//
Photo: Nightryder84, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Biking, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, nature viewing, wildlife viewing, skiing.
The Apache–Sitgreaves National Forests is a 2.76-million-acre (11,169 km2) United States national forest which runs along the Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains in east-central Arizona and into the U.S. state of New Mexico. Formerly two forests, it is currently managed as one unit by USDA Forest Service from the Forest Supervisors Office in Springerville, Arizona. Apache–Sitgreaves has over 400 species of wildlife. With its high elevation and cool summer breezes it is a popular weekend destination from the hot desert for Phoenix, Arizona, residents. The forest is divided into 5 Ranger Districts that span almost 300 miles (480 km) from Clifton, Arizona in the east-central portion of Arizona to the eastern boundary of the Coconino National Forest in north-central Arizona. The Apache–Sitgreaves National Forest borders the western and northern borders of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. It is located in parts of Greenlee, Apache, Navajo, and Coconino counties in eastern and east-central Arizona, and Catron County in western New Mexico. The more northwesterly Sitgreaves National Forest portion lies adjacent to the north side of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation and is located entirely in Arizona, within Navajo, Apache, and Coconino counties. It has a total area of 818,651 acres (3,313 km2). The more southeasterly and much larger Apache National Forest portion lies adjacent to the east side of the Fort Apache and the San Carlos Indian Reservations. It lies on both sides of the border with New Mexico, in Greenlee, Catron, and Apache counties. It has a total area of 1,813,601 acres (7,339 km2).
© OpenStreetMap contributors
An ancient pueblo archaeological site, with remains of an astronomical calendar, a great kiva, stairs, and petroglyphs. Tours start from the museum in Springerville.
This National Historic District encompasses the remains of Fort Apache, as well as Kinishba Ruins, a sprawling Zuni and Hope site abandoned around 1400 CE. Also on site is the White Mountain Apache Cultural Center and Museum.
A deep river canyon, managed by the Tonto National Forest. There are no maintained trails, although the wilderness can be visited anytime. There are 27 sets of rapids and many side creeks, and white-water rafting and kayaking is popular during the spring. From March 1 - May 15 river-running permits are required; group size is limited to 15 people.
This park contains well-preserved Salado cliff dwellings, Guided tours to the Upper Cliff Dwellings are offered from Nov-Apr; reservations required (tel. 928-467-2241). A museum and bookshop are on-site.
Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. Walking tours and lectures are held here, along with occasional photography workshops.
The largest natural travertine bridge in the world.