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X Diamond Ranch
The Little Colorado River runs through this working cattle ranch situated in Round Valley’s South Fork Canyon. Owned by Wink Crigler, John and Molly Butler’s granddaughter, the X Diamond caters to folks who love to experience the great outdoors. When John Butler and Molly Wiltbank Crosby married in 1908, they combined their land and cattle, establishing this cattle ranch. Crigler grew up here and over the years has developed the property into a multi-use ranch. Fisherman appreciate Crigler’s stewardship of the land that offers a variety of activities including first-rate catch and release fly fishing on the South Fork of the Little Colorado River. Along with beautiful log cabin rentals, X Diamond offers horseback riding, archaeological field programs, the Little House Museum and proximity to some of the finest hiking, mountain biking and downhill skiing in the Southwest.
Information: 928-333-2286; www.xdiamondranch.com.
Hiking, Biking and Riding
Surrounded by national forest land, trails abound in Greer. Whether it’s hiking, mountain-biking, horseback-riding or a scenic drive, listen to the wind whisper through the pine trees and watch for deer, raccoons, wild turkey, squirrels and even black bears. You may hear hooting owls or an elk bugling. The Railroad Grade Trail follows a historic railroad route that was once used for hauling logs from the Apache National Forest and as a sightseeing route for tourists traveling from McNary through the White Mountains. Unused for more than three decades, the trail offers gentle grades and spectacular scenery.
Information: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, 928-333- 4301; www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/bike
Fishing
Greer is a sport fisherman’s paradise. The East and West forks of the Little Colorado River and the Greer area lakes hold an abundance of rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat and native trout. Bunch, Tunnel and River reservoirs sit a mile from Greer and are known for clear shorelines that allow easy casting. Many other lakes dot the forest, and the White Mountain Apache Reservation offers a rent a lake program for groups. An Arizona fishing license is required and fishing on White Mountain Apache land requires a reservation permit.
Information: www.greerarizona.com/whattodo.htm; www.wmat.nsn.us/tourism.shtml
Sipe Mountain Wildlife Area
Approximately 10 miles southeast of Eagar on U.S. Route 191
With 1,511 acres of wetlands, lakes, streams and riparian habitat, this wilderness area in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests offers fishing, boating, hiking and wildlife-watching. Look for elk, bald eagles, peregrine falcons and other species roaming the meadows and pines.
Information: www.gf.state.az.us/outdoor_recreation/wildlife_area_sipe.html
Mount Baldy Wilderness
State Route 260 east from McNary, then 10 miles south on State Route 273
Mount Baldy Wilderness Area lies across the eastern slope of Mount Baldy and covers more than 7,000 acres of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Two trails, each 7 miles long, lead into the wilderness and join toward the top of Mount Baldy. The summit has sacred significance to the White Mountain Apaches and is closed to visitors. There are 5 miles of fishing streams. Elk, deer, antelope, songbirds and waterfowl abound.
Information: 928-333-4301; www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/
Becker Lake Wildlife Area
2 miles north of Springerville on U.S. Route 60
Known for large rainbow and brown trout, Becker Lake is known as an excellent fishing spot. The surrounding land is the perfect place to watch wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, mule deer, ground squirrels and bald eagles. Restrooms, lodging facilities and a boat ramp are available.
Information: 928-367-4281; www.gf.state.az.us/outdoor_recreation/wildlife_area_becker.html
Sunrise Park Resort
Take State Route 260 east approximately 18 miles from McNary, then south 4 miles on State Route 273 to Sunrise Park Lodge; ski area is 3 miles past the lodge
Sunrise Park Resort offers activities for all seasons. In the winter, enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing, snow tubing and sleigh rides. In the summer, Sunrise Lake and Marina offers some of the best trout fishing in the White Mountains, as well as boating, plus equipment and supplies for both. Horseback riding is popular in the summer, and year-round lodging is available.
Information: 928-735-7669; www.sunriseskipark.com/default.shtml
Butterfly Lodge
Approximately 11 miles west of Springerville on State Route 260, turn south onto State Route 373 and drive 5 miles to Greer
Built in 1914, the Butterfly Lodge was home to Western writer James Willard Schultz and his artist son, Lone Wolf. Schultz named his lodge for the numerous butterflies in nearby meadows, and today, the museum pays tribute to these two men who told of the West with words and images. See the original furnishings, artifacts and a display of their works. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Information: 928-735-7514; www.wmonline.com/butterflylodge.htm
Fort Apache Historic Park
State Route 60 to Carrizo. Then take SR 73 to Fort Apache. The Fort is approximately 22 miles from the turnoff.
During Geronimo and Victorio’s final uprisings, Army troops and Apache scouts rode out from Fort Apache to try and subdue the rebel Apaches. Today, explore officers’ row and the commanding officers’ quarters, where General George Crook directed operations.
Information: 928-338-1392; www.wmonline.com/attract/ftapache.htm
Little House Museum
State Route 60 to SR 260. The museum is three miles south of SR 260 on South Fork Road
On the property of the X Diamond Ranch, this not-so-little museum consists of a number of historical buildings, including an 1890s granary. Heirlooms and working nickelodeons help tell the story of 19th century pioneers.
Information: 928-333-2286; www.xdiamondranch.com
Casa Malpais Visitor Center and Museum, Casa Malpais Archeological Park
318 E. Main St., Springerville
Built by the Mogollon Indians more than 800 years ago, Casa Malpais was one of the first major settlements on the upper Little Colorado River. Tours of the site must be arranged at the visitors center and museum in Springerville. The 1.5-mile guided walk takes visitors through this ancient village of the ruins of 50 to 60 rooms, including a great kiva and astrological observatory. Petroglyphs, shrines and a network of burial catacombs tell the story of the Mogollon culture.
Information: 928-333-5375; www.centerfordesertarchaeology.org/visit/casa_malpais.html
Kinishba Ruins, Fort Apache
State Route 60 to Carrizo. Then take SR 73 to Fort Apache.
Although visitors cannot enter this unstable ruin, the walk around the perimeter provides a fascinating view of two large pueblos built by prehistoric tribes. Check in with the White Mountain Cultural Center prior to visiting the ruins.
Information: 928-338-1230; www.wmonline.com/attract/ftapache/kinishba.htm
Alchesay/Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery
9 miles north of White River, Alchesay station; 9 miles east of State Route 73 on Indian Route 71, Williams Creek station
This two-station hatchery is best known for its role in the recovery of the threatened Apache trout, but also raises rainbow, cutthroat, brook and brown trout for release in lakes, rivers and streams across Arizona. Visitors can tour the grounds and see trout of all sizes in the holding tanks fed by an underground water flow of the White River. The tall pines provide a perfect picnic setting, and interpretive displays help visitors understand the complexities of raising trout.
Information: 520-338-4901or 520-334-2346; www.wmonline.com/attract/alchesay.htm
SAN CARLOS INDIAN RESERVATION
The San Carlos Apache Culture Center
From Globe, take U.S. Route 70 to Milepost 272
The San Carlos Apache Cultural Center exhibits items that tell the story of the San Carlos Apache Indians, their spiritual beginnings and rich traditions that still survive today. Visitors can gander at peridot jewelry, paintings, sculptures and burden baskets crafted by renowned Apache Indian artists.
Information: 928-475-2894; www.sancarlosapache.com/San_Carlos_Culture_Center.htm
