Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, National forest in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico, United States.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests span eastern Arizona and western New Mexico, combining two major forest areas with mountains, dense woodlands, lakes, and streams. The terrain shifts from high peaks to river valleys with varied plant and animal habitats throughout.
The forests are named after the Apache peoples and Charles S. Sitgreaves, an explorer who surveyed the region during the 1850s. This pairing reflects the intertwined history of indigenous presence and American exploration of these mountain lands.
This forest holds deep roots in Apache and other Native American traditions, with tribal communities maintaining ceremonial ties and cultural practices across these lands.
Visitors find accessible campgrounds, hiking trails, and multiple cold-water lakes connected by well-maintained roads across the forest. The region is best explored gradually, taking time to venture into different valleys and high country areas.
The forest contains four designated wilderness areas that protect habitats for over 400 wildlife species, from mountain lions to black bears. These protected zones offer rare refuge for landscapes touched minimally by human activity.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
