Upper Tonto Creek

Due to the construction of a new Tonto Creek bridge Upper and Lower Creek Campgrounds are closed until construction is completed. Additionally, Horton Creek Trailhead parking area is closed until construction is completed. An alternate route to Horton Creek Trail will be available from Derrick Trail.

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the "Described Area"):

1. Going into or being upon the Described Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e)
2. Entering or using a recreation site or portion thereof within the Described Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(b) 

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit Form FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
3. Forest Service volunteers and partners operating under a signed volunteer agreement or partnership performing official project work (i.e. sign installation, trash pickup) in the Described Area.

DESCRIBED AREA

The Described Area consists of the entirety of National Forest System (NFS) Recreation areas, Upper Tonto Creek and Lower Tonto Creek campgrounds and the Horton Creek Trailhead parking area within Township 11 North, Range 12 East, Sections 16 and 21.

PURPOSE

For public health and safety, to facilitate a large-scale bridge construction project on NFS Road 289 in proximity to Upper Tonto Creek, Lower Tonto Creek Campgrounds and Horton Creek Trailhead parking area.

Note:
NFS Road 289 will remain open; however, travelers should anticipate potential delays. Closures or schedule changes may occur as directed by state or local highway authorities in coordination with the ongoing construction project.

Derrick Trailhead will remain open to access the alternate route for Horton Creek Trail.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from March 9, 2026, at 5 a.m. through December 31, 2026, at 6 p.m., unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Area and trails is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/tonto/alerts
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C.§§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
5. Contact the Payson Ranger District in Payson, AZ, (928) 474-7900, for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in and/or on the same Described Area.