Experience
The Beauty
Of Gila County

AREA AMENITIES

Gila Country, Arizona embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from Saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim.

The variety in vegetation and range in altitude (from 1,300 to 7,900 feet) on the Tonto provides outstanding recreational opportunities throughout the year, whether it’s lake beaches or cool pine forests. In the winter, visitors flock to Arizona to enjoy the multi-hued stone canyons and the Sonoran Desert environments of the Tonto’s lower elevations. In the summer, visitors seek refuge from the heat at the Salt and Verde rivers and their cool lakes and streams.

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST

The Tonto National Forest, located in Gila Country, Arizona embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country. Experience hiking trails, camping spots, water sports, and a variety of other outdoor recreation options.

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

The Tonto National Forest is a mecca for wildlife viewing. There are hundreds of different species that call this forest home. From its towering wooded pine forest and its sprawling deserts, Gila County offers many different wildlife viewing opportunities.

Canyons

Due to the area's WILD topography, over thousands of years, small channels and canyons have been carved out by the many streams and rivers that flow year-round. From slot canyons to the wall of the Hells Gate Wilderness area.

WILDERNESS AREAS

Eight Wilderness Areas are managed to protect the unique natural character of Gila County. At 2,969,602 acres, the Tonto Forest is by some distance the largest of the six national forests in Arizona and has the most interesting, diverse scenery.

Deserts

Gila County is located on the northeastern edge of the Sonoran Desert, which covers desert, high desert plains, chaparral, pinon-juniper, and pine forest.

Fall Color

Arizona’s mild climate and almost-guaranteed sunny days make viewing fall foliage ideal. Grab a jacket and see the colors!

Gems

In Gila County, many of the gems and minerals in the area are quite literally brought to the surface by copper mining. Learn where to find them!

Lakes/Streams

More fishing and recreational activity take place on these lakes than in any other area of the state. They are also the closest waters to the largest population center in the state.

Mountain Ranges

Adventure seekers will love the WILD remote feeling of these wide open spaces.  Dotted with trails, each wilderness is unique and is ready to be explored. 

Starry Skies

So come for the adventure during the day and others stay for the "WOW" at night!  Whatever you choose, Gila County will not disappoint you if you are a star lover!

Weather

The weather in Gila County is about as diverse as everything else.  The elevation rises from 2,000 feet to over 8,000ft above sea level providing varying levels of weather.

Wide Open Spaces

Gila County is know for it's wide open spaces that often leave you awestruck of the vast beauty of the region. Come find your next adventure.