Permits
The Forest Service manages lands to meet the demand for a variety of uses that benefit the public and protect the resources for future generations. A special use permit, or authorization, and other permits are tools to regulate use in a way that supports national policy and federal laws.
Each year, the Forest Service receives many individual and business applications to use National Forest System lands for activities. The Forest Service carefully reviews each application to determine how the request affects the public's use of the land.
Different types of permits available on the Tonto National Forest are below.
If you are searching for passes, please visit our passes webpage.
Request for Information: Outfitter and Guide Services
Providing recreation services and facilities is a key part of the Forest Service’s mission. To fulfill this responsibility, the agency relies upon volunteers, organizational and commercial partners. Partners help provide an expanded scope of opportunities for people by contributing unique skills, knowledge, equipment, financial resources, and technical capabilities. Although some visitors possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and equipment to enjoy national forests, others may not have the capability to participate in an activity on their own. By permitting commercial services to operate on the Tonto National Forest, this need can be met. Outfitter and guide services offer opportunities for the recreating public to experience the dynamic landscape of the Tonto National Forest. Outfitters and guides can include commercial businesses, nonprofit organizations, community organizations, educational institutions, and they facilitate recreational experiences for individuals or groups by providing services, education, training, and/or equipment on national forest lands.
Event and Commercial Permits
Event and commercial permits include a process in which individuals must go through in order to obtain permits for Outfitting Guides, Recreation events, Non-commercial Group Use events, Filming and Photography, Research Activities, Fishing Tournaments, Training, and Tribal Traditional / Cultural Ceremonies.
Forest Products Permits
Firewood cutting permits allow you to cut or collect firewood on the forest from April 1 to December 31 in designated firewood cutting areas. You may buy a Firewood Permit at any of our offices.
Tonto Off-Highway Vehicle Permit
The new Off-Highway Vehicle Special Recreation Permit (OHV Permit) is required for motorized vehicle access in the Bulldog Canyon, The Rolls, St. Clair, and Desert Vista OHV Permit Zones. OHV Permit Frequently Asked Questions.
Salt River Canyon Wilderness Permit
The Upper Salt River runs through the Salt River Canyon Wilderness, often referred to as Arizona’s other Grand Canyon. While it lacks the size of the Grand Canyon, it certainly measures up in terms of outstanding, rugged Geology, and sheer scenic beauty. It is one of a very few rivers to flow through the Saguaro Cactus forests of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, a truly exotic landscape.
The Tonto National Forest Upper Salt River boater permit is required to boat through the Salt River Canyon Wilderness from March 1 to May 15 annually. Go to Recreation.gov and search for Salt River Canyon Wilderness for a chance to get a permit!