White Mountains Online

Springerville & Eagar Scenic Attractions

 

Volcano FieldsLocated in the beautiful High Country of Arizona, enjoying four seasons of the year, Springerville and Eagar are the Gateway to your White Mountain adventure! Christened "Valle Redondo" or Round Valley by its founder, Juan Baca, the beautiful sister cities of Springerville and Eagar lie tucked in a high mountain valley.

Springerville and Eagar offer the closest accommodations to many of the hundreds of lakes and streams in the White Mountains. They are just minutes from Apache Sunrise Ski Resort - one of the Southwest's premier downhill snow ski facilities. As the "Gateway To The White Mountains" people of diverse backgrounds have for centuries journeyed to this high mountain valley to enjoy its natural cultural amenities whether in search of rest, or recreation.

The White Mountain Historical Park and old Fort Redondo give the visitor a further look into the area's diverse cultural background. A variety of shops welcome the visitor and many festivals are held throughout the year. A Christmas Electric Light Parade and 4th of July Parade highlight the many activities held during the year in these sister communities in addition to the many things to see and do.

The Little House Museum

The Little House Museum is an authentic presentation of ranching, outlaw, and pioneer history. A truly unique museum nestled in the majestic canyon walls of the Little Colorado River, The Little House Museum features a collection of local history including, historical photos and mementos marking the passage of time and style of life. Revisit a way of life in the newly restored Husley House.

The Museum is located seven miles west of Eagar on South Fork Road, then three miles south of Highway 260.

The 26 Bar Ranch

John Wyane MuralThe 26 Bar Ranch, located in Eagar on State Route 260, is steeped in the history of the Hereford industry. Back in the 1940's it was part of the famous Milky Way Ranch. The big white show barn, under the hill outside of town, has become one of the local landmarks. This ranch and show barn have been the home for many top Hereford cattle that have made their mark in the Hereford industry.

In more recent times the ranch has become noted as the 26 Bar Ranch or John Wayne's Ranch. The 26 Bar Ranch was started in 1964 by three forward-thinking businessmen. Along with Mr. Wayne, was Ken Reafsnyder (associated with Knott's Berry Farm in Los Angeles), and Louis Johnson (cotton farmer and businessmen from Stanfield, Arizona). After the death of John Wayne, the ranch was sold to Karl Eller with John Johnson staying on as general manager.

Renee Cushman Art Museum

In a special wing of the new meeting house for the Springerville and Eagar Third Wards of the Mormon Church visitors will find the Renee Cushman Art Museum. The Museum contains an engraving attributed to Rembrandt, three pen drawings by Tiepolo, and dozens of other pieces of art and furniture dating from the Renaissance to the early twentieth century. This remarkable collection was a gift to the members of the Church by Mrs. Renee Scharf Cushman.

The museum is open by appointment only. Call the Round Valley Chamber of Commerce at (928)333-2123 for more information.

Casa Malpais Indian Ruins

Located two miles north of Springerville on State Route 60, Casa Malpais is a ruin of the Mogollon Indian Culture. The Mogollon, Sinagua, Anasazi, and Hohokam Indians were the primary tribes in the region from the 11th century to the 14th century. Most historians believe the tribes departures were related to climatic changes around the 1300's.

The museum is on Main Street in Springerville where the guided tours originate.

Coronado Trail Scenic Byway

Country LaneState Route 666 from Morenci to Springerville is known as the Coronado Trail. This is reported to be the trail taken by Francisco Vasques de Coronado in his search for the Seven Cities of Cibola over four centuries ago. This route passes through some of the most beautiful countryside in this part of the State and is known as one of our nation's top ten scenic byways.

The Coronado Trail offers exceptional views of forest-meadow country, sportsmen lodges for off-trail hunting and fishing, wildlife, and former gold camps. The trail ends in the south at Morenci with its huge copper pits. Four rivers lie in the forest including: the Black, Little Colorado, the Blue, and the San Francisco. Elevations in the forest range from 3,500 ft. to the 11,590 foot summit of Mt. Baldy on the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation. Some of the 24 lakes and reservoirs located in the forest are stocked for fishing, and there are more than 680 miles of clear trout streams. Primitive areas along the route are ideal for pack trips and hiking, with excellent hunting for big and small game.

Big Lake Recreational Area

Located twenty-three miles south of Eagar in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Big Lake is stocked each fall and spring with approximately 3,000,000 trout. The area boasts three of the best campgrounds in the State, a store, boat rentals and guided nature walks. In the fall, the Big Lake area becomes a pallet of color.

Madonna of the Trail

The Madonna of the Trail is one of twelve statues built across the country in the 1930's to honor the Spirit of the Pioneer Woman. The statue is located on Main Street in Springerville, across the street from the Post Office.

Round Valley Ensphere

The Round Valley Ensphere is the only high school domed football stadium in the United States. A multiuse facility on the campus of the Round Valley High School, the Ensphere is located in the town of Eagar. The dome of the Ensphere is 120,000 square feet, 104 feet in height, and 440 feet in diameter. Dressing rooms and locker facilities are available for simultaneous use by up to four athletic teams. The Round Valley Ensphere stands as a monument to the profound commitment this community has made to nurturing its youth.

Springerville Volcanic Field

1, 158 square miles of volcanoes! Self guided auto tour. 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 setting of one of his "John Carter on Mars" books in 1935.

For further information, contact:

  • Round Valley Chamber of Commerce
    P.O. Box 31
    Springerville, AZ 85938
    phone: (928) 333-2123
    fax: (928) 333-5690

  • Town of Springerville
    Box 390
    Springerville, AZ 85938
    phone: (928) 333-2656
    fax: (928) 333-5598

  • Town of Eagar
    174 South Main
    Box 1300
    Eagar, AZ 85925
    phone: (928) 333-4128
    fax: (928) 333-5140

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This information was prepared by the Arizona Department of Commerce Communications and Research Division in cooperation with the Towns of Eagar and Springerville. Additional resources include:

Apache County
Economic Security Corp.
P.O. Box 767
St. Johns, AZ 85936
phone: (928) 333-5469