| Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest receives ample snow each year for various types of snow play. The only question is when that snow arrives. During most winters, skiing and snow mobiling can first occur around Christmas but sometimes the snow simply doesn't show up until January. Popular winter activities include snow mobiling, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, tubing, and ice fishing.Snow Mobiling Although there are few designated snow mobile trails, roads that are inaccessible to other vehicles at this time of year offer many miles of ready-made trails. One recommended snow mobile route, however, is from the Sunrise Park Ski Area to Big Lake along State Route 273, which is not plowed in the winter.Cross Country Skiing There are four areas that are recommended for cross country skiing although there are endless other routes that could be selected: Hannagan Meadow south of Alpine, Williams Valley west of Alpine, Pole Knoll and Greer west of Springerville, and Forest Lakes west of Heber.Snow Shoeing There are many trails throughout the forest open to snow shoers.Ice Fishing Ice fishing opportunities exist at Woods Canyon, Willow Springs, or Luna lakes. It will take snowmobiles to access the other good ice fishing lakes such as Big Lake, Crescent Lake, Chevelon Canyon Lake, and Bear Canyon Lake. Ice fishing is most convenient at Nelson Reservoir since it's accessible by automobile.Sledding There is an area in Williams Valley west of Alpine that is very popular for sleding. This site offer opportunities to sled, tobaggon, or tube down the slope. Additionally, forest users often venture out to their own favorite locations. |
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| | | Facilities: There are no facilities provided. Best Time To Visit: Check local weather for current snow conditions. Fees: No fees are charged to enter the forest. Accessibility: Unknown Rules: Road and driving conditions can be hazardous in the winter so please be prepared. It is recommended that all vehicles, even 4-wheel drives, have a set of tire chains. Bring extra food, water, warm clothes, and tell somebody where you are going so that searchers can more easily find you should you become stranded. Never sled near trees. Children must be supervised by an adult. Wear appropriate clothes. Directions: There are snow play opportunities located throughout the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest encompasses two million acres of mountain country in east-central Arizona along the Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains. The Forest borders the north and east sides of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Headquarters is located in Springerville, on US Highway 60, in eastern Arizona. District offices are also located in Alpine, Duncan, Overgaard and Lakeside. US Highways 191 and 60, and State Highway 260 provide the primary access through the Forest.Map: Click here for a map to Apache-Sitgreaves Snow Play Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted to play in the snow in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. | | |
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| | | | | Address | | Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest | | P.O. Box 640 | | Springerville, Arizona 85938 |
| | | Phone | | General: (928) 333-4301 | | TTY: (928) 333-6292 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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