Tonto National Forest

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

Stay Alert to Weather Related Conditions on the Forest

Recent storms brought much needed rains and snow to central Arizona. This resulted in vehicles becoming stuck, being stranded, or sliding off of the road. The Forest is urging travelers to exercise caution when traveling on Forest Roads during and shortly after inclement weather. We encourage visitors to be prepared and check local and extended weather forecasts before traveling. As the snow melts and warmer weather comes to Arizona, roads will become wet and dangerous. To avoid damage to vehicles and road systems, visitors are encouraged to use caution and when possible not drive native or aggregate surfaced roads during snow melt and runoff.

Stay up-to-date with the latest closures and conditions by contacting the local District Office

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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).