Tonto National Forest, one of the largest forests in the United States, is located near Phoenix Arizona.
This popular area spans approximately 2.
8 million acres and is visited by nearly 6 million people each year.
The most unique feature of Tonto National Forest is that it contains six separate ecosystems, something that is not found anywhere else in the United States.
Arizona is the only state where a chaparral biome exists; much less inhabits space near a woodland biome and a desert scrub biome.
The scenic views and varied vegetation help to promote Tonto National Forest as a popular recreational spot for camping, hiking and sightseeing.
The Hohokam people, a group of accomplished farmers, craftsmen, traders and warriors, were the initial settlers of Tonto.
These cultures introduced hundreds of miles of irrigation canals to the region in order to grow crops.
Historians estimate that native tribes abandoned the area around 600 years ago after a long period of droughts, conflict with other tribes and floods.
On hikes into the forest, one can catch a glimpse of the life the Hohokam people left behind through petroglyphs and ruins.
Crumbling buildings and stone carvings are all that remain of these ancient cultures.
In 1886, the Apache and the Yavapai were removed from the area by the settlement of the US Army, and the area became inhabited by settlers who fished, mined and ranched in the area.
After the Roosevelt Dam was completed, the area saw a surge in population growth and the forest was declared a protected habitat.
The dam not only harnessed the Salt River, but also gave the Phoenix Valley a viable water supply.
The main motive behind establishing Tonto as a federally protected land in 1905 was to protect the watersheds of the Salt and Verde Rivers.
In addition to being a recreational destination, Tonto Forest still performs this function today, The diversity of flora and fauna in the forest owes its existence to the Salt River and Verde River.
Biologists believe that Tonto National Forest is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the U.
S.
as it is home to: • 63 Species of Reptiles and Amphibians • 388+ Species of Birds • 92 Species of Mammals • 14 Species of Fish Native to the Forest and 36 Species of Introduced Fish Though beautiful, Tonto National Forest is a challenging and dangerous environment for anyone who is not very familiar with the land.
Park Rangers recommend that travelers not brave the forest without an experienced guide as it is easy to become lost or trapped in a flood during monsoon season.