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Offered languages
- English
This tour explores one of the most untouched regions of the Tonto National Forest—land the Forest Service considers the most natural terrain left in Arizona. Wilds of Arizona is the only licensed and certified off‑road operator allowed to guide tours here, giving guests rare access to hidden canyons, historic mining sites, and views most travelers never experience. Wildlife sightings may include free‑range cattle, bald and golden eagles, jackrabbits, deer, and even black bear. Guides share the area’s mining history, native plants, and desert ecology while leading you to dramatic overlooks of Salt River Canyon, Ash Creek Canyon, and the wild Upper Salt River. Our CPR‑certified guides carry emergency gear and tools, and our UTVs feature cooling misters for comfort on hot days. This adventure blends rugged off‑roading, rich history, wildlife, and some of the most breathtaking scenery in Arizona.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet at the parking area off US Highway 60, mile marker 283. Look for guides in blue “Wilds of Arizona” shirts beside the lined‑up UTVs. After a brief safety talk and gear check, you’ll get ready to begin your off‑road adventure into Salt River Canyon.
Itinerary
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1Chrysotile
After a brief safety talk, we begin on a dirt and rocky trail that climbs along a mountain ridgeline with views of high plains and deep canyons. We pass through a 100,000‑acre cattle ranch, where there’s a good chance of seeing the herd as we continue deeper into the desert.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Tonto National Forest
We cross high plains desert with juniper and pines, then follow a forest road over mountain passes toward an old mining claim. We stop at a mountain ridgeline with 360° views across the range—often considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Arizona.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Tonto National Forest
We stop on a mountain pass beside a steep vertical drop that offers the best view of the Salt River Canyon. This heavily forested section opens to an unobstructed overlook, giving guests a dramatic, panoramic view of the canyon below.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Tonto National Forest
We continue along the mountain top and stop near an old mine site. A short hike leads to the canyon’s edge, where you’ll see stunning Salt River Canyon views and historic mining features, including the elevator once used to move ore from the river to the mountain top.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Tonto National Forest
We continue past Cenica Lake and its abandoned resort before taking a short highway drive back to the starting point. This final stretch offers a smooth, scenic finish to your Salt River Canyon off‑road adventure.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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