Nearby Attractions

Endless Opportunities

Unique history, culture, and topography surround Tonto National Monument, offering nearly endless opportunities for discovery, exploration, and recreation. These are just a few of the numerous attractions around us.

 

The Apache Trail is a beautiful drive to take from Apache Junction, AZ to Tonto NM!

NPS Photo

The Apache Trail

The Apache trail is closed to through traffic. You can not currently drive between Phoenix and Tonto National Monument on this route.
The awe-inspiring and historic Apache Trail, also known as Highway 88, takes visitors from Apache Junction, AZ to Roosevelt Lake and Tonto National Monument through the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest along a 39-mile mostly unpaved road. This gravel stretch is maintained for passenger vehicles, but the drive is slow. It is not recommended for large RVs or caravans. Visit the Apache Trail Scenic Byway webpage for additional information.

 

View of Roosevelt Lake

used by permission of Beth Morgan

Tonto National Forest

Tonto National Forest surrounds the Monument with nearly 3 million acres of varied terrain from the low, cactus-filled Sonoran Desert to forests of tall pines. The varied elevation and climate offers year-round opportunities for hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing, and fishing. Find solitude in one of the 8 rugged Wilderness Areas. Roosevelt Lake and the other reservoirs along the Salt River offer numerous opportunities for camping, boating, and fishing.

 

The archaeological site at Besh-Ba-Gowa offers another opportunity to learn about the prehistoric Salado people.

NPS Photo

Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park

Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum in Globe, AZ is home to one of the largest and most complex Salado pueblos. Excavations here revealed one of the largest and most important single-site collections in all of the Southwest. The museum boasts impressive displays of pottery and other artifacts from the same time period as Tonto National Monument (about 1300 CE), and visitors can wander through most of the nearly 200 rooms that make up this impressive Salado site. For more information visit the Besh-Ba-Gowah webpage.

 

Learn about local history at the Bullion Plaza Museum.

Used with permission of Bullion Plaza Museum

Bullion Plaza Cultural Center & Museum

Bullion Plaza Cultural Center & Museum is located in Miami, AZ. The museum houses an excellent array of exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia depicting the economic and social life of the early years of the Miami, Globe, and San Carlos mining region of Arizona. For more information, visit the Bullion Plaza Museum webpage.

 

Rim Country Museum & Zane Grey Cabin

The Rim Country Museum and the Zane Grey Cabin in Payson, AZ consists of the oldest Forest Ranger Station and Residence still standing in the Southwest. Both structures were originally built in 1907 and then later rebuilt upon their original foundation around 1933. Museum exhibits include: The Apache Display, The Payson Rodeo Heritage Display, Payson Sawmill Display, Mining in Payson Display, and more. For more information, visit the Rim Country Museum and Zane Grey Cabin webpage.

 

Nearby Arizona State Parks and National Park Units

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park near Payson, AZ (1.25 hours away)

Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park near Superior, AZ (1 hour away)

Montezuma Castle National Monument in Camp Verde, AZ (2.1 hours away)

Tuzigoot National Monument near Camp Verde, AZ (2.5 hours away)

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Coolidge, AZ (1.5 hours away)