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
 

Tonto Phoenix Office temporarily closed for repairs

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Recent News

• Tonto National Forest releases Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Resolution Copper Project and Land Exchange

  Release Date: Aug 9, 2019  

• Verde Fire Update-August 8, 2019

  Release Date: Aug 8, 2019  Phoenix, AZ

• Verde Fire Update-August 7, 2019

  Release Date: Aug 7, 2019  Phoenix, AZ

• Verde Fire Update August 6, 2019

  Release Date: Aug 7, 2019  Phoenix, AZ

Features

Celebrating 75 Years of a Beloved Fire-Prevention Icon

Here in the Southwestern Region, we feel a particularly close connection to Smokey Bear and his message of fire-prevention. We are the home of the orphaned black bear cub that would become a living symbol. While we celebrate 75 years of Smokey Bear as an integral part of the nation’s popular culture, let’s take a look back at his captivating story!

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).

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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.