Tonto Implements Recreation Pass Program

On Oct. 2nd, the Tonto Pass Program will be implemented, replacing automated fee collection machines on the forest.

Passes go on sale Sept. 25th. The daily use fee is $6 per vehicle hangtag & $4 for each watercraft sticker. Tonto daily use passes will be attached to the rearview mirror. Watercraft use stickers will be attached to the daily pass for each boat that is towed, or otherwise hauled, to one of the recreation sites of the chain of lakes on the Salt & Verde rivers. Each pass is good for a 24-hour visit. Several passes must be used for multiple-day visits.

The Tonto Pass Program provides opportunities to purchase daily passes & watercraft stickers near visitors’ homes at a time convenient to them - or at a variety of locations on the way to their forest destination. Several retail vendors have agreed to work in partnership with the forest, providing over 80 outlets where the passes & stickers can be purchased. Many outlets are in the Phoenix metropolitan area & nearby forest locations, with others in Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott, Casa Grande, Globe & Payson. Vendors at this time include Bartlett Lake Marina, Butcher Hook Store, Big 5 Sporting Goods (21 of 25 AZ locations), Canyon Lake Marina, Circle K Stores (38 of 400+ AZ locations), HWY 188 Tackle & Supply, Jake's Corner Store, Kilmer's Kountry Store, Orange Food Store #8, The Tackle Box, & Tortilla Flat. Other vendors are expected to join the program in the future.

Using the Tonto National Forest webpage, customers can order passes & stickers directly from the forest by telephone or by mail using credit cards & debit cards.

Currently, use fees are paid at recreation sites using automated fee collection machines that accept cash or credit cards. Although this system has been successful, the pass system is expected to provide enhanced customer satisfaction.

To learn more about the Tonto Pass Program & locations where visitors can purchase daily passes & watercraft use stickers, call the the Mesa Ranger District at 480-644-3300, the Cave Creek Ranger District at 480-595-3300, the Tonto Basin Ranger District at 928-467-3200 or the Tonto National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Phoenix at 602-225-5200.

Information is also available at the Tonto National Forest Web site, www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto or by calling the Tonto Pass Program office directly at 602-225-5366.