All offices closed for the holiday Monday, May 27
PHOENIX – All offices on the Tonto National Forest will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Offices will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, with the exception of the Supervisors Office which remains closed due to building repairs.
Despite the office closure, fire and recreation personnel and law enforcement officers will be on duty over the Memorial Day weekend for the safety of visitors.
Forest officials expect large numbers of visitors to the most popular campgrounds and picnic areas throughout the holiday weekend. The following are tips for safe and enjoyable weekend outings.
Campfires, Smoking and Fireworks Fire or smoking restrictions are not currently in effect on the Tonto National Forest. However, vegetation is dry in places and wildfires can easily be ignited. Visitors who plan to enjoy campfires should carry enough extra water to be used specifically to extinguish campfires; avoid building fires on windy days; use metal grills and fire rings where provided; otherwise choose campfire sites carefully which are devoid of vegetation above, below or around the fire site; maintain small fires with no fuel protruding from the grill or fire ring and ensure all fires and smoking materials are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving them for any reason. Drown with water, stir, drown and continue until cold. “Smothering” a fire with dirt is not sufficient to put the fire “dead out.” Cigarette butts should be placed in ashtrays. Fireworks are prohibited year-round on all National Forest lands.
Weather Temperatures are increasing, although storms passing through bring sporadic relief from rising temperatures and can rapidly cool the higher elevations. Recreationists are encouraged to check weather forecasts and plan for expected conditions in areas they plan to visit. This includes taking weather-appropriate clothing, plenty of drinking water (one quart per hour per person is the minimum recommendation, with one to two quarts per hour recommended for those engaged in strenuous activity such as hiking) snacks, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes.
Camping Campers are encouraged to be good neighbors and recognize “quiet time” at 10:00 p.m.; to avoid low spots and pitch tents in areas that are well-drained; to bring drinking water, as not all areas supply potable water; pack out all trash, and leave clean campsites.
Wildlife The Tonto is home to many wildlife species. Visitors should avoid contact with wildlife and utilize “bear aware” principles. Bears and other animals may be attracted to human food and trash. Maintain clean campsites. Store food out of sight and smell range of bears. Utilize metal storage boxes for food and garbage in recreation sites. Cookware and dishes should be washed in designated areas away from camping sites and stored promptly after meals. Odorous products such as toothpaste or lotions and clothing with food or cooking odors should not be taken into sleeping areas. Wildlife should not be fed intentionally or accidentally. For their safety, pets should be leashed at all times. Prevention of wildlife encounters is encouraged. “Keep Wildlife Wild.”
Dispersed Use/Off Highway Vehicles Dispersed picnicking and camping outside of developed recreation areas on the Forest is allowed unless otherwise posted. Visitors must provide their own water and pack out their garbage using the “pack it in, pack it out” principle.
For Ranger District and Recreation Area Information: “Know before you go.”
- Cave Creek Ranger District (Bartlett and Horseshoe Lakes) – (480) 595-3300.
- Globe Ranger District (Pinal Mountains) – (928) 402-6200.
- Mesa Ranger District (Lower Salt River, Saguaro and Canyon Lakes, Superstition and Four Peaks Wilderness Areas) – (480) 610-3300.
- Payson/Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts (Sierra Ancha, Hells Gate and Mazatzal Wilderness Areas) – (928) 474-7900.
- Tonto Basin Ranger District (Roosevelt and Apache Lakes) – (602) 225-5395.
