Tonto National Forest

Just 30 minutes from Phoenix, Arizona, the Tonto National Forest ranges across 600,000 acres of varied landscapes and attracts 3 million visitors a year. Its iconic resident is the giant Sonoran Desert cactus, but if you're not a plant fan there's no reason to get prickly. You can go kayaking, jet-skiing and even scuba diving in Canyon Lake, or visit Goldfield Ghost Town and plunge into the Wild West. It's also a wonderful destination for camping or RV trips. Then as the sun dips low, get your camera gear out and head to Tonto National Monument, a designated dark-sky park, for spectacular star-gazing.