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
The vast majority of the Tonto National Forest is available to visitors who want to spend time outdoors. Recreation opportunities on the forest include hiking and biking on trails, dispersed camping and other activities that support social distancing and small groups
To protect public health and safety, and the health and safety of our employees and volunteers, and reflecting federal and state guidance to limit the spread of COVID-19, developed recreation sites are currently closed and group sizes are limited in other areas.
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!
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.
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