apache-sitgreaves national forest

I had never been in this part of Arizona before and was stunned by the difference in terrain and beauty. Really reminded me of the north west pine forests. You've heard of million dollar views? Well, these are ten million dollar views. great roads to drive thru as well if you're feeling a bit spirited!

My wife and I traveled route 191 going south from Springerville .Spectacular scenery all the way, but if planning to drive this route, be prepared, because once you leave Alpine, you will not find food, fuel, or any other facilities. After such wonderful scenery, near the southern end of this route you will come to a copper mine just north of the town of Clifton. Sad to see what man can do to such natural beauty.

Good place to visit , camp hike or just visit for the day.Facilities are in great shape considering the spending cuts.Well worth the time and energy to visit and appreciate.

Really remote and pristine. Gravel road is in very good shape and winds up the mountain. Birding was excellent.

We stayed at Lakeside Campground in Lakeside, AZ and it was awful. Near a major road, no host available for assistance....couldn't even buy fire wood and it's one of those things that you can't just get anywhere due to Arizona laws! But the forest is beautiful. Next time we'll book one of the nicer campgrounds further in advance so we can be closer to the rim sights and trails.

It's really hot down around Clifton, Arizona, and also at 3-way where the Clifton Ranger District office is located. But a short drive up 191 and past the towns of Clifton-Morenci and the largest leach pond division in the world associated with one of the largest (and growing, mountain top leveling by mountain top leveling) open pit copper mines in the world (run by Freeport McMoran, having taken over the work started by PhelpsDodge) will take you to the Granville area and a very nice campground run by the Clifton Ranger District. There are campsites, cook rings, nice picnic tables, fresh water, and vault toilets, all under the shade of ponderosa pines an oaks. Great camping with a 14-day stay limit.Heading east from the ranger district office (instead of north up 191) or west from the highway 180 turnoff to Mule Creek in NM side you come to the Black Jack campground. What a view from this area! Here is a nice open and shaded campground, soon to have a new vault toilet installed AND featuring a paved square dance site. Both of these campgrounds are popular with locals and fun for families and small groups or solo visits. Feel free to give the district ranger office a call for more information during weekdays. If you are nearby, stop in for maps, books, and other information! (928) 687-8600

We have camped with our motorhome in the Woods Lake area, Mogollon Rim. It's a stunning forested area with beautiful lakes and tall pines. Camp sites are spacious although some are a little too narrow with pines and a little difficult for a big motorhome, but we adjust to them just to be able to enjoy the beauty of the pines. We will continue to visit this beautiful national forest and enjoy the many activities for years to come!However, we have been troubled with the staff that oversees the campgrounds and park itself. The forest service has turned over management of the campgrounds and consessions and day use areas to the FOR PROFIT Thousand Trails group. They have raised fees which is okay if it is all going to improvements of the park. They are charging $7.00 for the dumping station even for registered campers which have already paid to stay there, but NOT ALL of the campgrounds charge this apparently. That seems questionable. One staff member told us upon checking in that we DO NOT PAY this fee and upon leaving, another staff member insisted that we MUST PAY the fee. It's a matter of principle, not the cost. They are extremely inconsistent. We have parked in the day use area, Rocky Point, for free as National Park Pass holders on prior trips, as recent as last fall. This past trip we were told by one staff member that the National Park Pass is good. At the little gate, another staff member told us we needed to be 62 and holding the America the Beauty Pass to be able to park for free. AND, if we were 62 without a pass, we could park for half price. SOMEHOW, THIS SOUNDS LIKE AGE DISRIMINATION. I don't want to be 62 yet. Again, it's just a matter principle and severely inconsistent. Either the staff is making up their own rules as they go along or they are poorly trained -- Big group of seniors enjoying the free camping perks as camp hosts and new found responsibility! None of these additional fees are listed on the Recreation.gov website where reservations are made.

The Wallow fire burned in a mosaic pattern. Most of the forest survived. Outstanding wildlife viewing, hunting and fishing. The forest guys and gals service the roads, restrooms and campgrounds better than any other forest I have visited. Easily accessible lakes are a bonus and Game and Fish keep them well stocked.

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest offers many experiences. The hiking trails that have been built and maintained by locals are wonderfully marked and connected. The forest itself is lovely. There are many drives you can take through forested areas if you don't feel like getting out to hike. There are lakes and streams to fish and enjoy. Check the local Forest ranger's office for maps and suggestions.

If you enjoy hiking or mountain biking, this forest has everything. With hundreds of miles of trails and the cool mountain weather, it is hard not to enjoy the forest. The rangers can provide maps and a local volunteer group does an excellent job at maintaining the trails.

drove the trail from Springerville to Safford. Fabulous drive and one worth making. Stock up on food and gas in Springerville though, there is nothing once you start down the trail. great twisties. What a rush.

This forest is one of my favorite places on planet earth!!!!At least until it burned up in the Wallow fire!Still some of the best trout fishing, elk hunting, camping country there is!