The region
is blessed with a variety natural wonders for everyone, we are a
family based community activities for all ages are abundant. The temperate climate of the
Reservation makes hunting for big and small game, such as
elk, bighorn sheep, javelina, antelope and migratory birds,
enjoyable in every season. Magnificent natural beauty
abounds unspoiled streams and lakes, the high country with
Native species of fish including Apache Trout.
A central
point of
recreational activity is San Carlos Lake. A fisherman’s
paradise, it was created by the construction of Coolidge Dam
and is rimmed by approximately 158 miles of shoreline with a
tackle shop with supplies and ice. The lake averages 19,500 acre feet of
water in a good season, making it the largest
body of water within Arizona. Talkalai Lake is 600 acres
as a man made reservoir with trophy largemouth
bass created by the Blue and San Carlos
rivers. Point of Pines Lake is a beautiful high
mountain lake stocked with rainbow trout, which is 34 acres in size and is
flanked by campgrounds in a ponderosa pine forest.Seneca
Lake is managed as both a warm-water and cool-water
fishery, offering channel catfish
and red-ear sunfish for anglers during the summer
months and rainbow and brown trout during the cooler winter
months. The Black River and Salt River
Recreation Areas are true blessing of the San Carlos Apache
Reservation abundant with native species of fish and make
spectacular hiking expeditions.
Many
diverse opportunities exist for the angler on the San Carlos
Reservation with both warm water and cold water fisheries
available all year round. In addition, more than 100 small
ponds, called tanks, dot the area, along with many smaller
lakes and streams. Lakes are regularly stocked, and
fishing for trout, bass, channel, catfish, crappie and
bluegill is excellent. Permits are required and can be
obtained from authorized outlets listed on the San
Carlos Game & Fish website.
Water-related recreation opportunities are available on the
Salt River. U.S. 60, the direct route between White Mountain
Apache and San Carlos, travels through the Salt River Canyon which is often
referred to as the mini Grand Canyon. Whitewater rafting,
kayaking and canoeing are popular sports as river runs high
with melting snows of the mountains.
San Carlos
is home to the worlds largest deposit of Peridot the August
birthstone, "Heart of the Earth" and "Stone
of the Sun" man has collected these crystals for
thousands of years the world over. Peridot jewelry is
crafted locally by artisans and jewelers featured in the
Cultural Center, Basha's Store, Noline's Country Story, and
Apache Gold Gift Shop. Minerals, Crystals and Items of
Adornment are local fare with outlets and direct vendors throughout
the community.
World
renowned basketry, ApacheBaskets.com,
the ancient craftsmanship can be found
within today's offerings of, Apache Burden Baskets, Cradle Boards, and Beaded
Works historically the finest quality and value
you can find. Community Events
and holidays are opportunities to locate vendors selling these
and other hard to find items. Native Trade and Barter are open with Native Products
fluent in the community, Saturday Morning Market held at the
community center - Boy's & Girl's club, every weekend
were you can find fresh hot pop-overs, Apache delicacy
Acorn Stew, Native tunes or hot pickles. Crafts and arts of
the community abound this community market place. Good luck in finding today's living
treasures!
