National Forest

By Sarah Miller Freelance Travel Writer

largest national forest of the USDA’s 154 forests). You’ll find cool shady pines, but most of the area is made of rugged rocks and desert vistas that leave indelible memories. The Salt River is the best way to explore the desert beauty, an oasis of cool comfort. Drift on a tube, rent a kayak, or try standup paddleboarding.

Before sunrise and after sunset, visitors are sometimes gifted with the sight of wild mustangs wading or drinking from the river inside Tonto National Forest. Thought to be descendants of Spanish Colonial or Iberian horses brought to the Southwest in the 16th century, the Salt River Horses are documented to have arrived well before Tonto National Forest was created.

If you’ve never been to Phoenix in late spring or summer, it is the prime time to indulge in cool waters. Several area outfitters rent tubes, kayaks, boards, and gear for independent exploration or guided tours.

the Salt River and wild horses bring visitors and travelers to splash and relax in this desert oasis. Just about 40 minutes from downtown Phoenix, to the east, in Mesa, Arizona, visitors will find both natural beauty and relaxation.

With altitudes ranging from 1,300 to 7,900 feet, this gem offers varied vegetation and is the largest national forest in Arizona (and the sixth

Floating through Tonto National Park is magical. My first time, I went with a guided group in July. We came to a point where the guide invited us to just float on our backs with life preservers. The current quietly carried us. Cool waters rambled quietly around me and a bald eagle soared overhead. Mountain rock surrounded on either side, and the western sky was that deep blue. Floating the Salt River is relaxing and exhilarating. Please Turn to Next

While winter and spring are peak times to visit, the 200-mile Salt River is reason alone to visit from May into summer. Tubing, paddleboarding, and kayaking rental operations don’t open until May. Water temperatures and levels are usually just right for floating this time of year.

Summer brings lower rates which means luxury stays at the posh Scottsdale resorts are affordable. Five-star resorts offer endless opportunities for golf, massive swimming pools, gourmet dining, spa services, and opulence around every corner. Closer accommodations in Mesa and Chandler put you just a few minutes from Tonto National Forest. The Hilton

Mesa Longbow even offers mountain views where you can retreat to your room to watch the sunset over Tonto National Forest.

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