Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Seasonal reductions in services at some developed recreation sites on the Mesa Ranger District are now in effect through April 14, 2016.

The reduction in services includes no vehicle access, trash pick-up, no available toilets, and no drinking water where water was previously provided.

“The reduction in services will allow the recreation staff to consolidate use and more efficiently manage recreation on the district as visitation drops in the fall and winter,” stated Gary Hanna, Mesa District Ranger.

Reduced service recreation sites include the following:

Lower Salt River Recreation Area

• Goldfield

• Pebble Beach

• Sheeps Crossing

Canyon Lake Recreation Area

• Tortilla Campground

• Laguna

• Boulder

• Acacia Keyhole (back area)

The following recreation sites remain open and require Tonto passes:

Lower Salt River Recreation Area

• Water Users

• Blue Point

• Coon Bluff

• Phon D Sutton

• Granite Reef

Canyon Lake Recreation Area

• Palo Verde

• Acacia (front/main area)

Saguaro Lake Recreation Area

• Saguaro Del Norte

• Butcher Jones

The following locations may be helpful for planning winter activities on the Mesa Ranger District:

• Non-forest camping areas include Canyon Lake Marina and Campground, Lost Dutchman State Park, and Usery Mountain Regional Park.

• Fishing locations on the Lower Salt River include Water Users, Blue Point, Coons Bluff, Phon D. Sutton, and Granite Reef.

• Kayaking opportunities on the Lower Salt River include: Water Users, Blue Point, and Coons Bluff (water levels permitting); and Phon D Sutton and Granite Reef (year-round).

• Equestrian Access on the Lower Salt include the Bulldog entrance on Bush Highway, Bulldog entrance on Usery Pass Road, Water Users, Coons Bluff, and Phon D. Sutton.

For further information and alternative recreation sites, please visit the forest Web site at http://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto, or contact the Mesa Ranger District at (480) 610-3300