Most day trips to Tonto National Forest set out from Phoenix and typically include one or more outdoor activities. Explore the wild landscapes of the Sonoran Desert on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or buggy tour; tackle the rapids of the Salt River on a white-water rafting excursion; or venture off road and discover the Superstition Mountains by 4WD. There are also many hiking trails, most notably around the Four Peaks Wilderness Area and the Apache Trail, and camping, fishing, and water sports are popular activities at the Canyon, Apache, and Theodore Roosevelt lakes.
Additional highlights include the Tonto National Monument, known for its ancient Salado cliff dwellings; Goldfield Ghost Town, a living museum centered on a former gold mining town; and the Tonto Natural Bridge, one of the largest of its kind in the world.