guide, drive through some of the finest off-road trails, washes, and hillsides aboard a sand buggy for an adrenaline-filled adventure.
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From
$399.00
From
$399.00
Sonoran Desert 2 Hour Guided ATV Adventure
Take a rip through the desert on four wheels. Your adventure guide knows all the best trails in the area and---after a safety orientation and quick lesson in ATV driving, you’ll be off on an adventure of your own. This tour is a great way to explore the vast Sonoran Desert and have fun with some new friends.
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From
$230.30
From
$230.30
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Private Scottsdale Off-Road Jeep Tour
TripAdvisor's 2020 #1 ranked outdoor activity. Our Private Scottsdale Off-Road Jeep Tour is a bumpy guide-led adventure on the most scenic Sonoran desert trails in the Scottsdale area. You will enjoy spectacular sights as your professional tour guide teaches you about Sonoran desert flora, fauna, and Native American history. At our scenic lookout point, guests 21+ will be offered local Arizona craft beer and White Claw. Since our permitted trails are connected to North Scottsdale, you will receive more trail time than any other off-road tour in the Scottsdale area.
Vehicles used: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (6 seats), Jeep YJ (7 seats) or Jeep Gladiator (14 seats).
Private tour: Your Jeep will be private to your group only. Price includes resort pick-up and drop-off.
Off-Road Jeep Adventures is a commercial special recreation permit-holder through the U.S. Department of Agriculture: Cave Creek Ranger District and the U.S. Department of the Interior: Bureau of Land Management.
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From
$220.00
Price varies by group size
From
$220.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Classic Salt River Raft Trip
Spend a day rafting on the Salt River with this day trip from Phoenix. Your day begins with a safety orientation and rafting lesson. It’s okay if you are a beginner, the excursion starts off gently and the guides are there to help. Stop for a riverside lunch before conquering some white-water rapids to finish off this fun-filled day.
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From
$179.39
From
$179.39
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Sonoran Desert Guided UTV Adventure
Tour the desert outside Phoenix in an extreme new way. This private tour gives you the use of a side by side off-road vehicle that seats up to four passengers. This isn’t just the road less traveled… go where there isn’t any road at all. Spend half the day going at your own pace, whether you are craving speed, or just looking for a new way to experience the desert.
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From
$450.66
From
$450.66
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Half-Day Salt River Raft Trip
If you’re traveling with kids or hesitant to give white-water rafting a try, this mild Salt River Canyon rafting trip is the perfect choice. Your guide provides all of the instruction and safety information needed for a stress-free trip. Plus, this beginner-friendly tour only requires a half-day commitment—choose to extend at the halfway point if you’re having a good time.
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From
$130.93
From
$130.93
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Raft & Camp
An easy drive from Phoenix to Arizona's other "Grand Canyon". Enjoy a fun filled day of whitewater rafting and while others drive back to the city you set up camp next to the river as the guides prepare dinner and a beautiful evening by the fire watching the stars overhead. Less than 3 miles from the highway our camp can be accessed by any vehicle which makes for some very comfortable camping as you can bring whatever you like.
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From
$237.44
From
$237.44
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Sonoran Desert H1 Hummer Adventure
The rugged landscape of the Superstition Mountains is not easily conquered, but accessing the dry, cactus-laden desert trails is no problem if you’re riding in a Hummer H1. This extreme adventure gives you a serious adrenaline rush as your guide hurtles you down the Bulldog Canyon trail, enjoying the unspoiled beauty of the desert back country.
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From
$194.87
From
$194.87
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
M-1009 Blazer Off Road Sonoran Desert Adventure
Blaze a new trail through the Sonoran Desert on this 4x4 adventure. From your seat in the back of a military grade Chevy M1009 Blazer, you’ll have the perfect vantage point to enjoy the stark beauty of the desert. These vehicles have been equipped to ensure that no matter how rocky and wild the path gets, you will ride in comfort.
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From
$147.63
From
$147.63
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Scottsdale Astronomy Tour
Experience the wonder of the Milky Way Galaxy on our Scottsdale Astronomy Tour. Your professional astronomer will provide an in-depth laser pointer tour of the Milky Way Galaxy. After the presentation, you will be able to see all visible planets up close through a telescope.
Stargazing location: We transport all guests to a remote area far away from the city lights in the Tonto National Forest, connected to northeast Scottsdale. To ensure full ventilation, we transport guests in our open-air tour vehicles. DRESS WARM!
Important: This is not an off-road tour. Astronomy tours are subject to sky visibility. If the forecast predicts cloud coverage, your tour will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund. This tour also requires a minimum number of guests. If the minimum is not met, the tour will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.
Off-Road Jeep Adventures is a special recreation permit-holder through the U.S. Department of Agriculture: Cave Creek Ranger District.
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From
$99.00
From
$99.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Wilderness Salt River Raft Trip
Raft through wild rapids and sleep under the stars on this 3-day rafting trip of the Salt River Canyon. Guides provide instruction that helps you safely navigate runs, plus personalized attention thanks to small groups of just 11 people or fewer. All meals are included as per itinerary with dietary concerns met upon request, and rental camping gear is available to ensure a hassle-free trip.
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From
$742.27
From
$742.27
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Grand Canyon Air & Hiking Tour
Scenic flight to the Grand Canyon including an overflight of the widest and deepest part of the Canyon. Then a 3 mile round-trip hike down into the Grand Canyon with a stop for lunch before coming back to the top. Trail drops 1200 feet in elevation in 1.5 miles. Hike is along a ridgeline allowing for spectacular views throughout the hike.
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From
$711.47
From
$711.47
FAQ’s
Should I book Tonto National Forest tickets in advance?
We recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot since Tonto National Forest can get crowded. If you book with Viator, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 15 Tonto National Forest tickets and tours on Viator.
How much does it cost to visit Tonto National Forest 2021?
Currently, an entrance ticket to Tonto National Forest costs USD 79.00. Guided Tonto National Forest tours start around USD 79.00 per person. See all 15 Tonto National Forest tickets and tours on Viator.
What's the best way to experience Tonto National Forest?
The best ways to experience Tonto National Forest are:
- Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset
- Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour - Morning or Afternoon
- Monument Valley Air and Ground Tour from Phoenix
- 2-Person Guided U-Drive ATV Sand Buggy Tour
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