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Things to Do
Springerville Volcanic Field
The Springerville Volcanic field has fired the imaginations of visitors and inhabitants
of the White Mountain area since prehistoric times. Famous author Edgar Rice Burroughs
used its cones and lava flows as the opening settings of one of his “John Carter
on Mars” books in 1935. Considered the third largest young volcanic field in the
continental United States, it covers 1,158 square miles. The earliest eruptions
were about 3 million years ago, the youngest flows about 700,000 years ago. Stop
by the Casa Malpais Archeological Parks Visitor Center at 418 E Main St. In Springerville
for a free self guided tour brochure.
Pistols, Plows and Petticoats Driving Tour
Pistols, Plows and Petticoats is a self guided historic tour booklet of the towns
of Springerville-Eagar and the surrounding mountains. The booklets are a joint effort
of the Springerville-Eagar Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Round Valley Positive
Action Tourism Committee. The Valley Loop booklet will lead you to historic homes
and locations throughout our towns where significant events occurred. The Mountain
Loop booklet will take you on an 87 mile ride through beautiful scenery, abundant
wildlife and old west communities. These booklets can be obtained at the Springerville-Eagar
Regional Chamber of Commerce, Reed’s Lodge K5 Gallery and the local Forest Service
Ranger Station. They are free to borrow and return or may be kept for donation of
$3.00 each.
The Coronado Trail
State Highway 191, formally the Devils Highway (666), from Morenci to Springerville-Eagar
is reported to be the trail Coronado traveled on his search for the Seven Cities
of Cibola. The route passes through some of the most beautiful countryside in the
White Mountains. It is also world renown to motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts
for its hundreds of switchbacks and many scenic overlooks.
Casa Malpais Archaeological Park
The premier archaeological site in the White Mountains. This unique site features
an astronomical observatory, a great kiva, ancient stairways, and rock art. Museum
features artifacts from Casa Malpais. Tours run Tuesday through Saturday at 9, 11, and 2. Tours
leave from the museum located at 418 East Main Street in Springerville.
Big Lake
An integral part of the communities is the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, home
to one of the largest Ponderosa Pine stands in the world. The 2-million acre forest
is home to more than 410 species of wildlife. Each year, the 35 lakes, 680 miles
of streams, 36 campgrounds, and over 950 miles of trails are visited over 5 million
times. The Big Lake Recreation Area is home to one of the largest newly developed
recreation facilities, featuring improved campgrounds, hookups, and shower facilities.
During the winter months, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is also home to
one of the largest winter recreation areas in the southwest, where cross-country
skiing trails, snowmobile trails, and sledding areas are open to the public.
Lyman Lake
Located just minutes from Springerville and Eagar, this 1,180-acre park encompasses
the shoreline of the man-made reservoir. As one of the largest lakes in northeastern
Arizona, there are no size restrictions on boats, thus allowing for speed boats
and water skiing. The park features improved campgrounds and hookups, and its group
ramadas are popular locations for local residents. Paved boat ramps, restrooms,
showers, make the park a unique destination for residents and visitors. Special
interpretive programs, tournaments, and fireworks are available throughout the summer
months.
Petrified Forest
A 60-minute drive north of Round Valley is the internationally famous Petrified
Forest National Park, the largest park of its kind, where visitors can walk among
giant fallen petrified wood. The Painted Desert, adjacent to the Petrified Forest,
comes alive with a brilliant palette of desert colors for a sunrise or sunset that
you won't want to miss! Open year round except December 25th, the National Park
hours are from 8:00AM to 5:00PM, with extended hours during the summer. A $10 entrance
fee per vehicle is charged, $5 per person for walk in or bicyclists. The National
Parks annual pass or Golden Pass can also be used for entry. For more information
contact: Petrified Forest National Park at (928)524-6228.
Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area
Located a few miles southeast of Springerville and Eagar on Highway 180/191 in the
shadows of Escudilla Mountain, the 1,362 acre Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area
reflects Arizona’s concern for wildlife of all kinds. A small visitors center, a
series of hiking trails, complete with interpretive signage and wildlife viewing
sites, and a day-use picnic area offer the public the opportunity to learn more about
Arizona’s unique wildlife and their habitat needs. Visitors are welcome to walk,
bicycle, or horseback ride on the property. Following the hiking trails will lead
you to wetlands, meadows, old homesteads, and scenic vistas.
Becker Lake Wildlife Area
This wildlife area has two hiking trails. The Lakeview Trail is a one mile loop
following the western edge of Becker Lake to an observation platform overlooking
the southern, marshy end of the lake. Here waterfowl and shorebirds can easily be
seen. The River Walk Trail meanders along the Little Colorado River for a half-mile
where mule deer and beaver are readily found. The surrounding grasslands are a good
place to spot pronghorn antelope, Gunnison’s prairie dog, coyote, and a variety
of ground squirrels and chipmunks.
Wenima Wildlife Area
This corridor of river riparian habitat stretches over two miles along the Little
Colorado River. Two hiking trails provide easy access to both streamside and upland
areas where you can view beaver, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, ringtail cat, ground
squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and lizards. Powerhouse Trail is .7 mile in length,
proceeding south from the eastside of the bridge over the Little Colorado, while
Beavertail Trail runs 1.5 miles north starting from the west side of the bridge.
Numerous waterfowl, birds, and raptors can be seen, including golden eagle, American
Kestrel, belted kingfisher, blue grosbeak, indigo bunting, and a variety of migrating
warblers and songbirds. Check the bluff edges for raptors. Both mountain and western
bluebirds are found in the junipers in winter.
Saffel Canyon OHV Trail
Saffel Canyon OHV Trail includes some of the most spectacular views in the White
Mountains. The trail begins at an elevation of 7,600 feet at Saffel Canyon and climbs
to 9,400 feet at Pat Knoll. The trail goes through three distinct vegetation zones:
pinon-juniper, ponderosa pine, and mixed conifer.
Renee Cushman Museum
The Renee Cushman Art Museum is a special collection given to the local LDS Church,
and contains works by Rembrandt, Tiepolo, art and furniture from the renaissance
to the early 20th century. Renee Cushman belonged to a prominent European art family,
and was once a resident in Springerville. The collection is housed in a special
wing of the LDS Stake House in Springerville, and is viewable by appointment only.
For additional information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 928-333-2123.
Little House Museum
Just 10 miles southwest of Eagar off of State Route 260, the Little House Museum
located on X-Diamond Ranch contains an authentic collection of western and pioneer
artifacts. Used as a corporate retreat, many of the buildings have been restored
to their original pioneer condition, and house antiques and photographs that help
bring alive the ranching and pioneer history of this part of Arizona. Guided tours
are available in the summer months, and winter visits are available by appointment
only. For further information, contact the Little House Museum at 928-333-2286.
Butterfly Lodge Museum
Butterfly Lodge was built in 1914. The cabin’s name (Apuni Oyis in Blackfoot) was
inspired by the countless butterflies in the nearby meadows. It was the mountain
residence and hunting lodge of James Willard Schultz (1859-1947) and his son, Hart
Merriam Schultz, known as Lone Wolf (1882-1970). It housed two colorful careers:
the fathers fashioned in words, the son’s through painted images and sculptures
of the west. They were two free spirits who found inspiration in this little cabin
in the high mountains of Greer.
Greer Lakes Golf Resort at River Run
The 18-hole “Greer Lakes” course at the Greer Lakes Golf Resort facility in
Eagar, Arizona, features all the hallmarks of Arizona golf. Designed by Gilmore
Graves Golf, Inc., the Greer Lakes Golf Course opened in 2005. It is one of the
most scenic courses in northern Arizona with fairways bordering both sides of
the Little Colorado River. The course is located on Highway 260 in Eagar.
Madonna of the Trail
Our Madonna Of the Trail monument was dedicated on September 29, 1928. She is one
of twelve 10 foot statues placed along the National Old Trails Road. The statue
of a pioneer women with a baby in one arm, a child clinging to her side and a rifle
in her free hand was inspired by Mrs. John Trigg Moss of the Daughters of the American
Revolution and then County Judge Harry Truman. She was created by sculptor August
Leimbach of St. Louis and is a memorial to the strength of the women who settled
the west.
Becker Lake
85 acres of prime fishing at an elevation of 6,900 ft. Two miles northwest of Springerville,
off U. S. 60. The lake is known for large rainbow trout, but no special regulations
are in effect except for a season that runs from the first Friday in April to Nov.
30. Rest rooms are on-site: other facilities are available in Springerville-Eager.
Named for Gustav and Julius Becker, Becker Lake is the oldest man-made lake in Arizona.
Several outlaws reportedly are buried at the bottom. Rainbow and Brown Trout are
the prize at this blue ribbon lake.
Springerville Ranger District Trail System
You can pick up this guide book at the Springerville Ranger Station or the Chamber
of Commerce in Springerville. The guide provides information on 18 trails for hikers,
mountain bikers, horseman and ATVs. With this guide in hand you will be off to some
of the most beautiful trails in the west.
White Mountain Historical Park
The park contains buildings and farm and ranch equipment restored by the White Mountain
Historical Society. The displays represent the pioneer life and cultures of the
people that settled this area and the White Mountains.
Escudilla Mountain – Terry Flat Loop
Escudilla Mountain at 10,900 feet elevation is the third highest peak in Arizona.
The Terry Flat Loop Drive features big meadows, great views, watchable wildlife,
birding and magnificent fall colors. Forest road 56, about 6 miles north of Alpine
will be the place to start. You will pass the trailhead into the Escudilla Wilderness
about 4 miles into the drive. The 3 mile hike to the top ends at a fire lookout
tower with hundred mile views. Total drive time is between one and two hours.
Nelson Reservoir
Nelson Reservoir is approximately 7 miles south of Springerville-Eagar and is right
alongside highway 180/191. The lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and has wheel
chair accessible fishing platforms. The lake is also a great birding location with
Pinyon Jays, Yellow Headed, Red Winged and Brewer’s Blackbirds nesting nearby.
Birding in the Eastern White Mountains (June-September)
There is no end to the activities you can find to do in the White Mountains
during the summer months. Hiking, camping fishing, exploring, deck chair lounging
are popular and the list goes on. Now there is something new! The White Mountains
are slowly becoming known as a birding destination. The prime season for birding
is June through September. June and July are the breeding months and the birds
are more vocal and easier to spot. August and September is when you also catch
glimpses of migratory birds as well as the local variety.
Stuart Healy (
www.aztrogon.com) is a professional
bird guide from Sierra Vista, Arizona who comes up to the eastern White Mountains
each summer. He was kind enough to share with us some of the species and their
locations. Some of the birds he has seen so far this summer are: Dusky Grouse,
Pinyon Jays, Lewis’s Woodpecker, American Three- toed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, Clarks
Nutcrackers and American Dippers, to name a few. Some of the places Stuart
recommends to look are: for Grouse- knolls such as Green’s Peak and Big Lake
Lookout; all around Nutrioso for Lewis’s Woodpecker, and then there is the West
Fork of the Little Colorado in Greer (a good place to find Dipper), South Fork of
the Little Colorado, Sunrise Lake and campground, Grasslands Wildlife Area, Becker
Lake, Luna Lake in Alpine, Terry Flats on Escudilla Mountain, Sipes Wildlife Area
and Wenema Riparian Area. All within easy driving distance of Springerville-Eagar.
So, if birding is in your blood and you want to combine great sightings and
a beautiful area to explore, then the eastern White Mountains are the place for
you. Contact the Springerville-Eagar Regional Chamber of Commerce for vacation
packages and questions about the area. Also, look on this website for accommodations
and places to dine while you’re here. When you arrive in the Round Valley
area make the chamber office one of your first stops for information, maps and directions.
We are located at 418 E. Main St. in Springerville and are open Monday
through Saturday from
8am-4pm.
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