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Tonto National Forest: Explore Abandoned Mines and Wildlife
Tonto National Forest
Discover the Lost Mining City of Chrysotile in Tonto National Forest. Hike, swim, and explore pristine, rarely traveled locations with stunning desert scenery and wildlife.
Duration:
1 day
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Tonto National Forest - Chrysotile is located in Tonto National Forest. It’s a privately owned, abandoned mining city located in some of the most pristine areas of the national forest. The gates will open at 9:00 and shortly after opening a short tour of some of the attractions is available. We will stop at several abandoned buildings including: the jailhouse, schoolhouse, the machine shop, and the minor barracks. Other abandoned buildings include: the farmhouse, manager’s house and the mess hall. Guests will also receive a map of the area that includes all the best places to see and spend time exploring. The mining city of Chrysotile is privately owned and hasn’t been open to the public since 1945.
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Tonto National Forest - After the 9 am tour and receiving the map of attractions, the guest is free to explore and create their own adventure. Some of the areas that can be visited include Swimming holes, waterfalls, mine entrances, Ash Creek, Mermaid Lagoon, and Moon Canyon.
To visit a swimming hole with a waterfall, guest will hike down to the creek bottom. Th path that will be taken is the same trail that the mining burrows followed when carrying ore out of the canyon to Globe, AZ. Once guests arrive at the canyon bottom, there will be a swimming hole with a waterfall. Enjoy swimming and playing in the waterfall as well as hiking the canyon floor. Several swimming holes can be found along the canyon floor as well as unique rock formations and beautiful canyon walls. This is an amazing location to take photos, look for rocks, and even have a picnic. - Tonto National Forest - Another option for guest to fill their day of exploring would be to follow Ash Creek on a short hike. The hike will take guests over boulders, fallen trees, and logs. Guests will wind along side of the creek, even passing the creek or walking in the creek in some areas. After the short hike, you will come to Mermaid Lagoon. This is a beautiful swimming hole with deep cool water. This is a fun place to find crayfish, play in the creek, and enjoy the cool water.
- Tonto National Forest - Another option for an exciting adventure would be to visit Moon Canyon. After a short drive to a grassy field, guests will start a hike. The hiking will take visitors on a winding path over rocks and boulders. The hike continues to go around trees and over logs crossing the creek and making your way past a dam in the creek. Guest will go around some giant boulders to a geographically unique location. The creek bed is formed with a conglomerate of rock and sand compressed together over thousands of years. This is a great place for guests to play in the creak, explore, take pictures, and even have a snack.
- Tonto National Forest - Another attaction the guests can choose to see would be the Victory Mine. This is the largest mine on the property. Guest are alowwed to peak their heads in any mining entrance just asked not to go in unless you are on the guided tour. Each day at 4pm a guided tour of Victory Mine will take place. Guests are taken on a tour of the mine shafts, and they can hear about the type of mining that was done in Chrysotile, AZ. Take pictures of the mine entrances and shafts, there is a great possibility of see bats in the mine and see all the tailing piles.
- Tonto National Forest - With the $100 per car entrance fee you are welcome to camp and stay the night exploring the lost mining city of Chrysotile, Arizona.
What's Included
- Purchase 1 Adult ticket and get a CAR LOAD of guests free
- No additional costs other than entrance fee of $100 per car of guests
- Exploring Mines, Hiking, Camping, Swimming, Photography
- 24 Hour access to the lost mining city of Chrysotile, Arizona
Additional Information
We will be in the Tonto National Forest. Expect to see beautiful desert scenery including, Unique plants, cactus, and wildflowers that are native to the Sonoran Desert. Beautiful views of Ash Creek Canyon and the unique trees that grow next to it. There is always a chance to see wild animals such as cows, javelinas, snakes, lizards, and birds. You will experience the Adventure of exploring abandoned mining facilities, hiking, swimming, and canyon views. These places are wild and rarely traveled. Be one of the first people to see, according to the Fish and Wildlife, one of the most pristine locations in Arizona.
Location
Tonto National Forest
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
