Arizona whitewater, Tonto Creek Gila county, Box section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS IV(V)     2 miles   The scenic beauty of Arizona and the beautiful way the water current moves down the stream are in themselves reasons enough to come here to paddle. This section of Tonto Creek is 2 miles long and is according to American Whitewater a class IV(V) section of whitewater. Getting some good exercise and spending some quality time in nature are sure to keep you coming back for more. The put-in is not too far from Payson, as you can see on the     road map further down. There are a few other sections in this river system that can be paddled as well. This is a somewhat short section so it's not like you're gonna spend hours on the river in one stretch. You might be into whitewater rafting or kayaking or both, doesn't matter, this is an area with not too many other places for that. The wild scenery of the Mogollon Rim Mountains is great. You can pitch a tent or park your RV at a nearby campground. The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking in this state are often tougher than in other states, so better not forget that rivers here are less forgiving. There aren’t any hotels right nearby but if you're   willing to drive a short distance then no problem and if you make reservations in advance you're all set. Briefly about the general area: A short journey to Reed Spring is always worthwhile, and nearby you stumble on Reed Gulch which is a perfect place to stop at. That right there is a heap of fun stuff already but it goes on, the Mogollon Rim Mountains has it all. A trip to Tonto Creek wouldn't be complete without taking a look at Mud Spring. Tonto Creek is in close proximity to Tonto National Forest which is a delightful place, and why not take a refreshing hike along the Old Mail Trail. Tonto Creek, Box road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Tonto Creek.   Whitewater Near Tonto Creek: Tonto Creek, Gila County, 1 miles away       Class IV(V) - 2 miles long (Box) East Verde River, Gila County, 18 miles away       Class V+ - 34 miles long (US Route 87 to Verde River confluence) Verde River, Maricopa County, 24 miles away       Class I-II - 19 miles long (Bartlett Reservoir to confluence with Salt River) Verde River, Yavapai / Maricopa County, 28 miles away       Class I-II - 19 miles long (Horseshoe Reservoir to Bartlett Reservoir) Salt River, Gila County, 29 miles away       Class -blank- - 12 miles long (Stewart Mountain Dam to Granite Reef Dam)   Ski Areas Near Tonto Creek: Arizona Snowbowl, Arizona , 82 miles away, 2300 foot drop, 4 lifts, 32 runs Williams, Arizona , 93 miles away, 600 foot drop, 2 lifts, 7 runs Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, Arizona , 95 miles away, 950 foot drop, 3 lifts, 18 runs   Hotels Near Tonto Creek: Knights Inn Payson, Payson , 14 miles away Americas Best Value Inn Payson, Payson , 14 miles away Days Inn & Suites Payson, Payson , 15 miles away Comfort Inn Payson, Payson , 15 miles away Super 8 Payson, Payson , 15 miles away   Campgrounds Near Tonto Creek: Punkin Center Trailer Corral, Tonto Basin, 3 miles away Sleepy Hallow RV Park, Tonto Basin, 3 miles away Jakes Corner RV Park, Tonto Basin, 3 miles away   Trails Near Tonto Creek: Del Shay Trail, Gila , 5 miles away,  9.4 hiking miles, 2132 feet elevation difference Old Mail Trail, Gila , 7 miles away,  10.2 hiking miles, 2203 feet elevation difference Shake Tree Trail, Gila , 10 miles away,  10.2 hiking miles, 2355 feet elevation difference Denton Trail, Gila , 11 miles away, 4.9 hiking miles, 3521 feet elevation difference Boulder Creek Trail, Maricopa , 11 miles away, 4.5 hiking miles, 1533 feet elevation difference Barnhardt Trail, Gila , 13 miles away,  11.6 hiking miles, 2143 feet elevation difference Pine Mountain Trail, Maricopa , 14 miles away, 4.3 hiking miles, 1829 feet elevation difference   Public Lands Near Tonto Creek: Tonto National Monument, Roosevelt - AZ , 30 miles away Montezuma Castle National Monument, Camp Verde - AZ , 49 miles away Tonto National Forest, Arizona , 12 miles away Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Arizona , 22 miles away Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona , 32 miles away   Golf Courses Near Tonto Creek: Payson Golf Course, Payson , 14 miles away Rim Golf Club, Payson , 15 miles away Golf Club Chaparral Pines, Payson , 16 miles away