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The Very Large Array, one of the world's premier astronomical radio observatories, consists of 27 radio antennas in a Y-shaped configuration on the Plains of San Agustin fifty miles west of Socorro, New Mexico. Each antenna is 25 meters (82 feet) in diameter. The data from the antennas is combined electronically to give the resolution of an antenna 36 km (22 miles) across, with the equivalent sensitivity of a dish 130 meters (422 feet) in diameter.
International UFO Museum And Research Center
The International UFO Museum & Research Center at Roswell, New Mexico was organized to inform the public about what has come to be known as "The Roswell Incident." The Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to the collection and preservation of materials and information in written, audio and visual formats that are related to the 1947 Roswell Incident and other unexplained phenomena related to UFO research. The Museum endeavors to be the leading information source in history, science and research about UFO events worldwide. The International UFO Museum's constituents are committed to gathering and disbursing to all interested parties in the most qualified and up-to-date information available.
The corporation is governed by an established Board of Directors and operates through donations, admissions, memberships and gift shop sales.
International UFO Museum And Research Center
Since 1992, the International UFO Museum and Research Center has exhibited information about Roswell Incident and UFO sightings in general. The UFO Museum’s Research Center Library houses more than 7,000 books and over 30,000 magazines, periodicals, pamphlets and more than 1,500 DVDs related to the UFO phenomena. Library staff is available to help students of all ages with school projects and reports, as well as authors, researchers and visitors seeking information.
114 N. Main Street
Roswell, NM 88203
575-625-9495
Open daily 9 am – 5 pm
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day and at noon the day before
Roswell Museum
Since its founding in 1935, the Roswell Museum has grown into a 50,000 square foot facility that includes twelve galleries dedicated to the exhibition of art and history and the Robert H. Goddard Planetarium. See work from Peter Hurd, Henriette Wyeth, Georgia O’Keeffe and the Aston Collection of the American West. Don’t miss the museum store for high-quality art, New Mexico history and Roswell-themed gifts.
Admission:
Non-Residents, Adult (age 16+) $10 Roswell Residents, Adult (age 16+) $7 Students (age 16+) $7 Children (age 15 and under) Free Museum Members Free Seniors (age 60+) $7 Active Military and Veterans $7Combined groups of 10 or more with reservation$8
1011 N. Richardson Ave.
Roswell, NM 88201
575-624-6744
Open Daily 10 am – 6pm
Spaceport Roswell
Spaceport Roswell is a virtual experience that takes you through space and time. Experience Roswell in 1947, Apollo 11 and many more intergalactic adventures! Service here is unmatched by the attendants at every flight.
121 E. 2nd St.
Roswell NM, 88201
575-495-4123
Monday – Thursday 9am – 6pm
Friday – Saturday 9am – 7pm
Sunday 10am – 6pm
Roswell UFO Spacewalk and Gallery
The Roswell UFO Spacewalk is a blacklight art adventure you’ll never forget. Once you’ve completed the spacewalk, check out original, retro sci-fi art by Bryan Ward, creator of the Spacewalk plus unique vintage style toys and souvenirs. An out-of-this-world family-friendly experience that will transport you to another planet!
116 E. 2nd St.
Roswell, NM 88201
575-910-2113
Open Daily 10 am – 6pm
The Robert H. Goddard Planetarium is home to a state-of-the-art, full-dome digital theater system with Digistar 6 programming. This immersive experience brings the captivating story of our cosmic origins to life like never before. Each show includes a full-dome film accompanied by a star presentation.
1011 N. Richardson Ave.
Tuesday – Saturday
Shows at 1pm, 3pm, and 6pm
Bonus 7pm show on Fridays
Unlike any laser tag you have played before! Area 52 Tactical Laser Tag features state-of-the-art laser tag facilities and cutting-edge game play. Clocking in at 15,000 sq. ft., the indoor and outdoor arena is comprised of an outdoor combat zone as well as 3 buildings to attack and defend.
New Mexico
Where mountain lakes and swift running streams dot the countryside. Where Ponderosa Pine, aspen, and fir dominate the landscape. Where four distinct seasons offer something for everyone in our outdoor paradise from quiet relaxation to a myriad of recreational activities.What is There to Do in Alpine?
When visiting or living in Alpine you can choose to enjoy activities such as boating, kayaking, fly and bait fishing, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife and bird watching or just relax sitting on the shore of one of our lakes and streams or sitting in a chair on the porch. Visitors and residents enjoy a slower pace of life in the Alpine area; it’s a place to reflect and rejuvenate. We also have a winter season in which to enjoy snow sports and experience the quiet after a snowfall. There are many activity choices as you can see below
ATV Riding
Many National Forest roads in the area provide beautiful adventures for the ATV / off-road vehicle driver. Forest maps are available at the Alpine Ranger District Office. Note that all requirements for helmet use, drivers license, and other safety remain in-place in the National Forest.
In Arizona we have a diversity of wildlife species. Our local hunting areas are #1 and #27. Big Game includes bear, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, mountain lion, pronghorn antelope, and turkey. Small game includes cottontail rabbit, tree squirrel, migrating game birds, and quail. Predatory fur-bearing mammals include coyote, skunk, fox, bobcat, and raccoon. Hunting and fishing licenses are available online at www.azgfd.gov or at “The Tackle Shop” here in Alpine.
WEBSITE:<a href="http://www.azgfd.gov">http://www.azgfd.gov</a>
The Alpine area has a varied landscape – mountain meadows, streams, lakes, and forests, therefore our bird species, both resident and migrant, are very diverse. For information on our best bird watching locations & what birds you might find there, click here.
An Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest bird list is available online.
Luna Lake has a nesting pair of bald eagles. You can sometimes see the eagles fishing in the lake or soaring in the sky. Other fishing raptors include the osprey. Hummingbirds migrate through this area every spring and summer and depart in the fall. Locally we have five species: broad-tailed, black-chinned, rufous, calliope, and magnificent. Alpine is located along the Rocky Mountain Flyway. A Hummingbird banding demonstration is offered at Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area at the end of July each year. It’s a must-see if you’re interested in getting to know more about these fascinating birds.
Depending on snowfall, there is a lot of room to cross country ski and/or snowshoe. Our snow is light, dry, and powdery.
Williams Valley Recreation Area is located on FR 249 about 4.5 miles from US Hwy 191. Check the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest website for additional information.
Hannagan Meadow Lodge offers skis & snowshoes for rent.
Sunrise Ski Resort also has a cross country ski area. Snowshoe rental is available too. Check http://www.sunriseskipark.com for details.
Our hills and elevation of 8,050 make cycling a challenge. Many cycling groups pass through our scenic and hilly country each year. Our roads are well maintained which enhances safety. The Coronado Trail or US Hwy 191 is one of the nation’s premier scenic by-ways.
West Baldy Trail
The trail starts just out of the parking area and through the gate. Please take a moment to sign the visitor register. The trail is easy to follow as it cuts across a wide meadow and edges up to the West Fork of the Little Colorado. The trail follows the stream for the next two miles, climbing gradually. This stretch is the most heavily used portion of the trail and quite possibly the most heavily used trail on the Forest. If you have a problem with lots of other hikers, avoid this trail on weekends and holidays. As the trail begins a more noticeable climb, the crowds thin out. The trail crosses the West Fork over an old bridge and continues its uphill grade. The ascent is no vein-popper, but it can be taxing due to the steady climb and high elevation.
Blue, Arizona
Blue (originally, Whittum) is an unincorporated community in Greenlee County, Arizona, United States. It lies 33°36′36″N 109°6′24″W (33.6100552, -109.1067396), at an elevation of 5,758 feet (1,755 m).
Blue has a ZIP Code of 85922; in 2000, the population of the 85922 ZCTA was 36.[1] In addition to its post office, Blue also contains a public library, and a public school serving all grade levels.[citation needed]
The community was originally named for Nat Whittum, an original settler who was killed at the site in 1891. A post office was established at Whittum in 1894; however, its name was changed to Blue in 1898, because everyone knew where the Blue River was but Whittum was not known.[2]
Blue's population was 80 in 1940.[3]
Blue School District 22 is a school district in the community of Blue, in Greenlee County, Arizona. The school covers grades K-12. The school, Blue School, is nicknamed "the Blue".[2]
The previous building was a wooden one room school, painted in red and white. In 1984 the school had four students, with one girl. Randy Collier of The Arizona Republic stated due to difficulties in transportation and from being far from other places, "the social life at Blue primarily is at the school."[3] Lightning ruined the wooden building in 1985, so a new one was built. Previously it was a K-8 school; in that era students attended Round Valley Unified School District's Round Valley High School in Eagar, with some living with relatives in Eagar and some traveling to and from Eagar via school bus. In 2021 the enrollment was 10 and the school now covered high school.[2]
Blue RiverLocationCountryUnited States
The Blue River is a 50.8-mile-long (81.8 km)[1] stream that runs through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona. It arises near Alpine and flows south into the San Francisco Riverjust upstream from Clifton. The Blue River varies in altitude from 6,400 to 4,000 feet (2,000 to 1,200 m).
The Blue River begins where the Campbell Blue and the Dry Blue converge just south of Mother Hubbard Canyon on the New Mexico border. It flows south to the San Francisco River through some of the most scenic, yet rugged terrain you'll ever find on Arizona. Our journey starts at the former Y-Y Ranch owned by Joseph Hampton Toles Cosper. It is a journey through time...
"Whoopee Ti-Yi-Yo Git Along Little Doggies," depicts what the Blue River area looked like in the late 1800's and 1900's. The term "doggies" refers to orphan calves rounded up on the rough and rugged trails worked by rough and rugged cattle (cow) hands romantically known as "cowboys." The terrain was dangerous to say the least. It was an age when Geronimo, the Apache Kid and ruthless outlaws still struck fear in the hearts of pioneers.
While scouting out the best route to take down the Blue River, located in the Blue Range Primitive area south of Alpine, my thoughts travel back to the history that blankets every ancient cottonwood tree, every polished river stone and every ounce of crystal clear and very cold water that rushes southward in its journey to the San Francisco River. At the trailhead, the beginning of my journey following the southerly flow, I see that this river is as beautiful as its past inhabitants write about it, and yet I know that today, it is on its best behavior. The Blue River can be as dangerous (its floods have taken many lives) as it is beautiful and it chooses its own route as it has throughout time.
Our Journey begins at the gate of the old Y-Y Ranch. Its modern renovations camouflage its historic beginnings as the largest individually owned cattle ranch in the Arizona Territory in the early 1900's. Its former owner, Joseph Hampton "Toles" Cosper, is known as a very generous yet stern father and business owner. His contributions to the community, whether it was his leadership as sheriff, justice of the peace and constable or his ability and preparedness to perform dental or medical duties distinguished him as the central figure in the Blue. The dances held at the ranch are still talked about to this day. Their popularity brought visitors from as far as 90 miles by horseback and wagon. Toles brought in musicians from Clifton to entertain their guests and sometimes played his old Stradivarius fiddle as well. Parties would last up to 4 days and the Cosper hospitality extended to supplying all the meals, sleeping facilities and even, on some occasions, a little moonshine.
His wife Lou Ella kept up most of the duties around the home such as cooking three large meals daily for the family and ranch hands while rearing their ten children. She passed away on May 28, 1935 in Clifton. Toles sold the ranch and lived with two of his daughters in Clifton until his death on November 17, 1943. Today relatives of the Cospers still reside in Arizona and New Mexico and attend their annual reunion at the former Y-Y Ranch Headquarters (1887 to 1927) located at KP Cienega trailhead in the Blue Range Mountains.
Smith Ranch
At the end of the primitive road we are traveling, lies the Smith Ranch - a 15-acre ranch homesteaded by Alvis Francis Smith. The ranch house burned down a few years ago, but the small stable and corral still stand. As the road ends, we realize the trail disappears.
There are no trails as we hike down the Blue. As the river rises, what once were trails are washed away and knowledge and a map are your best guides. The term "flow "is a literal expression where rivers are concerned and we allow the Blue to give us its lessons in field skills. This includes lessons in crossing the river at least 40 to 50 times before reaching our destination - it's precisely 41 times according to Sam Luce.
We meet Sam Luce as we continue our travels. Luce owns a ranch on the Blue and spends many-a-waking-(and sleeping) hours in the primitive areas. His rugged appearance from his hand-made, well-worn leather pants to his genuine, dusty white cowboy hat leads us to believe he is a true relic of the Blue Range. Contrary to this first impression, we discover he is a doctor. He is the first doctor to have lived on the Blue. His passion for adventure entices him across a harsh terrain throughout the Blue Range and New Mexico. His traveling companions include a German shepherd dog, a pack mule and a very friendly horse (intent on discovering the identity of this group of ungainly visitors to his territory). As I reach out to pet his equestrian friend, I am greeted by large, whiskered nostrils that snort in my face. After exchanging hellos and a brief discussion of what lies ahead, we say good-bye to Dr. Luce and continue on our journey.
Kitt Peak National Observatory, Topawa
The Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) is a United States astronomical observatory located on Kitt Peak of the Quinlan Mountains in the Arizona-Sonoran Desert on the Tohono O'odham Nation, 88 kilometers (55 mi) west-southwest of Tucson, Arizona. With more than twenty optical and two radio telescopes, it is one of the largest gatherings of astronomical instruments in the Earth's northern hemisphere.
Kitt Peak National Observatory was founded in 1958. It is home to what was the largest solar telescope in the world, and many large astronomical telescopes of the late 20th century in the United States.
The observatory was administered by the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) from the early 1980s until 2019, after which it was overseen by NOIRLab.
In June 2022, the Contreras Fire led to the evacuation of Kitt Peak. The fire reached the summit at 2 a.m. on Friday, June 17. Four non-scientific buildings, including a dormitory, were lost in the fire. As of Monday, June 20, the extent of damage to the telescopes is still being assessed.
Put Kitt Peak National Observatory at the forefront of your travel plans using our Topawa trip planner.
SourceOn the web: http://www.nso.edu/
Recommended duration8 hoursHoursSunday9am - 4pmMonday9am - 4pmTuesday9am - 4pmWednesday9am - 4pmThursday9am - 4pmFriday9am - 4pmSaturday9am - 4pmContact
+1 520-318-8000
Create a full itinerary - for free!
Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff
Some of the most important astronomical discoveries in history have been made at Lowell Observatory. Established in 1894, it is one the oldest observatories in the United States. Among other instruments, it is the home of the original, 19th-century Clark telescope and the famous astrograph used for discovering Pluto in 1930. During the day, the solar telescope allows you to take a close look at the sun, while at night you can view the stars, the moon, and the planets. Some programs might not be available at the time of your visit, due to weather conditions. The observatory is located at an altitude of 2,194 m (7,200 ft) and the sun can be very bright during the daytime while nights can be pretty cold, so don’t forget to bring sunscreen and dress in layered clothes. To visit Lowell Observatory and get the most from your holiday in Flagstaff, create itinerary details personal to you using our Flagstaff driving holiday planning site.
On the web: http://www.lowell.edu/
Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter Observatory, Mount Lemmon
Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter Observatory is located in Mount Lemmon. Plan a Mount Lemmon trip in moments using our itinerary builder.
On the web: https://skycenter.arizona.edu/content/visit-skycente
Grand Canyon National Park
For a listing of what is open, and current hours of operation, scroll down this page.
Current CDC COVID Community Level >
We continue to work to find a consistent approach in managing and communicating this ever-changing situation related to the pandemic.
Grand Canyon National Park remains in stage 1 fire restrictions year-round which requires that a campfire always be in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground. Inner canyon backcountry users can use gas cook stoves, but campfires and other open fires are never allowed below the canyon rim.
Face coverings may be required to enter these buildings. Check this week's CDC Community Level in the alert at the top of this webpage.
Grand Canyon Conservancy will be changing hours of some of their operations to conduct store inventories on the following dates:
Xanterra will be closing their food and beverage and retail operations early on Tuesday, December 13 for their annual employee holiday party.
Delaware North will be closing their food and beverage and retail operations on Friday, December 9 at 6 p.m. for their annual employee holiday party.
North Country Healthcare (1 Clinic Road)
Urgent Care - Family Practice - Physical Therapy & Virtual Visits
Pharmacy:
The clinic offers walk-ins and same day appointments for routine and sick visits. Please wear a face mask anytime you enter the clinic. If you do not have a face mask, one can be provided to you.
Please call ahead at 928-638-2551 to schedule an appointment
Coconino County is now in CDC HIGH Community Level, as of Thursday, December 8, 2022
Masks are now required for all individuals over the age of two years, regardless of vaccinations status, in park buildings, and on public transportation, including park shuttle buses.
The CDC Community Level tracks a county’s ability to provide health care to COVID patients. Currently in Arizona, there are no counties in Low CDC Community Level, 1 in Medium and 14 in High.
(Havasupai Reservation, Arizona, May 6, 2022)
The Havasupai Tribal Council has extended the suspension of tourism through the remainder of the 2022 season. The Tribe is undertaking the necessary repairs and enhancements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for our valued guests.
Reservations with arrival dates between June 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 will be rescheduled for the same date in 2023. This applies to Campground, Lodge, and Pack Mule reservations.
All current reservations between February 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023 remain the same.
No new reservations will be available for purchase while tourism is suspended.
The Havasupai Tribe looks forward to welcoming tourists back for the 2023 tourist season and appreciates your continued patience and understanding.
Updates and new information will be posted as it becomes available >
https://theofficialhavasupaitribe.com/
If you have questions, please email info@havasupaireservations.com.
Please be advised: The Havasupai Reservation and Supai Village remain closed to all tourists. Please do not travel to the Havasupai Reservation or Supai Village. All tourists are prohibited from entering.
General guidelines are for everyone living on or visiting the Navajo Nation for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Grand Canyon National Park, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners and volunteers.
While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.
The neighboring Havasupai reservation remains closed for tourism, and details for operational updates can be found on their website.
The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.
Updates about National Park Service operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.
The town is famous as the place where Ike Clanton was shot and killed years after the incident at the O.K. Corral, of which he played a part.
Let’s explore the best things to do in Springerville, Arizona.
Part of a series of 12 monuments that were dedicated to the often untold stories of America’s pioneer women, the Madonna of the Trail statue in Springerville, Arizona is one of things to do in the area that you won’t want to miss.
The statues were commissioned by the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution and stretch all the way from rural Cumberland, Maryland to Upland, California.
The monuments are located in different states along the National Old Trails Road, which was a commonly used route for easterners moving to the west to start new lives.
Conveniently situated in the Springerville Heritage Center, the Casa Malpais Museum houses an incredible collection of Native American artifacts including pottery, stone weapons, and tools and jewelry.
The items on display have actually been unearthed from the site, and there are plenty of informative signs that’ll give you the fascinating background of these items and how the Native Americans used them in their daily lives.
The museum is free, and open year-round except for major holidays.
It’s a great place to kick-off your Springerville adventure.
The wonderful collection of items in the Renee Cushman Art Collection museum were donated by a town resident, whose stockpile of rare and priceless art was largely unknown at the time.
She passed away in 1969 after living in the area since the years just after World War II.
The museum and collection are now managed by the town of Springerville, and have been one of the area’s main draws for more than 40 years.
It’s located in the Springerville Heritage Center, is open 6 days a week, and is available for self-guided tours, so stop and check it out.
Built in 1914, the Butterfly Lodge was named after the large numbers of migratory butterflies that pass through the area at different times of the year.
The lodge did its time as a ranch house, hunting lodge, and home to the builder and his son who were an author and artist respectively.
The lodge is located in scenic Greer, Arizona, and became the small town’s first official museum when it was opened to the public for the first time in 1995.
It’s not open every day, and hours are seasonal, so make sure to check it out before you go.
Located on East Main Street, just an easy walk from anywhere in town, the Springerville Heritage Center is home to museums, artifacts, and exhibits that will give visitors a unique and fascinating insight into the area’s remarkable history.
There’s an art gallery containing antique and contemporary pieces, and lots of cool knick-knacks of Americana that are becoming increasingly scarce.
Many of the Native American artifacts are from the Casa Malpais Ruins that have been excavated by archaeologists working for the city and state.
The staff are knowledgeable and friendly and will be glad to show you around and answer your questions.
Located close to the town of Eagar, the Little House Museum is easy to get to from Springerville and is another unique site highlighting the pioneer and settler tradition so prevalent in this part of Arizona.
It’s tucked into a canyon near the Little Colorado River, and sports an amazing array of photos, artifacts, and memorabilia that hark back to an age when Arizona was a harsh and unforgiving place considered the wild frontier.
The museum is a few miles off Arizona Highway 260, and is marked clearly so you won’t have any trouble finding it.
If like me you’re not familiar with the term ‘ensphere dome’ then sit tight, because you’re about to learn something new.
Created largely from wood, the Round Valley Ensphere Dome is a massive structure that’s owned by the local school district and is home to the nation’s only domed high school football field.
It’s located in Eagar, cost $12 million to build, and opened in 1992 after some legal-wrangling over who was going to pay for it.
Since then its nearly 200,000 square feet of space have been put to good use by the town and school board.
It’s just off the highway and is free to visit.
The Coronado Trail Scenic Byway runs from Morenci to Springerville and offers some of the most scenic vistas of the area which includes mountains and high-country, or chaparral which is prevalent in Arizona’s higher elevations.
The byway leads through Native American reservations, large tracts of national forest and by Mount Baldy which towers nearly 12,000 feet over the ground below.
If you’re a fisherman, consider taking your rod and reel, as many of the area’s streams and rivers contain trout, some of which are native and some of which are stocked by the state’s fisheries department.
Remember you’ll need a fishing license before taking that first cast.
The owners of off-road vehicles often get a bad reputation for tearing up land and creating noise in places that many outdoorsmen and nature lovers go for peace and solitude.
Saffel Canyon Trail has been set aside for truck enthusiasts who have a limited number of places to enjoy their hobbies.
The trail is located in some amazingly beautiful Ponderosa forests in Arizona’s rim country.
There are trails for every level of experience and vehicle type, so if it’s all new to you this would be a great place to ease into this exciting pastime.
Arizona’s White Mountains are ground-zero for the state’s winter weather and sports lovers.
It may be surprising, but Arizona does have ski resorts, and Sunrise Park receives an amazing amount of annual snowfall due to its elevation, which is higher than the city of Denver, Colorado.
Whether you’re a skier or snowboarder, there are trails for you that range from beginner to expert.
The resort features all the amenities you’d expect like a hotel and restaurants, and if you come in non-winter months you’ll be able to hike, bike, fish and zip-line across a canyon or two.
The winter weather makes the area’s roads treacherous, so be careful when driving.
Though much of the White Mountains are relatively inaccessible during the harsh winters, in the summer, spring, and fall the weather is perfect.
The Hannagan Meadow Lodge is located in Alpine, Arizona’s high-country and is close to Eagar and Springerville.
A guided horseback ride through the pine forests and mountain trails will be one of the things you do on your Springerville trip that won’t be forgotten, and you’ll likely feel like you’ve been teleported a century or so back in time.
The lodge and trail tours fill up fast in peak season, so consider booking online before you go.
Located in the town of Alpine close to Springerville, large portions of the forest surrounding the Escudilla Wilderness trail were destroyed by the infamous Wallow Fire that swept through the area in 2011 burning thousands of acres.
The trail will lead you past Escudilla Mountain which is one of Arizona’s highest at just shy of 12,000 feet.
The surrounding wilderness area is comprised of more than 5,000 acres, and with all that land it’s easy to get lost, so be aware of the trail markers and don’t venture into areas that aren’t marked or look like they may be treacherous.
The White Mountain Dinosaur Exploration Center was founded by a paleontologist and his family who had an insatiable love for the amazing dinosaurs that inhabited this part of the world for millions of years.
During its original excavation, 4 new species of dinosaur were discovered that were unique to the White Mountain region of northern Arizona.
The museum isn’t open every day, and their schedule is subject to change, so it’s best to check before you go.
There are plenty of exhibits and activities for the little ones, and the admission is very inexpensive, making it one of those things to do in Springerville that you won’t want to miss.
Located in the at the foot of majestic Escudilla Mountain, Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area is full of trails that lead through an amazingly diverse array of plant and animal habitats.
A trip to the park’s visitor’s center is a good idea before you head out. The staff will give you the lay of the land, and point out areas of special interest that you’ll definitely want to see.
The wildlife area is free to visit, but closes for the season in October when the weather can be harsh and unpredictable.
On some of the trails you’re more likely to see animals than others, so ask at the visitor’s center, and remember, most animals are more active in the morning and late afternoon, so plan accordingly.
Casa Malpais is an ancient pueblo from the Mogollon Culture which was built and occupied between 1250 and 1340 AD. The site contains exciting discoveries including a Great Kiva, solar calendar, 50-60 room pueblo remains, and an ancient staircase that, when ascended, takes you up on the rim of a shield volcano that created the lava flow the site is located on. Labeled the 'fissure pueblo' by Frank Hamilton Cushing in 1883, it has numerous means of tracking the sun, and is truly a remarkable site for its time. The site became a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The park can only be visited by guided tour. Tours originate from the beautiful Heritage Museum located in the historic School building at 418 E Main Street in Springerville, AZ. Guests should call ahead for reservations when possible and should arrive 30 minutes prior to their tour time. (Tours are subject to weather conditions.)
Tour Fees: $12 ages 13-59 | $10 ages 60+ |$5 ages 4-12
Address: 418 E Main St, Springerville, AZ 85938
Phone: 928-333-5375
Tour Times:
Closed Sunday and Monday
The Casa Malpais Archeological Museum contains many of the artifacts that were excavated in the early 1990's, as well as a film about the site that features Hopi and Zuni elders who talk about how their culture relates to the site. The Casa Malpais Museum is located within the historic Heritage Museum.
Museum Hours: Tuesday – Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 8:30am - 4:00pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
Springerville Heritage Center
Springerville Heritage Center is at 418 E. Main St. Housed in a restored school building, the center offers a gallery of local art; a sketch by Rembrandt; European antiques dating from the Renaissance to the 18th century; dinosaur fossils found in the area; and access to the ancient ruins at Casa Malpais Pueblo.
Big Lake Recreation Area
If getting completely away from it all and experiencing the outdoors for all it has to offer is your camping ideal then plan your camping vacation in the Big Lake Recreation Area. Big Lake itself is 575 acres, and makes a convenient base for other local lakes like Crescent Lake, Lee Valley Lake and the East and West Forks of the Black River. Choose your site from one of nine campgrounds and experience exceptional hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife viewing, and trout fishing. Campers have the convenience of paved roads, a dump station and showers, but no electric hookups. Apache Trout, the largest campground can accommodate RVs (max 45 feet) as well as in sections of Grayling Campground. Two campgrounds give tent campers the entire campground all to themselves. A visitor center and naturalist programs offer plenty of knowledge about the area.
Riverbend Hot Springs, Truth or Consequences
PURE BLISSSOAK IT IN
Long considered sacred by the Apache and Mimbres tribes of Southern New Mexico, the natural, mineral-rich water of Riverbend Hot Springs has been relaxing and rejuvenating warriors and peace-seekers alike for centuries. Untouched and odor-free, the world-class mineral water is pumped from deep within the Earth directly to the pools. Now, you can experience these legendary crystal clear waters from a breathtaking riverside location.
RESERVE A PROPERTY PASS
Our 1 Hour Property Pass grants you access to the Common Hot Springs Pools and all common parts of our grounds. It is now available by reservation and does not include access into a Private Pool but you could combine the two services. The Common Pools are the best to have a variety of pools and temperatures and for a social atmosphere.
RENT A PRIVATE POOL
Our Deluxe and Classic Private Pools are rented via a 50 minute session that starts at the top of each hour. You can reserve one or multiple sessions in advance and the Property Pass is not included when you rent a Private Pool but you could combine the two services. Private Pools are best if you want a whisper quietenvironment to relax and prefer privacy.
RENT A ROOM OR RV SITE
As an overnight guest, you will get free unlimited access to the Common Pools and Grounds during pool hours (up to a $385 per night value compared to hourly rates for one or two people). Private Pool sessions are additional at regular rates.
IMPORTANT INFO AND POLICIES
We have developed some rules and policies here at the Riverbend to help maximize relaxation for our guests. Here are a few of them…
Getting to Truth or Consequences is easy. We are right off I-25 and two hours from both Albuquerque, NM and El Paso, TX. If you fly to Albuquerque (ABQ), drive south on I-25. From El Paso (ELP), take I-10 west and then I-25 north from Las Cruces.
Get off at Exit 79, take that street named Date through town (1.5 miles) until you reach the stoplight at 3rd st. and take a left (East). Then take your first right (South) on Cedar. Go down Cedar (about 5 blocks) and when it starts to curve to the right, you’ll see the Rio Grande and Riverbend on the left. (Cedar and Austin St. join at Riverbend).
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES
OUR TOWN
Truth or Consequences is a small spa town of just under 7,000 people. The village of Hot Springs, New Mexico became Truth or Consequences after a gameshow challenge in 1950 left us with one of the most unique names in the world. Other names for T or C include “The City of Health” and “The Water Wonderland of New Mexico.” That’s because, in addition to being one of the most affordable hot springs spa towns in America, T or C hugs the Rio Grande River and is right in between two of the largest lakes in New Mexico.
ELEPHANT BUTTE & CABALLO LAKES
At over 40,000 surface acres and over 200 miles of shoreline, Elephant Butte Lake is New Mexico’s largest lake. It is the state’s number one destination for boating, swimming, camping and fishing. EB Lake is only a five mile drive from Riverbend. New Mexico’s third largest lake, Caballo Lake, is a more peaceful alternative for fishing, camping, and small boating, and it’s only eight miles away!
WEATHER & CLIMATE
T or C sits at 4,260 feet above the scorching heat of the lowland summers. High temperatures average around 92 in July and 89 in August. These figures are much more moderate than elsewhere in New Mexico, and the famously low humidity makes warm temperatures quite comfortable. Also, even the hottest days cool down to the low 60s at night. Winters are quite comfortable, with an average high of 55 degrees. Though it does occasionally snow, the flakes usually melt away with the afternoon sunshine. July and August are our monsoon months and may bring short refreshing showers each day.
ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
Our downtown area is within walking distance and features gift shops, health food stores, restaurants, a great museum, used bookstores, and several art galleries. Our two lakes, Turtleback Mountain and nearby Gila National Forest allow water sports, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Other nearby attractions include Spaceport America, The Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Refuge, White Sands National Monument, Gila Cliff Dwellings, City of Rocks, Ski Apache, The Very Large Array, Lincoln National Forest, The Space Museum, nearby Ghost Towns, and Mexican border shopping. Local community events include the Truth or Consequences Fiesta, Hot Springs Festival, Fiddlers Contest, Balloon Regatta, Hatch Chile Festival, Chile Cookoff, and tournaments for bass fishing, and golf.
Big Lake
Highway 249 is now fully paved from Alpine to highway 273 at Big Lake which takes you back to highway 260. Great fishing is available along the shoreline or boats are available to rent at the lake store. Many National Forest campgrounds are along the lake; some offer full hookups.
Blue, AZ (Elevation 5,758′)
Butterfly Lodge & Museum
SE Corner of Hwy. 373 & County Road 1126, Greer, AZ 85927
Phone: (928) 735-7514
Email: bflylodge@aol.com
http://www.butterflylodgemuseum.org
Casa Malpais Museum & Archaeological Site near Springerville, AZ
http://www.wmonline.com/attract/casam.htm
Catwalk National Recreational Trail near Glenwood, NM
http://www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails/trailNRT/Catwalk-NM.html
Glenwood, NM
Ghost Mining Town (Mogollon, NM)
Petrified Forest & Painted Desert National Parks
http://www.nps.gov/pefo/
Hon-Dah Resort & Casino (Pinetop, AZ)
http://www.hon-dah.com
In the Alpine area there are 5 trout fishing lakes – Big Lake, Luna Lake, Nelson Reservoir, Hulsey Lake, and Crescent Lake. There are also various fishing streams – East Fork of the Black River (along FR 276), Little Colorado River, Greer, Sheep’s Crossing, Silver Creek, and West Fork of the Black River Campground.
Flies, PowerBait, worms, fishing poles, and other supplies are available at The Tackle Shop and Alpine Country Store in Alpine. Big Lake and Luna Lake offer boat rentals and fishing/food supplies at their stores onsite. The “Bait, Boats, & Beyond” shop is at Luna Lake.
The Alpine Area is surrounded by the 2 million acre Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest which includes the Escudilla Wilderness, Bear Wallow Wilderness & the Blue Range Primitive Area, so there’s plenty of room to roam. Travel on foot cross country, along a Forest Road, or designated trail, far or near, it’s up to you. For US Forest Service maps & brochures, click here.
Escudilla National Recreation Trail
This trail is 6 miles round trip. Trailhead is above 9500 ft elevation & initially takes you through an aspen forest, then opens up for spectacular vistas, then through spruce and fir forest up to the summit of Escudilla Mountain, the third highest peak in Arizona at 10,877 ft. Horseback riding is allowed. For more information, click here. Note: Weather can be erratic, even in summer, with intense sun, wind, rain or snow. Watch for lightning. Thunderstorms develop very quickly. USGS Map: Escudilla
Aker Lake Trail
This trail is 7 miles round trip. Easy, Elevation 9,100 to 8,700 feet. Trailhead is just south of Hannagan Meadow campground on US Hwy 191. Bicycles allowed. For more information please visit this website. USGS Maps: Hannagan Meadow, Strayhorse.
Also, view other trails in the Alpine Ranger District and Springerville District.
When visiting or living in Alpine you can choose to enjoy activities such as boating, kayaking, fly and bait fishing, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife and bird watching or just relax sitting on the shore of one of our lakes and streams or sitting in a chair on the porch. Visitors and residents enjoy a slower pace of life in the Alpine area; it’s a place to reflect and rejuvenate. We also have a winter season in which to enjoy snow sports and experience the quiet after a snowfall. There are many activity choices as you can see below:
Many popular trails allow horseback riding such as Escudilla National Recreation Trail & the East Baldy Trail. The Alpine NF Ranger District office offers trail maps that indicate the trails suitable for horses. Horses are available to rent at Sprucedale Guest Ranch.
Casa De Rue's inc Short Term Vacation Rentals & Horseback Riding.
Have you ridden the Coronado Trail lately? The 120 miles of US 191 between Clifton and Springerville rank in the top 10 scenic byways in the country; the 90 miles south of Alpine are probably in the top 3 for motorcyclists. Easily exceeding 500 curves, and with rarely a straight stretch of road longer than a quarter mile, the Trail is known for its narrow mountain-grade that snakes along the sides of a mountain range. Once numbered US 666, the Coronado Trail retains its earlier nickname “The Devil’s Highway.”
Other motorcycling roads nearby include – US Highway 261, US Highway 180 from Alpine to New Mexico, SR 78 , and SR 15 in New Mexico.
Phone the Alpine Ranger District Office (Mon-Fri) (928) 339-5000 to ask about conditions and recommendations for mountain bike trails.
Coronado Trail
Everyone’s favorite drive is along the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway – US Highway 191. Driving south from Alpine you gain in elevation until you reach Hannagan Meadow Lodge at 9100 feet. Even though Hannagan Meadow is 22 miles south of Alpine, the driving time doubles due to the beautiful scenery and winding road. You can continue south towards Morenci, known for its large copper mine.
Blue River Road
This is a well-maintained, gravel road that travels to the small ranching town of Blue, Arizona.
Big Lake Road (FR 249)
A paved road from Alpine via of US Hwy 191 to the Big Lake Recreation Area. A stunning drive along which wildlife is often spotted.
Hulsey Lake Rd (FR 56)
A graveled road towards Terry Flats Loop. Take a detour to see Hulsey Lake (short walk). Continue driving along the Terry Flats Loop then drive back down towards US Hwy 191.
Black River Road (FR 276)
A graveled road that takes you along the East Fork of the Black River past many National Forest campgrounds.
State Route 261
This is a paved road from Eagar to State Route 273. Follow SR 273 as long as you wish.
Fall Colors Scenic Drives (early October)
Williams Valley Winter Sports Area is located six miles northwest of Alpine at an altitude of 8,700 feet. Drive 1.5 miles north from Alpine on US Highway 191 and turn west for 4.5 miles on paved FR 249. FR 249 is plowed reasonably soon after a storm. The Alpine Ranger District has set aside an area for snowmobiling. There is a sign along the road designating that you are “Leaving a Motorized Restricted Area.” There is a parking area next to a vault toilet; this is where the snowmobile area begins.
This activity is the favorite of all Alpine visitors and residents. Our forests, lakes, streams, and mountain meadows host a variety of wildlife. It’s an excellent way to understand all four seasons as we witness the changing wildlife life cycle. Some of our resident mammals are: elk, deer, bear, mountain lion, bobcat, fox, coyote, reintroduced Mexican Gray wolf, raccoons, skunks, Abert squirrel, and chipmunks. Large groups of elk often congregate in the open meadows around Alpine. Be very cautious driving at dusk and at night due to the elk that are often grazing along the roadways.
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611 South Voigt Street, Springerville, Arizona 85938, United States
Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |
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