How Much Does a Tonto Pass Cost?
Three passes work at Tonto National Forest recreation sites. The $8 day pass suits casual trips. The $80 annual pass pays for itself at roughly 10 visits a year.
Tonto National Forest · all day-use sites
Tonto National Forest only
All federal recreation sites (2,000+)
Visiting Grand Canyon or Saguaro National Park too? The America the Beautiful Pass is also $80 and covers Tonto plus every other federal park that charges a fee.
Where to Buy a Tonto Pass
Daily passes sell at 203+ authorized vendors across 32 Arizona cities. Gas stations, convenience stores, and outdoor retailers on the way to the forest. Buying ahead saves $4 versus the $12 on-site machine.
Find vendors near youCan I Buy a Tonto Pass Online?
The $8 day pass is vendor-only, so you can't buy it online. Both $80 annual passes do sell online. See the pricing table above for links. Ignore sites that claim you can buy a day pass online, that isn't accurate.
Where Is a Tonto Pass Required?
A Tonto Pass is required at most developed recreation sites in the Tonto National Forest including day-use areas, boat ramps, picnic areas, and trailheads. See the complete list.
Lakes
- Saguaro Lake · Butcher Jones Beach, Saguaro del Norte, Bagley Flat, Marina
- Canyon Lake · Boulder Recreation Site, Acacia Picnic Area, boat ramp
- Apache Lake · Apache Lake Marina, Burnt Corral Campground
- Bartlett Lake · Bartlett Flat, Rattlesnake Cove, SB Cove, Jojoba
- Roosevelt Lake · Windy Hill, Cholla, and other recreation sites
Popular Trailheads and River Areas
- Salt River · Coon Bluff, Phon D Sutton, Goldfield, Water Users, Pebble Beach, Blue Point
- Verde River · Needle Rock, Beasley Flat, Childs, Sheep Bridge
- Superstition Wilderness · First Water, Peralta, Lost Dutchman area
- Payson area · Horton Creek, Water Wheel Falls, East Verde River
Places Your Tonto Pass Won't Work
These popular spots sit near the forest but run their own permit systems.
Fossil Creek (Fossil Springs)
$6 · Apr–OctBob Bear and Dixon Lewis trails. Free access November to March.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
$7 adult · $4 childThe largest natural travertine bridge in the world, near Payson.
Lost Dutchman State Park
$10/vehicleGateway to Flatiron via Siphon Draw, at the base of the Superstitions.
2026 Fee-Free Days
On these days, no Tonto Pass is needed at day-use recreation sites in national forests. Fees at developed campgrounds may still apply. View the official schedule.
All 9 fee-free days in 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Mon, January 19
Presidents' Day
Mon, February 16
Memorial Day
Mon, May 25
National Get Outdoors Day
Sat, June 13
Independence Day
Sat, July 4
Constitution Day
Thu, September 17
National Public Lands Day
Sat, September 26
Theodore Roosevelt's Birthday
Tue, October 27
Veterans Day
Wed, November 11
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Tonto Pass and an America the Beautiful Pass?
Do I need a Tonto Pass for Saguaro Lake?
What is a Tonto Pass?
Do I need a Tonto Pass for Canyon Lake?
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