Globe-Miami & Tonto
Take in the sights around Mesa Arizona, including Globe, Miami, Tonto National Monument and more. Information on Excursions from Mesa from the Mesa CVB.
236 miles round trip
Drive east of Mesa and Apache Junction on Highway 60 and you will be able to see another part of Arizona's varied history and discover the beauty of the desert at Boyce Thompson Southwestern Arboretum. This state park displays 10,000 varieties of desert plants from throughout the world. Nestled at the base of Picketpost Mountain, the arboretum feature a variety of gardens showcasing herbs, heritage roses, hummingbird and butterfly plants.
Millions of tons of mine tailings can be seen as you continue to drive along Highway 60 through the mining communities of historic Globe and Miami. Globe was named from the legend of a 50-pound "globe" shaped silver nugget. Numerous antique shops and art galleries are situated in historic downtown Globe. Besh-Ba-Gowah Indian Ruins, some of the best preserved ruins in the Southwest, are just minutes from Highway 60 in Globe. The San Carlos Apache Cultural Center and Apache Gold Casino are ten miles south of Globe on the San Carlos Reservation.
Among the rolling hills of greasewood and saguaro cacti, three miles south of Roosevelt Lake is Tonto National Monument. Enjoy a nature hike to the ancient Salado Indian ruins, where the well-preserved cliff dwellings tell how these Indians lived 500 years ago.
Roosevelt Dam is the largest masonry dam in the world. It was named for Theodore Roosevelt, who approved it as the first federal reclamation project. It is the keystone of the water reclamation and storage system, keeping the Valley of the Sun supplied with water.