# Tonto National Forest Backcountry

**Location:** Mesa, AZ | **Difficulty:** Hard | **Length:** 100+ miles

**GPS:** 33.7234, -111.3456

**Vehicle requirements:** 4WD with low range and rear locker, 33"+ mud-terrain tires, 2–3" lift, rock sliders, and recovery gear required.

**Best season:** October - May

Nearly 3 million acres of rugged Sonoran Desert terrain east of Phoenix. Rocky washes, steep canyon descents, and saguaro-lined trails through Arizona's largest national forest.

**Region:** Southwest • **Trail type:** Trail • **Rating:** 4.4/5

**Highlights:** Largest AZ forest, Saguaro country, Canyon descents, Near Phoenix, Desert wildlife

**Nearby campgrounds:**
- [Cholla Campground (Arizona)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/arizona/cholla-campground)
- [Frazier Campground (Arizona)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/arizona/frazier-campground)
- [Schoolhouse Campground (Arizona)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/arizona/schoolhouse-campground)
- [Eagle View RV Resort (Fort McDowell, Arizona)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/arizona/eagle-view-rv-resort)
- [Rock Shadows RV Resort (Apache Junction, Arizona)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/arizona/rock-shadows-rv-resort)

Canonical page: https://4x4playground.com/overlanding/trails/tonto-forest-trails