The Tonto National Forest, Arizona, embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from Saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath 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 forest.

As the fifth largest forest in the United States, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited “urban” forests in the U.S. (approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the Mogollon Rim to the north and the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations to the east. Read more about the Tonto National Forest

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Recent News

• Maverick Fire Update May 17, 2019

  Release Date: May 17, 2019  

• Maverick Fire Reported Near Payson May 16, 2019

  Release Date: May 16, 2019  

• Riparian Area Protections Implemented

  Release Date: May 14, 2019  

Features

Travel Management Plan - Released Draft SEIS

Tonto officials have released a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) to address responses resulting from the Forest’s 2016 Final Travel Management EIS and associated Draft Record of Decision (ROD).

Salt River Horses

For questions regarding the horses contact Jacquelyn Hughes, Arizona Salt River Horse Liaison at (602) 542-0942. 

The Forest Service has entered into an agreement to work cooperatively with the State Department of Agriculture regarding the Salt River Horses.

Spotlights

Job Opportunities

The Tonto National Forest is offering basic wildland firefighting training to Veterans Recruitment Appointment Eligible veterans in February.

Ecological restoration along the Lower Salt River

A long-term ecological restoration project is underway on the Lower Salt River of the Tonto National Forest’s Mesa Ranger District in the area of the 2017 Cactus Fire.

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!

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.