White Mountains

X Diamond Ranch

The Little Colorado River runs through this working cattle ranch situated in Round Valley's South Fork Canyon. Owned by Wink Crigler, John and Molly Butler's granddaughter, the X Diamond caters to folks who love to experience the great outdoors. When John Butler and Molly Wiltbank Crosby married in 1908, they combined their land and cattle, establishing this cattle ranch. Crigler grew up here and over the years has developed the property into a multi-use ranch. Fisherman appreciate Crigler's stewardship of the land that offers a variety of activities including first-rate catch and release fly fishing on the South Fork of the Little Colorado River. Along with beautiful log cabin rentals, X Diamond offers horseback riding, archaeological field programs, the Little House Museum and proximity to some of the finest hiking, mountain biking and downhill skiing in the Southwest.
Information: 928-333-2286; www.xdiamondranch.com.

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Hiking, Biking and Riding

Surrounded by national forest land, trails abound in Greer. Whether it's hiking, mountain-biking, horseback-riding or a scenic drive, listen to the wind whisper through the pine trees and watch for deer, raccoons, wild turkey, squirrels and even black bears. You may hear hooting owls or an elk bugling. The Railroad Grade Trail follows a historic railroad route that was once used for hauling logs from the Apache National Forest and as a sightseeing route for tourists traveling from McNary through the White Mountains. Unused for more than three decades, the trail offers gentle grades and spectacular scenery.
Information: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, 928-333- 4301; www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/bike

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Fishing

Greer is a sport fisherman's paradise. The East and West forks of the Little Colorado River and the Greer area lakes hold an abundance of rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat and native trout. Bunch, Tunnel and River reservoirs sit a mile from Greer and are known for clear shorelines that allow easy casting. Many other lakes dot the forest, and the White Mountain Apache Reservation offers a rent a lake program for groups. An Arizona fishing license is required and fishing on White Mountain Apache land requires a reservation permit.
Information: www.greerarizona.com/whattodo.htm; www.wmat.nsn.us/tourism.shtml

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Sipe Mountain Wildlife Area

Approximately 10 miles southeast of Eagar on U.S. Route 191
With 1,511 acres of wetlands, lakes, streams and riparian habitat, this wilderness area in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests offers fishing, boating, hiking and wildlife-watching. Look for elk, bald eagles, peregrine falcons and other species roaming the meadows and pines.
Information: www.gf.state.az.us/outdoor_recreation/wildlife_area_sipe.html

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Mount Baldy Wilderness

State Route 260 east from McNary, then 10 miles south on State Route 273
Mount Baldy Wilderness Area lies across the eastern slope of Mount Baldy and covers more than 7,000 acres of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Two trails, each 7 miles long, lead into the wilderness and join toward the top of Mount Baldy. The summit has sacred significance to the White Mountain Apaches and is closed to visitors. There are 5 miles of fishing streams. Elk, deer, antelope, songbirds and waterfowl abound.
Information: 928-333-4301; www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/

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Becker Lake Wildlife Area

2 miles north of Springerville on U.S. Route 60
Known for large rainbow and brown trout, Becker Lake is known as an excellent fishing spot. The surrounding land is the perfect place to watch wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, mule deer, ground squirrels and bald eagles. Restrooms, lodging facilities and a boat ramp are available.
Information: 928-367-4281; www.gf.state.az.us/outdoor_recreation/wildlife_area_becker.html

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Sunrise Park Resort

Take State Route 260 east approximately 18 miles from McNary, then south 4 miles on State Route 273 to Sunrise Park Lodge; ski area is 3 miles past the lodge
Sunrise Park Resort offers activities for all seasons. In the winter, enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing, snow tubing and sleigh rides. In the summer, Sunrise Lake and Marina offers some of the best trout fishing in the White Mountains, as well as boating, plus equipment and supplies for both. Horseback riding is popular in the summer, and year-round lodging is available.
Information: 928-735-7669; www.sunriseskipark.com/default.shtml

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