Our History

In 1919 two ranchers obtained a homestead grant as well as leases on additional land on the west bank of the Verde River and formed the Box Bar Ranch. The Box Bar Ranch and the adjacent land eventually became Rio Verde.

Several Minneapolis, Minnesota investors began developing the Rio Verde community in 1971. When it was approaching build-out, another 695 acres were acquired which became Tonto Verde. Before construction started in Tonto Verde, an archaeological survey was conducted. Numerous Hohokam sites were identified on the land and nine significant ones were excavated in the fall of 1991.

In early 1992, construction began in Tonto Verde and by November of 1993, the first Tonto Verde golf course was ready for play. This course was called The Peaks for its panoramic mountain vistas, including breathtaking views of Four Peaks.

The first residents moved into their homes in November of 1994 and others quickly followed. In late 1996, a beautiful community clubhouse, overlooking two lakes and an 18-hole putting course, was ready for use. The view from the Clubhouse terrace with its vast mountain vistas is widely known as one of the most spectacular in the Phoenix and Scottsdale metropolitan area.

By 1999, construction on the second golf course was completed and was named The Ranch after its Box Bar Ranch heritage. This course also boasts great play-ability and fantastic mountain views.

By 2009, all lots had been sold, 613 homes were completed or under construction, and Tonto Verde became wholly owned by its residents. In that same year, a major renovation of the Clubhouse was undertaken to produce a stunning Santa Fe-style facility that received the first place 2010 award from Golf Inc., as the best clubhouse renovation in the country.

The developer transitioned both the Peaks and Ranch golf courses to the Tonto Verde Golf Association (TVGC) in 2011. Since then, the TVGC has continued to operate as a member-owned golf club with limited guest play.

In 2015 the triangular parcel at the corner of Forest Road and Rio Verde Drive was sold by the developer to Desert Troon Limited, LLC (DT).  Although within the boundaries of Tonto Verde and subject to its CC&Rs, this property was not owned by the TVA. In January 2016, DT was granted rezoning of this parcel into an eight-acre residential section and a commercial section of 2.8 acres.  Between 2018 and 2020, DT created Blue Sky Drive, built and sold the 30 homes there, which are now part of the Tonto Verde Association, as are their common areas. 

In October 2018, the TVA Board voted to purchase the 2.8-acre "Commercial Corner" located on the southwest corner at Forest Rd and E. Rio Verde Dr from Desert Troon LLC.  A special task force was organized to complete this undertaking, which provides total TVA control of the commercial corner's development and use.  In 2010 the TVA Board acquired a double lot at the southwest corner of Tonto Verde on Palo Fiero abutting the McDowell Mountain Park.

At this time, the Tonto Verde community is comprised of 746 residential properties.  Both the TVA and TVGC are conservatively governed by their elected Boards. Through a network of committees, the community's participation has grown, and residents remain closely involved in every aspect of the management of the TVA and the TVGC.  Both organizations have little, if any, debt and have accrued health financial reserves as needed for the future of this thriving community and golf course tactility.