Tonto National Forest

Contact Information

Tonto National Forest Supervisor's Office
2324 E. McDowell Rd.
Phoenix, Arizona 85006
(602) 225-5200

Cave Creek Ranger District
40202 N. Cave Creek Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
(480) 595-3300

Globe Ranger District
7680 S. Six Shooter Canyon Rd.
Globe, Arizona 85501
(928) 402-6200

Mesa Ranger District
5140 E. Ingram St.
Mesa, Arizona 85205
(480) 610-3300

Payson Ranger District
1009 E. Hwy 260
Payson, Arizona 85541
(928) 474-7900

Pleasant Valley Ranger District
P.O. Box 450, FR 63
Young, Arizona 85554
(928) 462-4300

Tonto Basin Ranger District
28079 N. Az Hwy 188
Roosevelt, Arizona 85545
(602) 225-5395- New!

More Ranger District Information

To Report a Fire on the Tonto National Forest
(480) 457-1551

Horseshoe Reservoir

Water flowing over dam outlet

Horseshoe Reservoir is one of the most remote lakes in the area and features quiet recreation opportunities. Horseshoe Reservoir is one of the most remote lakes in the area -- ideal for anglers looking for a quiet lake. Horseshoe is one of the best fish nurseries in Arizona, with the refilling of the reservoir.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Open
Operational Hours:	Day Use Only
Open Season:	All year
Restrictions:	Horseshoe Reservoir is the first of the Salt River Project lakes to be very low when irrigation and domestic water requirements dictate. It can be virtually dry for long periods of time. The entire lake is closed to water skiing, parasailing and the use of personal watercraft (jet-skis, etc). Speed limit 20 mph. No on-lake events allowed. Direction of travel on the water is counter-clockwise. Caution: Flowing debris is often present at or below the water surface. During low-water periods, Ocotillo ramp can get muddy and slippery, or be totally out of the water. Free-flowing portions of the Verde River are closed to motorized use. 25 horsepower motor limit.
Closest Towns:	Cave Creek, Scottsdale
Water:	Not available
Restroom:	Not available (bury human waste away from beaten paths)
Information Center:	Cave Creek Ranger District (480)-595-3300

General Information

Directions:

From Carefree: Take Cave Creek Road to Bartlett Road. Turn right and travel 6 miles to the junction with FR 205; turn left onto an unmaintained unpaved road (first 2 miles paved). Continue for 11 miles on FR 205 to Horseshoe Reservoir.

Click here for map.