Summary
The forest covers over 1.8 million acres and has a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and canyons.
One of the best reasons to visit Apache National Forest is for the outdoor activities. The forest is home to numerous hiking trails, fishing spots, and campgrounds. Visitors can also go horseback riding, mountain biking, and wildlife watching.
There are several points of interest within the forest that are worth visiting. The Alpine Ranger District is home to the stunning Escudilla Wilderness, while the Clifton Ranger District has the Blue Range Primitive Area. The Black Mesa Ranger District is home to the renowned Apache-Sitgreaves Observatory, which is a great place for stargazing.
Interesting facts about Apache National Forest include that it is home to one of the largest elk herds in Arizona. The forest is also home to the historic Coronado Trail, which is a scenic drive that runs for over 100 miles.
The best time of year to visit Apache National Forest is during the summer months. However, visitors should be prepared for monsoon season, which can bring thunderstorms and flash floods. Spring and fall are also popular times to visit, as the weather is mild and the foliage is beautiful.
Overall, Apache National Forest is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to experience the natural beauty of Arizona.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Black Jack
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Black Jack Group Campground
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Coal Creek Campground
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Coal Creek
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