Tonto National Forest - Recreational Activities

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Tonto National Forest
2324 E. McDowell Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85006

desk: (602) 225-5200
fax: (602) 225-5295

Boating

Relief from desert heat inspires a great many people to travel to the cool waters of one of the six reservoirs on the Tonto National Forest. There is considerable variation in the scenery, size, and type of opportunities found on these reservoirs.

Some people choose the larger lakes for water-skiing and power boating. Others opt for the quiet seclusion of a narrow lake arm extending between two near-vertical canyon walls. The Tonto National Forest has much to offer for boating enthusiasts. Enjoy your boating experience--but play it safe.

Boating on the Tonto National Forest is possible during all four seasons during good weather. Related recreational opportunities available at the reservoirs include: camping, picnicking, fishing, water-play, hiking, wildlife viewing, personal watercraft use, and interpretive programs.

Caution: Lake levels vary daily and are controlled by Salt River Project (SRP). For current information, phone the SRP at (602) 236-5929 or go to their website at www.srpnet.com.

These fluctuations result in rocks and other obstacles near the water surface. Be aware that this involves a degree of risk and the boat operator assumes all such responsibilities. For further information see Recreation Opportunity Guide here.

Apache Lake (.pdf)

Burnt Corral (.pdf)

Printable map (.pdf)

Bartlett Reservoir (.pdf)
Bartlett Flat (.pdf) and Jojoba (.pdf)
Jojoba Boat Launch (.pdf)
Printable map (.pdf)

Cholla (.pdf) and Windy Hill (.pdf)
Printable map (pdf)

Canyon Lake (.pdf)
Printable map .pdf)

Horseshoe Reservoir (.pdf)

Laguna (.pdf) and Palo Verde (.pdf)

Ocotillo Recreation and Boating(.pdf)
Printable map (.pdf)

Roosevelt Lake (.pdf)
Printable map (kb .pdf)

Saguaro Lake (.pdf)
Saguaro Del Norte (.pdf)
Printable Map (.pdf)

Yellow Cliffs (.pdf)

Lower Salt River (.pdf)
Printable map (.pdf)

Lower Verde River (.pdf)
Lower Verde River2 (.pdf)
Lower Verde River Map (.pdf)
Verde River Guide (.pdf)

Salt River (.pdf)

Upper Salt River Map (.pdf)

Be weather-wise. Choppy waters can suddenly appear, so can lightning.

The traffic pattern protocol on all Tonto National Forest Reservoirs is counter clockwise: Port (left) side of one vessel passes to the port side of another vessel. Your right shoulder should be near the closest shore.

Tell someone where you are going, how long you will be away and who is traveling with you.

Sailboats, canoes and rowboats have the right-of-way over motorized watercraft.

Many coves are NO WAKE AREAS. Please recognize and obey all buoys.

Alcohol and boats can be a deadly combination. Over 50% of all boating collisions are directly related to alcohol consumption and 80% of all fatal accidents are alcohol related. The DUI laws of the road apply to the waterways as well.

Powerboat races are not allowed on any of the Tonto National Forest reservoirs.

Parasailing is allowed only at Roosevelt Lake. Some restrictions exist, so contact the Tonto Basin Ranger Station.

Dispose of trash and human waste in proper receptacles and locations.

Be considerate of others. Always consider your wake. Be prepared to launch your
boat once you have entered the launch area.

Following thunderstorms in the summer and snowmelt runoff in the spring, a considerable rise in water levels can occur. Be on the look-out!

Watch for rapids, submerged rocks and for “strainers” in the flowing portions of the rivers.

Motorized boats are not allowed on the flowing portions of the rivers.

No glass containers are allowed at the Saguaro & Canyon Lakes or at the Lower Salt River.

All lakes, except Horseshoe, have a Sheriff’s Aid Station.

Boat sewage-tank pumping is available at all marinas.

Upper Salt River - A mandatory Reserved Date/Visitor Permit program is in effect for non-commercial boaters utilizing the Salt River within the Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area.

The following Agencies and co-operators are valuable resources for information pertaining to watersport recreation in Arizona:
U.S. PARK SERVICE - NATIONAL WILD & SCENIC RIVER www.nps.gov/rivers	SALT RIVER PROJECT www.srpnet.com Lake and Dam information, Daily Flow Rates and Water Levels! (602) 236-5929	ARIZONA GAME & FISH www.gf.state.az.us Fishing Regulations and other Watersport Information (602) 942-3000	NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ARIZONA www.nws.noaa.gov Up to Date Weather Information

US Forest Service - Tonto National Forest
Last Modified: Tuesday, 09 February 2010 at 15:56:17 EST