One of the largest tribal lands in the state features pristine landscapes that span mountains, deserts and plateaus. The remote area includes remnants of the ancestral homes of the Salado people, the area’s first inhabitants who lived along what became known as the Salt River. Multiple Apache bands descended from the Salado and were brought together in San Carlos to form one tribe.
Apache Gold Casino & Resort
Surrounded by high-desert mountain vistas, the scenic location of Apache Gold Casino is as exhilarating as the gaming action inside. Visitors try their luck on video slots, blackjack tables and in the bingo hall. Vegas-style entertainment and dining add to the glitzy getaway. Adjacent to the casino, the 145-room lodge and 60-space RV park give visitors overnight options to enjoy the gaming and entertainment before retreating to a serene, peaceful overnight. An 18-hole on-site golf course invites visitors to enjoy the sweeping views of the area’s dramatic landscapes.
San Carlos Lake
Of the four lakes operated by the San Carlos Apache Tribe, San Carlos Lake is the largest and sees the most activity. Cast a line for trophy largemouth bass plus stocked rainbow and brown trout. A permit is required for all fishing, hunting and camping excursions on San Carlos Apache Tribal Lands. Get permit details at San Carlos Recreation & Wildlife Office before visiting the lake, and be sure to pop into the shoreside tackle shop on Coolidge Dam Road to get advice on what’s biting and which bait to use.
Cultural Connections
Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum preserves a 200-room pueblo in the nearby city of Globe. Walk through one of Arizona’s most treasured archaeological sites, which preserves the stories of indigenous people in the area including ancestors of the Apache tribes that formed the San Carlos Apache Tribe. Continue northeast on Highway 188 to reach Tonto National Monument. Here, visitors explore ancient cliff dwellings overlooking Roosevelt Lake that offer a glimpse into the original inhabitants of east-central Arizona and how area waterways influenced their cultures.
Annual Events
Annual Pow Wow
Location: Apache Gold Casino
Date: March
All-Star Bass Fishing Tournament
Location: San Carlos Lake
Date: April
Apache Independence Day
Location: Apache Gold Casino Pavilion
Date: June
Apache 'Jii' Celebration
Location: Globe
Date: October
Annual Veteran's Memorial Celebration
Location: San Carlos
Date: November
Annual Christmas Jubilee
Location: Community Hall, San Carlos
Date: December
For More Information
Tribal Government
PO Box 0
San Carlos, AZ
(928) 475-2361
Visit Tribal Website
