Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Spanning over two million acres in east-central Arizona, extending into west-central New Mexico, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest encompasses diverse ecosystems ranging from high desert to dense alpine forests. Established in 1908, it is renowned for its striking landscapes that include the Mogollon Rim, a steep escarpment forming the southern limit of the Colorado Plateau. This area offers a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with ponderosa pine forests interspersed with lakes and rivers home to numerous species of fish and wildlife. Visitors can explore over 800 miles of trails, offering opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The forest is also a prime location for bird watching, with species such as the bald eagle frequently sighted, especially around water bodies like Willow Springs Lake. During winter, the higher elevations transform into a snowy wonderland, ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The forest was named after two former national forests, which honors Apache warrior Geronimo and the Spanish explorer Coronado's guidance from the Native American Sitgreaves Expedition.
