Agua Fria National Monument Adjacent to rapidly expanding communities, the 71,000-acre Agua Fria National Monument is approximately 40 miles north of central Phoenix. The monument encompasses two mesas and the canyon of the Agua Fria River. Elevations range from 2,150 feet above sea level along the Agua Fria Canyon to about 4,600 feet in the northern hills. This expansive mosaic of semi-desert area, cut by ribbons of valuable riparian forest, offers one of the most significant systems of prehistoric sites in the American Southwest. In addition to the rich record of human history, the monument contains outstanding biological resources. Shown here is an example of the pristine riparian habitat along the Agua Fria River, which is just a short hike from Badger Springs (exit 256). Images taken May 2000.
Alamo Lake This Corps lake is managed by Arizona State Parks. The project web address links to the Arizona State Parks web pages. Alamo Lake is one of the best bass lakes in Arizona. Also, the area has good wildlife viewing opportunities. The Bill Williams River Basin is of early historical interest. The project adjoins BLM lands.
Apache Lake Formed by Horse Mesa Dam, Apache Lake is long and narrow and is the second largest Salt River Project lake. It is located off the Apache Trail (Highway 88) about 65 miles from Phoenix, and is a favorite with many sportsmen, particularly those from southern Arizona.The Apache Lake Marina and Resort is one mile from the main highway and features a motel, gas station, coffee shop, picnic supplies and a trailer park for 12 units. A boat ramp and dock are at the resort, and a county sheriff's aid station is nearby. The Three Bar Wildlife Area is just across the lake from the resort and provides a scenic spot for photographers.Seven miles northeast of the resort is the Burnt Corral Recreation Site with 17 spaces for trailers which are less than 17 feet long. The area is open all year and has boat launching facilities.Game fish in Apache Lake include walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, red ear sunfish, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests encompass two million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico. The Apache side was named for the tribes that settled in this area, and ranges in elevation from 3,500 to nearly 11,500 feet. Mt. Baldy at 11,590 feet, the second highest peak in Arizona, is just outside the forest boundary on the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation. On the Sitgreaves side, the major attractions are the Mogollon Rim, the string of man-made lakes, and its outstanding White Mountain trail system. From the Mogollon Rim's 7,600-foot elevation, vista points provide inspiring vistas of the lowlands to the south.
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness The perennial waters of Aravaipa Creek have carved a scenic canyon through the Sonoran Desert at the northern end of the Galiuro Mountains in southeastern Arizona. Saguaro cactus dot the canyon slopes, and a mixed-broadleaf riparian forest lines the canyon slopes at the creek. The canyon, 1,000 feet deep in places, is home to desert bighorn sheep, javelinas, coati mundis, ringtail cats, and other interesting wildlife. The creek is home to 7 species of native fish, and over 200 species of birds live among the cottonwoods, sycamores, willows, ash, and other riparian species in the canyon. Aravaipa Canyon is 11 miles long, and elevations range from 3,000 feet at the eastern trailhead to 2,650 feet at the western trailhead. Nine major side canyons feed into Aravaipa.
Baker Canyon Wilderness Study Area The 4,812 acre Baker Canyon Wilderness Study Area is 30 miles east of Douglas, Arizona in Cochise County. The Wilderness Study Area is unusually rich in wildlife. It is part of a wildlife corridor connecting ecosystems in Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. Bird life is extraordinary with unusual species of hummingbirds, trogons, and turkey, among others. The Wilderness Study Area is also home to a variety of animal species including bats, coatimundi, Coues' white-tailed deer, bobcat, mountain lion, and several species of bats.
