Tonto National Forest, Arizona, December 18, 2025
A 59-year-old hiker from Mesa, Richard Griph, has been found deceased near the First Water Trailhead in the Tonto National Forest, following a search operation by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have not detected any signs of foul play as they investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. The extensive search involved challenging terrain and critical aviation resources to locate him. Safety recommendations are highlighted for those exploring the region.
Mesa
Missing Mesa Hiker Found Deceased in Tonto National Forest
A 59-year-old Mesa resident, Richard Griph, who was reported missing while hiking, has been found dead near the First Water Trailhead, located east of Apache Junction in the Tonto National Forest in Maricopa County, Arizona. The discovery was made following a search operation launched by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office earlier this week. Authorities have indicated that no signs of foul play have been detected, and an investigation into the circumstances of his death is currently underway.
Search and Discovery Details
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) initiated a search for Mr. Griph on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, after his family reported him missing. The extensive search efforts, involving various resources, ultimately led to the location of his body by an MCSO aviation unit. Mr. Griph was found around 3:10 p.m. on Tuesday. Detectives from the MCSO are actively conducting an investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of death. The official confirmation of his discovery and the ongoing investigation were made public on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
The search area encompassed the rugged terrain surrounding the First Water Trailhead, a well-known entry point for outdoor enthusiasts. The effective deployment of the MCSO’s aviation resources was critical in navigating the expansive and often challenging landscape of the Tonto National Forest to locate the missing hiker.
Understanding the Location: First Water Trailhead and Tonto National Forest
The First Water Trailhead serves as a gateway to the vast trail systems within the Superstition Wilderness area of the Tonto National Forest. Information regarding the trailhead indicates that the access road is unpaved, making high-clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicles recommended, as it is not consistently maintained for standard passenger vehicles. The area is designated for day use only, meaning overnight camping is prohibited. For those venturing into the Superstition Wilderness from this point, it is important to note that mechanized or motorized travel is strictly forbidden to preserve its natural state. Group sizes are also regulated, with limits of no more than 15 people or 15 head of livestock per group. While restrooms are available at the site, no fees are required for its use. These regulations and conditions are in place to ensure both the safety of visitors and the protection of the wilderness environment.
The Tonto National Forest, spanning approximately 2.9 million acres, holds the distinction of being the largest of the six national forests in Arizona and the fifth largest in the United States. Its immense size and geographical diversity are remarkable, featuring landscapes that range from low deserts characterized by saguaro cacti to high-elevation ponderosa pine forests. This varied terrain supports a rich array of wildlife and offers a multitude of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and boating, particularly around its seven major lakes. The forest’s expansive and often remote areas, coupled with its diverse ecosystems, mean that conditions can vary significantly and present considerable challenges. Navigating such a vast and wild environment requires thorough preparation and an understanding of potential risks, including rapidly changing weather, difficult navigation, and the sheer scale of undeveloped wilderness.
Maricopa County’s Vast Landscape and Outdoor Recreation
The search and discovery took place within Maricopa County, Arizona, which is a significant geographical and demographic entity. According to the 2020 Census, Maricopa County is the fourth most populous county in the United States, home to 4,485,414 people. This represents approximately 63% of Arizona’s total population. The county’s geographical footprint is equally impressive, covering 9,224 square miles, an area larger than several U.S. states individually.
Maricopa County is also notable for hosting one of the nation’s largest park systems. This system includes an estimated 120,000 acres of open space parks, which are crisscrossed by hundreds of miles of diverse trails. These parks also feature numerous nature centers and campgrounds, providing extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation and contributing significantly to the region’s appeal for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The sheer scale of Maricopa County’s natural areas and its extensive network of trails highlight both the beauty and the inherent challenges associated with outdoor activities in this region, necessitating robust search and rescue capabilities from agencies like the MCSO when incidents occur. Phoenix, the state capital and the fifth most populous city in the United States, serves as the county seat, further centralizing a large portion of the state’s population and resources within this expansive county.
Hiking Safety in Arizona (State-level)
For individuals engaging in outdoor activities, particularly hiking, in Arizona’s expansive and often rugged natural environments, careful planning and continuous awareness are paramount. Even during the cooler months of December, conditions can fluctuate, and the vastness and remoteness of areas like the Tonto National Forest necessitate a high degree of preparedness. Essential safety recommendations for hikers in Arizona include ensuring that someone is informed of one’s hiking route and expected return time, carrying an adequate supply of water, wearing appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for the specific trail and weather conditions, and consistently monitoring weather forecasts before and during the hike. While the specific cause of Mr. Griph’s death remains under investigation, incidents involving hikers in Arizona’s diverse wilderness serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines for all outdoor pursuits in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened to Richard Griph?
- Richard Griph, a 59-year-old Mesa resident, who was reported missing while hiking, has been found dead near the First Water Trailhead in the Tonto National Forest in Maricopa County, Arizona.
- When was Richard Griph found?
- Mr. Griph’s body was located by a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office aviation unit on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, following a search that began after he was reported missing. He was found around 3:10 p.m. on Tuesday.
- Where was Richard Griph found?
- He was found near the First Water Trailhead, which is located east of Apache Junction within the Tonto National Forest in Maricopa County, Arizona.
- Is foul play suspected in Richard Griph’s death?
- Authorities from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office have stated that no signs of foul play have been detected, and an investigation is ongoing.
- What are the characteristics of the First Water Trailhead?
- The road to the First Water Trailhead is unpaved, recommending high-clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicles. It is a day-use-only site with restrooms, and mechanized or motorized travel is prohibited in the Superstition Wilderness area it accesses. No fees are required.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Hiker’s Name | Richard Griph | Local (Mesa) |
| Age | 59 years old | Local |
| Discovery Location | First Water Trailhead, Tonto National Forest | State-level (Arizona) |
| County | Maricopa County | County-level |
| Date of Discovery | Tuesday, December 16, 2025 (reported within 48 hours) | Local |
| Reporting Agency | Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) | County-level |
| Foul Play Suspected | None detected | Local |
| Trail Conditions | Unpaved road, high-clearance vehicles recommended, day-use only, no fees | Local (First Water Trailhead) |
| Tonto National Forest Size | Largest national forest in Arizona, fifth largest in US (2.9 million acres) | State-level (Arizona) / Nationwide (US) |
| Maricopa County Population | 4th largest county in US by population (4,485,414 per 2020 Census) | Nationwide (US) |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
