Enjoy a year-round outdoor paradise in the White Mountains with hiking, snow sports, rafting, and fishing. The lakes and streams hold something special—only here will you find Apache Trout, one of Arizona's two native trout species and the official state fish.
History & Nature
Located in east-central Arizona, the White Mountain Apache Tribe presides over one of the largest tribal lands in the nation. The high desert is teeming with life, boasting world-class elk hunting, fishing and other year-round outdoor recreation that deliver high on the adrenaline chart.
Things to Do
Begin your visit to General Crook's cabin (built 1870). Among the many surprises here you'll find are Apache Scout artifacts, cavalry uniforms and bugle calls.
The next stop is wherever your whim takes you. Raft the Salt River Canyon, camp, hike or fish for Apache Trout in one of several lakes and streams, such as the Hawley Lake Recreation Area where you'll find the Apache Trout. For hunts of a different kind, knowledgeable guides are available to elk hunters.
Visit during the winter for skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and general snow splendor at Sunrise Park Resort. For a full list of outdoor recreation areas, visit the White Mountain Apache Game and Fish website.
On top of the wide array of outdoor recreation, there's also the Hon-Dah Resort Casino, which has more than 800 slots and live poker and blackjack.
The Fort Apache Historic Park includes several historically significant sites, from buildings dating back to the 1870s to the fort itself. Kinishba Ruins steps back even further into the past, this National Historic Landmark is an ancestral pueblo settlement and one of the largest in Arizona. There's also the on-site White Mountain Apache Culture Center and Museum, which includes thoughtful exhibits on Apache art, culture, and history.
Where to Stay
There are several camping sites available throughout the reservation in the outdoor recreation areas. For those looking for a little more luxury, the AAA, Three Diamond resort, Hon-Dah Resort-Casino, offers spacious rooms, a delectable restaurant, and a relaxing lounge and heated pool.
Annual Events
Canyon Day Open Show, Canyon Day Junior Rodeo
Location: Canyon Day
Date: April
Sunrise Dance Ceremony
Location: Whiteriver
Date: April - September
Fort Apache Heritage Reunion
Location: Fort Apache
Date: May
Cedar Creek All Indian Rodeo
Location: Cedar Creek
Date: June
Hon-Dah Casino Pow Wow
Location: Hon-Dah Casino Grounds
Date: August
White Mountains Apache Tribal Fair and Rodeo
Location: Whiteriver
Date: September
For More Information
Visit Tribal Website
