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Tonto National Forest - Welcome!
Discover the Beauty and Variety
The Tonto NF features some of the most rugged and inherently beautiful land in the country. With nearly 600,000 acres of wilderness, there's a place for you to escape the rigors of modern society.
Sonoran Desert cacti and flat lands slowly give way to the highlands of the Mogollon Rim. This variety in vegetation and range in altitude -- from 1,300 to 7,900 feet -- offers outstanding recreational opportunities throughout the year, whether it's lake beaches or cool pine forests.
Plan Your Trip
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Recreation
Unforgettable experiences are waiting! Eight lush wilderness areas, scenic flowing rivers, the Mongollon Rim's 200-miles of beauty and some of the best trails in the country.
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Camping
The Tonto has you covered whether you prefer open-air, tent, camper, group, RV, horse, dispersed or campground camping. Stargazing is an added bonus.
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Find Your Way
Interactive, downloadable and print maps of National Forests and National Grasslands in Arizona and New Mexico.
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Passes and Permits
Whether you're looking for a local Tonto Pass, a new year of exploring all our National Forests with an America the Beautiful pass, planning a wedding, family reunion or simply need a fuelwood permit, we've got you covered!
Discover More about the Tonto National Forest
The Tonto National Forest manages important habitats for a variety of wildlife, fish and rare plants.
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Caring for the Land
The forest also manages mines, roads and trails, riparian and wilderness areas, ranges, rivers and water, like Fossil Creek and Lower Salt River. Learn more about land management projects like the Four Forest Restoration Initiative and the revised Forest Plan.
Recent News
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Tonto National Forest initiating Stage 1 Fire, Recreational Shooting Restrictions June 8
Release Date: Jun 7, 2023
Features
Resolution Copper Timeline
Due to an increase in inquiries regarding Resolution Copper and Oak Flat, we have a summary page with links to all the information for easier access. View the up-to-date statement and project links.
Lab results tested positive for Strangles in some Salt River Horses
On 9/18/19, the Arizona Department of Agriculture received the results of a swab taken from a Salt River horse that has tested positive for Strangles.
Spotlights
Get Involved - Volunteer!
Managing a national forest like the Tonto National Forest requires the efforts of not only dedicated employees, but many partners and volunteers. Find out how you can help!
Black bears may roam higher elevations within the Tonto National Forest
Within Arizona, black bears live in most forest, woodland and chaparral habitats, and desert riparian areas, primarily at elevations from 4,000 to 10,000 feet.
Tonto National Forest Photo Archives
Tonto National Forest historic photographs from the Southwestern Regional Office files in Albuquerque, New Mexico,
Help Protect Bald Eagles by Giving them Space
Help protect the state’s 55 breeding pair of bald eagles, by giving them space as they begin rebuilding nests in preparation for laying eggs.
Alerts & Warnings
- 03-12-00-23-14 Stage 1 Fire Restrictions start June 8
- Bullet Fire Updates on Twitter
- Rattlesnake Cove Recreation Fishing Dock Closure 03-12-01-22-26
- Three Mile Wash Campground Closure 03-12-06-22-27
- Reminder: NFSR 487 and 487 (A) Temporary Road Closure
- Amended - Apache Lake Closure - Lower Burnt Corral Campground remains closed
- Bald Eagle Seasonal Closures
- Occupancy and Use Restrictions
- Target Type Restrictions
- Update on State Route 88 (Apache Trail) - August 18, 2021
- Redmond Fire Road Closure
