Are e-bikes allowed in Tonto National Forest?

On National Forest System land, e-bikes are legally motor vehicles. Under U.S. Forest Service policy (36 CFR 212; FSM 7700), an e-bike of any class may be ridden only on routes that are designated for motor-vehicle use or specifically designated for e-bike use — not on every trail where a conventional (non-motorized) mountain bike is allowed. In Tonto National Forest, Class 1 access is recorded on 3 trail segments; Class 2 and 3 on 3 and 3 respectively.

Does an e-bike count as a mountain bike on Tonto National Forest trails?

No. Under USFS policy an e-bike of any class is a motor vehicle, even Class 1 pedal-assist. A trail being open to conventional bikes does not by itself permit e-bikes — the trail must carry an e-bike or motorized designation.

When are bikes open in Tonto National Forest?

Most bike-designated trails in Tonto National Forest carry a Year-round season window in the USFS data; higher-elevation trails open later as snow clears. Always confirm current conditions with the ranger district.

Updated October 2026

E-Bikes on Tonto National Forest Trails

Mountain bike

24.5mi

designated on 12 segments

3% of mapped trail

E-bike

9.3miClass 1

designated on 3 segments

<1% of mapped trail

Mountain bike

24.5mi

designated on 12 segments

3% of mapped trail

Season on record: Year-round

E-bike

9.3miClass 1

designated on 3 segments

Class 19.3 mi
Class 29.3 mi
Class 39.3 mi

Treated as a motor vehicle: ridden only where designated.

Class 2 segments: 3
Class 3 segments: 3

Both lanes share one scale: the 947 mi of National Forest System trail mapped in Tonto National Forest, Arizona. From USFS National Forest System Trails records, updated October 2026.

In Tonto National Forest, USFS travel-management data records Class 1 e-bike access on 3 trail segments (9.3 mi), Class 2 on 3, and Class 3 on 3. Conventional (non-motorized) mountain bikes are designated on 12 segments. On Forest Service land an e-bike is a motor vehicle, so it is allowed only where designated.

Reviewed by CanIBikeHere Editorial Team · Updated Oct 15, 2026

E-bike access by class

Where a trail is open to conventional bikes, check the e-bike columns separately — a non-motorized mountain bike being allowed does not by itself mean an e-bike is.

E-bike access by class in Tonto National Forest, from USFS travel-management data
E-bike class	Definition	Trail segments with access	Miles
Class 1designatedPedal-assist only, motor cuts out at 20 mph, no throttle.	Pedal-assist only, motor cuts out at 20 mph, no throttle.	3	9.3 mi
Class 2designatedThrottle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling).	Throttle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling).	3	9.3 mi
Class 3designatedPedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle.	Pedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle.	3	9.3 mi

Trail-by-trail (largest bike trails)

Conventional-bike and Class 1 e-bike status with season windows, per USFS designation.

Trail	Miles	Bike	Class 1 e-bike	Season
Bootleg	5.6	Accepted but discouraged	Allowed	—
HawesYear-round	3.41	Allowed	Not designated	Year-round
Gold LinkYear-round	3.3	Allowed	Restricted	Year-round
SaguaroYear-round	3.29	Allowed	Not designated	Year-round
Blue	2.7	Accepted but discouraged	Allowed	—
Goldfield FeverYear-round	2.62	Allowed	Restricted	Year-round
TarantulaYear-round	2.3	Allowed	Restricted	Year-round
Gold Miner'S DaughterYear-round	2.21	Allowed	Restricted	Year-round
RidgeYear-round	1.93	Allowed	Not designated	Year-round
SaddleYear-round	1.46	Allowed	Not designated	Year-round
ValentineYear-round	1.28	Allowed	Not designated	Year-round
Haunted CrossingsYear-round	1.06	Allowed	Restricted	Year-round
Delta	1.01	Accepted but discouraged	Allowed	—
Gold PokeYear-round	0.97	Allowed	Restricted	Year-round
GraniteYear-round	0.72	Allowed	Not designated	Year-round

Frequently asked questions

Are e-bikes allowed in Tonto National Forest?: On National Forest System land, e-bikes are legally motor vehicles. Under U.S. Forest Service policy (36 CFR 212; FSM 7700), an e-bike of any class may be ridden only on routes that are designated for motor-vehicle use or specifically designated for e-bike use — not on every trail where a conventional (non-motorized) mountain bike is allowed. In Tonto National Forest, Class 1 access is recorded on 3 trail segments; Class 2 and 3 on 3 and 3 respectively.
Does an e-bike count as a mountain bike on Tonto National Forest trails?: No. Under USFS policy an e-bike of any class is a motor vehicle, even Class 1 pedal-assist. A trail being open to conventional bikes does not by itself permit e-bikes — the trail must carry an e-bike or motorized designation.
When are bikes open in Tonto National Forest?: Most bike-designated trails in Tonto National Forest carry a Year-round season window in the USFS data; higher-elevation trails open later as snow clears. Always confirm current conditions with the ranger district.

E-bike rules in other Arizona forests

Prescott National Forest

123 Class 1 segments

Coronado National Forest

42 Class 1 segments

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

15 Class 1 segments

Kaibab National Forest

1 Class 1 segments

All Arizona e-bike rules

Where to stay near Tonto National Forest

Planning an e-bike or mountain-bike trip to Tonto National Forest in Arizona? Compare cabins, lodges, and campgrounds near the forest.

Top-rated places to stay near Tonto National Forest

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Riding Tonto National Forest?

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