Overlooking the Town of
Springerville, the 17-acre ruins were occupied in the 13th
century, and have been carefully preserved. Unusual features such
as the Great Kiva, stairways,
astronomically aligned shrines, and petroglyphs provide visitors
with a distinct view into the regions ancient past.
Considered as
one of the finest archeological parks in the southwest, a museum
and gift shop displaying artifacts from the time period welcomes
visitors in Springerville.
Guided tours are also available
daily, and start at the Casa Malpais Visitor Center and
Museum on 318 E. Main Street, on U.S. 60 in Springerville. The
Museum and Visitor Center are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A
strong sense of appreciation and preservation for historical
ancestry is evident in this area of the White Mountains. The
"Trail of Many Tracks" is an historical driving tour that
highlights the prehistorical and historical aspects of the Little
Colorado River Plateau and White Mountains of east-central
Arizona, in an effort to promote heritage-based tourism.
The trail is an exciting 120-mile journey surrounded by the
beauty and grandeur of Arizona. The drive begins in Springerville,
and ends in Morenci to the south. The trail takes you along the
edge of the 2-million acre Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests,
home to one of the largest stands of Ponderosa Pines in the
world. Stop by the Visitor's Center or any Forest Service Office
for driving directions.
Located
just minutes north of Springerville and Eagar, Lyman Lake State
Park is a 1,180-acre park that encompasses the shoreline of this
man-made reservoir. Rattlesnake Point Pueblo was a medium-sized
village that was home to about 15 families between AD 1325 and
1390. It was one story tall and had between 80 and 90 rooms. The
pueblo was built and occupied by the ancestors of the Hopi, and
perhaps other, Pueblo Indian groups. When occupied, the
architecture would have resembled that of historic pueblo
villages. The pueblo sat on a long ridge overlooking the Little
Colorado River. The fertile floodplain along the river was almost
certainly farmed by the people living at Rattlesnake Point.
Complete trail guide offered in visitor center. Rooms from this
14th century ruin can be viewed from a short trail. Tours are
available through the Ranger Station on a seasonal basis.
Just 10 miles southwest of Eagar off of State Route 260, the
Little House Museum located on Southfork 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.
This self-guided tour offers a sense of pioneer spirit and
wild west excitement as visitors learn of the communities
historic roots. Guidebooks including a map can be purchased at
the Casa Malpais Visitor's center.
50,000 years ago, with an explosive force greater than 20
million tons of TNT, a meteorite estimated to be about 150 feet
across, slammed into the earth just a half-day's drive from
Southern Apache County. Accessible via Interstate 40 (northwest
of Springerville/Eagar, about half distance to Flagstaff), the
crater is 550 feet deep, 2.4 miles in circumference, and is open
to the public. The Museum of Astrogeology, interpretive displays,
guided rim trail hike, gift shop, and snack bar are found in the
Visitor's Center.
An hour and a half drive north
of Springerville, along U.S. 180 past the community of St. Johns
is the internationally famous Petrified Forest National Park, the
largest park 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!
During the summer months, newly
restored Pioneer homes in nearby Snowflake, an hour's drive
northeast of Springerville and Eagar, are open for public tours.
Many of the homes have been restored to their original condition,
and are complete with artifacts and period furniture depicting
the lifestyle of the original Mormon settlers.
Continuing north of Snowflake,
in the communities of Winslow and Holbrook, you'll find
artifacts, antique shops, and portions of Historic Route 66.
Arizona has the longest continuous stretch of Route 66 in the
country, and people flock from points all around the globe to
recapture the legend and mystique of this famous highway, where
you can "get your kicks on Route 66." The City of Holbrook has
preserved an original section of Route 66-complete with a variety
of retro motels, trading posts, cafes, an old jail, and petrified
wood shops.
Springerville, Eagar, and the surrounding communities of the
White Mountains are rich with the culture of the southwest. From
the earliest days of recorded history, when native Americans
first inhabited the fertile lands, to the days of the pioneer
west, and even on to the days of the "Mother Road"--Route
66--you'll find the rich history come alive in the museums,
archeological sites, and restorations here in Arizona's White
Mountains.
