Deer Hill

When combined with Apache Trail and Two Bar Ridge Trail, Deer Hill is a great way to connect two recreation areas located in the Tonto National Forest. The trail connects Apache and Roosevelt lakes while providing an off-road experience in one of the most scenic regions in the Arizona desert. One of the true highlights is the large and rare crested saguaro at Waypoint 5. Though crested saguaros are somewhat rare, this particular one is quite large and easily accessible. Biologists disagree as to why some saguaros grow in this unusual form. Some speculate that it is a genetic mutation, while others say it's the result of a lightning strike or freeze damage. At this point, we simply do not know what causes this rare, crested form. The trail also allows hikers to access the iconic Arizona Trail and Cottonwood Trail 120. The trail leads down to the Roosevelt Lake region, where there are numerous recreation areas that allow access to the water.