U.S. Forest Service-Tonto National Forest

U.S. Forest Service-Tonto National Forest The Tonto National Forest, located in central Arizona, is the largest national forest in the state. We span from the Sonoran Desert to the Mogollon Rim.

For information on our office business hours, please visit the link below in our 'About' section. "The National Forest Foundation, chartered by Congress, engages Americans in community-based and national programs that promote the health and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System and administers private gifts of funds and land for the benefit of the National Forests. http:/

/www.nationalforests.org"

The Forest Service manages a system of 155 national forests, 20 national grasslands and 222 research and experimental forests, as well as other special areas, covering more than 192 million acres of public land. The Forest Service has evolved into a 30,000 employee agency that manages the national forests for a number of multiple uses, including recreation, timber, wilderness, minerals, water, grazing, fish, and wildlife. The Tonto National Forest, in central 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. https://www.nationalforests.org/

Phon D Fire Update: Containment increased to 60% as acreage remains the same. Resources on scene consist of one hot shot...
06/08/2026

Phon D Fire Update:

Containment increased to 60% as acreage remains the same. Resources on scene consist of one hot shot crew and four engines. Resources will be in and out of the area throughout the following week to continue to strengthen containment lines. The closure order for Phon D road and recreation site is lifted. However, the burned area will remain under closure for public and firefighter safety. Smoke may be visible from the interior of the fire with no threat to containment.

This will be the final update for the Phon D Fire unless there is significant change in fire activity.

Forward progress stopped at two acres for the Lion Fire near mile marker 232 on Highway 87. One lane is open both ways n...
06/07/2026

Forward progress stopped at two acres for the Lion Fire near mile marker 232 on Highway 87. One lane is open both ways now on the 87.

Afternoon Update - June 6, 6 p.m.Containment increased to 30% as acreage remains the same. Tomorrow, crews will be worki...
06/06/2026

Afternoon Update - June 6, 6 p.m.

Containment increased to 30% as acreage remains the same. Tomorrow, crews will be working on strengthening containment lines. Smoke from the interior of the fire may also be visible throughout the evening. A closure order for the Phon D Day Use Area and Forest Service Roads leading into the area remain in effect throughout tomorrow for public and firefighter safety as crews engage in fire suppression efforts.

New Fire Start:

The Phon D Fire was reported yesterday night at the Phon D Sutton Day Use Area in Mesa Ranger District. The fire is currently estimated at 7.5 acres, burning within grass and salt cedar, with 0% containment. Resources on scene include a Type 1 ship, four engines, and Mesa Hotshots. Phon D Sutton Day Use Area and Forest Service trails leading to the area are currently closed to the public as crews engage in fire suppression efforts.

National Trails Day® is just around the corner on Saturday, June 6 — have you found an event near you yet?Check out loca...
06/05/2026

National Trails Day® is just around the corner on Saturday, June 6 — have you found an event near you yet?

Check out local events happening in your area, or create your own! bit.ly/trails-day

National Trails Day is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors, connect with your community, and give back to the trails you love. Together, we can make a lasting impact!

National Trails Day is also officially a fee-free day to most day-use areas on National Forest Service lands!

Before heading out to recreate on the Tonto National Forest, remember that we are currently in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions...
06/03/2026

Before heading out to recreate on the Tonto National Forest, remember that we are currently in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and emergency recreational shooting restrictions. We take these measures to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires.❗So what's prohibited right now?

🔥No building, maintaining, or USING a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal, coal, and briquettes, except within Forest Service provided fire rings. This includes fire spinning or flowing. Salt cedar, also known as tamarisk, is an invasive tree that grows along the Salt River, and it is highly flammable. One spark is all it takes to cause a wildfire.

An exemption from this would be using a propane-fueled device that can be turned off and on in an area barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.

🚭Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, developed recreation site within in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.

💥Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun.

Fireworks and other incendiary devices are NEVER allowed on any national forest lands!

For more info on fire restrictions, what they mean and why we implement them, please visit our website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/tonto/fire/fire-restrictions.

Caption: Photo taken on June 3, 2024, showing smoke from the human-caused Catahoula Fire one mile from Four Peaks Road during fire restrictions on the Tonto National Forest.

June is Great Outdoors Month: a perfect time to get outside and reconnect with your wild side. Family, friends and even ...
06/01/2026

June is Great Outdoors Month: a perfect time to get outside and reconnect with your wild side.

Family, friends and even pets can join in on the fun. What’s your favorite way to enjoy your public lands? Tell us in the comments.

New Wildfire: 260 Fire is approximately .5 acres with forward progress stopped. Located on State Route 260 at mile post ...
05/31/2026

New Wildfire: 260 Fire is approximately .5 acres with forward progress stopped. Located on State Route 260 at mile post 257.

*Update*
2 p.m. Sunday, May 31

The highway is now open. Expect residual traffic.

---

*Closure*
1 p.m. Sunday, May 31

State Route 260 is closed in both directions at milepost 257 near Payson due to a brush fire.

There is no estimated reopening time.

For real-time traffic info, check http://az511.gov and the AZ511 app:
Apple: https://tinyurl.com/AZ511Apple
Android: https://tinyurl.com/AZ511Android

Forest Service offices will be closed today in observance of the federal holiday, but national forests and grasslands re...
05/25/2026

Forest Service offices will be closed today in observance of the federal holiday, but national forests and grasslands remain open for your enjoyment.

Stay safe, pack out what you pack in and enjoy your big backyard!

Do you have this upcoming Monday off and looking to go outside? Don't scratch those Tonto passes just yet. Memorial Day,...
05/23/2026

Do you have this upcoming Monday off and looking to go outside? Don't scratch those Tonto passes just yet. Memorial Day, May 25, is a fee-free day!

Plan your next adventure and check out recreational opportunities on our website.

Friendly reminder that the entirety of Tonto National Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and emergency target shooting restrictions. Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun is prohibited. Only propane devices that can be turned off and on are allowed. No fires are allowed unless they're in a Forest Service installed metal or concrete fire structure within a designated developed site. can prevent wildfires. Read more on fire restrictions and exemptions to the rule here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/tonto/fire/fire-restrictions.

Address

Phoenix, AZ

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