2016 Newsletter

Welcome to Springerville:
Gateway to the White Mountains

A quaint mountain town with a rich history, Springerville is located in Northeastern Arizona (Latitude N 34.136342, Longitude W
109.279227). Originally established in 1879, Springerville sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet and is known as the Gateway to the White
Mountains. In addition to its sweeping scenic beauty and mild climate, Springerville developed around the ranching/logging industry.
“The downtown area offers a variety of stores and boutiques along with many dining establishments featuring some of the best food
on the mountain," smiles Springerville's Community Development Director Chris Chiesl, "We are a well-kept secret with unique
cultural, educational and economic opportunities stemming from the area's gold mine of resources including: rich multicultural
society, extensive historic holdings, diverse natural resources and a myriad of recreational opportunities."
A variety of industries shape Springerville's economic profile. In the early days, cattle and sheep ranching were the name of the
game, but more recently tourism, agriculture, construction, forestry and retail sales have increased the econ9rnic profile of this
beautiful four season destination. "We are a friendly small town (population of 2,000), perfect to raise families, start a business, take
a vacation or plan to retire here. We have a full service hospital, K-12 School, a community college and an airport," says Chris
during our recent interview, "Our hospitality industry boasts new and historic hotels loaded with restaurants to accommodate all tastes.
Our history includes cowboys, Indians, outlaws and settlers who have carved out a nitch and made this truly the wild, wild west.
As a matter of fact, the Clantons, Billy the Kid and John Wayne all passed through Springerville for a time as well as called this area
their home ."

At top right, nature abounds around Springerville and the Little Colorado River Walk is an especially popular and soothing. outdoor experience. Other visitor
favorites include events at the airport and the Casa Malpais Ruins. Above, a numberof legendary cowboys have called Springerville home includingJohn Wayne

The Apache-Sitegreaves National Forest is Springerville's playground with over 2 million acres of mountain country. "Snuggled up
against us, this most- ly high-country forest contains an abundance of wildlife. It has cool clear mountain streams, ponds and
reservoirs teeming with trout. Our summer visi-tors enjoy hiking/cycling, horseback riding, camping, hunting and ATVing on miles
and miles of trails. We are close to numerous lakes including BeckerLake, which is particularly popular. Visitors and locals alike
enjoy day tours through the Casa Malapais Indian Ruins and walking the beautiful wildlife area of the Little Colorado River
Walk. History buffs will want to visit our historical park which contains buildings representing early pioneers," she notes, "Our
Winter activities include skiing at Sunrise Park Ski Resort, ice fishing, hunting or visiting our nearby mountain resort towns of
Greer, Al-pine, and. Nutrioso which hold festivals and events throughout the year."
This has been a busy year for the Town of Springerville. There have been notable additions of infrastructure, new businesses,
renovations, plans made for the light industrial area at the airport, new council chambers, completion of a new 10 Year General
Plan and expansions to the Historic Heritage Center (which received the Governor's 2014 Heritage Preservation Honor Award for
Springerville's School Rehabilitation Project). "Our Historic School building offers an adventure into the past with our several
Museums (Casa Malapais, the Becker Museum, and the Rene Kushman Museum, an outstanding collection of European art) as
well as arts and crafts for sale made by local residents. Come visit, take a tour, spend the day."
Please continue to 'stayed tuned' for our monthly updates or visit our website: www.springervilleaz.gov for future events (such as
filming of t h e 3 0 min u te sp e c i al fil min g e v en t o f th i s b e au ti fu l ar e a, o u r , 4th of July Fireworks and music festival,
Farmer's Market and special events at the Airport!) For more information, contact Chris Chiesl at (928) 333-2656 x 227 or
[email protected].

ANNUAL ATV JAMBOREE

ATV Jamboree promotes ATV riding throughout Apache County and surrounding areas as a safe and enjoyable family oriented activity.
They introduce ATV riders from around the world to the beautiful Eagar/Springerville Arizona area. They have established a working
relationship and collaborate with all Off Highway Vehicle related government agencies for the promotion and creation of permanent OHV
trails in the area.
In addition, they help to educate the public on proper and responsible ATV riding and the importance of protecting our natural resources to
ensure the ability of future generations to enjoy the beauty and bounty of our forests. They also organize and sponsor the Arizona ATV
Outlaw Trail Jamboree and schedule monthly rides for club members in the beautiful Eagar/Springerville, Arizona area.
You're never too old to ride! Arizona ATV Rodeo Grounds Headquarters (7 S Hwy 180 #3) - Springerville and Eagar are located 45
miles east of Show Low on Highway 60; about 200 miles from the Phoenix valley and the drive takes from 3-1/2 to 4 hours. Take Highway
60 to Globe, continuing on 60 to Show Low, continuing on 60 another 45 miles into Springerville. At the traffic light in Springerville, turn
right to go into Eagar. At the traffic light in Eagar, turn left and drive about 2 miles to the Apache County Rodeo Grounds

FALL, A CHANGING
SEASON IN THE
BEAUTIFUL WHITE
MOUNTAINS

Come visit Springerville, the Gateway to the White Mountains and share in the most dramatic displays of fall
colors in our changing seasons. High elevations of the mountains and many species of deciduous trees provides
a feast for the eyes. Fall foliage lures many 'leaf peepers' to the mountains to take in the stunning array of
colors, but what constitutes a great fall color year and how do experts predict peak times to see color?
Scientists are beginning to unravel the mysteries of fall colors. Did you know that colors of reds and yellows
guarantee a return of new healthy growth in the spring?

The leaves change, the forest fills with bright yellows, vivid
crimson. When you drive the mountain roads, scatterings off
brilliant orange blow across the highway. Leaves pile around the
base offence posts, scatter against the sides of the roadways. But
why and how do these leaves change? The trees provide
all this wonder, free of charge. Trees do work, using a special
process called photosynthesis. They acquire raw materials -
sunlight, water, carbon dioxide form the air and they create a
product: delicious carbohydrates, especially sugars like glucose,
which they use for energy. They bind that glucose up with
nutrients from the soil and other molecules to create the raw
materials for structural components like leaves and stems. The
yellows and gold colors actually deter insects from laying eggs in
the bark of the trees. Insects are naturally repelled by these
colors! Autumn is a kind of preparation for the coming changes
of winter: the tree drops the leaves that the frost would kill, and
prepares for winter dormancy. Take a day to soak in the beauty
and awe of this changing time and these spectacular fall
colors.

When you’re almost at an end, drive back to town to spend an
evening enjoying a feast at one of our great restaurants, do some
shopping at our numerous boutiques (Springerville is known for
it's artist community!) a nd then rest up at one of ourmany

hotels - getting ready for a second day on the mountain . (Don't forget, Springerville is only 20 minutes
away from the mountain - much closer than other mountain towns, which means you spend less time
driving and more time enjoying your vacation days.) On your second day you may consider taking the tram
up the mountain, ride ATVs or rent a horse and ride the trails of the Old West. Don't forget, fishing is great at
this time of year as well. You may want to coordinate your visit to see the Fall Colors and spend some time
at our 1st Annual Color Fest. There will be entertainment, games for the children, lots of vendors and lots to
do throughout Springerville.

On your way back home, don't be surprised as the magic of the mountain lingers. Memories of the changing
seasons remind you that winter is right around the comer. As the colors begin to fade and the weather takes
on a chill, the mountain will shed its multiple hues to it's winter white. Visions of crackling fireplaces, rosy
cheeks and snowflakes on eyelashes will urge you that it is almost time to start planning your next vacation
for our ever changing seasons on the Mountain! Our Gateway to the White Mountains, our Town,
Springerville will welcome you back ... and

we'll leave the light on for you!

ANNUAL
Town of SPRINGERVILLE RIB BURN !!!!

Proceeds go to benefit the
“ White Mountain Historical Society”

This is a “peoples Choice Event”
Come buy your tickets and vote for the best rib burner on the mountain !!!

Championship teams from BCS will be competing !!!!!!
local teams may compete

Location: 418 East Main Street (Springerville Park)
Date: FALL

Judging will begin at 12:00 NOON
Contact Mike Nuttall to register 928-245-0145 or 928-333-4240



In the Quest for Happiness
Make Nature a Habit

As we begin a New Year, many of us have resolved to make it a better one. As unique as we all may be, most of us have made
promises to ourselves to take better care of our bodies, minds, money, the ones we love and a general attempt to simplify our over
complicated existences.
Of course, we don’t always keep our promises to ourselves and our problems don’t sort themselves out at the stroke of midnight.
With that said, we generally find ourselves falling short of our lofty resolutions from very nearly the get go.
One solution to this age old dilemma is to incorporate the simple yet powerful resolution of “getting back to nature” into your self
improvement pilgrimage this year. Remember how much you used to love being outside when you were a kid? Whether it was in the
desert, woods or just in the yard, there was always more to do outside. Of course, with today’s technology, this may be a harder
argument for our youth, but that is why it is ever more important to make it a point to take it outside more often.
Thankfully, once you get outside, the White Mountains of Arizona simply abound with opportunities to enjoy nature at some of her
finest. With literally millions of acres of National Forest embracing our communities, our nature playground is friggin’ enormous,
my friend. desert, woods or just in the yard, there was always more to do outside. Of course, with today’s technology, this may be a
harder argument for our youth, but that is why it is ever more important to make it a point to take it outside more often.
With so much to offer, few of us have truly explored all the White Mountains has to offer in terms of outdoor recreation in beautiful
surroundings. Whether you’re a tourist or you’ve “lived here forever,” a great place to begin your New Year nature habit is in the area
known as “the Gateway to the White Mountains” due to it’s picturesque positioning in the foothills of said Mountains. There on the
banks of the Little Colorado River, you will find The town of Springerville.
Established in 1879, the Town of Springerville began as a settlement that sprang up (pun intended) around Henry Springer’s
Trading Post. Before it was officially given its name on May 10, 1876, it had been known as Colorado Chiquito, Milligan Settlement

and Valle Redondo (Round Valley). Although never known as a “rough town,” Springerville was later home to the Clanton
Gang. In 1887, Outlaw Cowboy Ike Clanton, who was present at the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, was shot dead in Springerville by
detective Jonas V. Brighton when he resisted arrest on charges of cattle rustling.
Of course, cattle rustling is the kind of outdoor activity that the Town of Springerville and the staff of the Maverick Magazine
would never endorse as an acceptable or advisable form of outdoor recreation. Instead of cattle rustling, we have compiled a fun list
of activities to get out and enjoy nature. You never know, you may lose a few pounds hoofing it, spend less on a vacation to an exotic
land, find a little peace and get to know your kids, family and friends the way nature intended.

Town of Springerville -
Gateway to the White Mountains

Hunting - The area is long famed for its hunting, and notables like Zane Grey, Teddy Roosevelt loved

to hunt here. The primitive areas are ideal for pack trips , with excellent hunting for big and small game.
Contact the Arizona Game & Fish Department for hunting seasons and permit information.

Fishing - Some of the 24 lakes and reservoirs located in the forest are stocked for fishing, and

there are more than 680 miles of clear trout streams.

Getting a Little Wet - Lyman Lake is the one lake in the area that allows power boating,

which makes for fun water sport opportunities such as water skiing, and jet skiing. Other popular activities
include swimming, sailing, paddleboats, wind surfing and more.

Sight Seeing - While taking a trip into nature, enjoy a trip back in time by visiting Casa Malpais

or “House of the Badlands,” a Mogollon Pueblo that was occupied for 200 years until it was abandoned
about 1400 A.D. The view overlooking the Little Colorado River’s Round Valley with a view of the
White Mountains is breathtaking.

Bird Watching - Popular lakes for Audubon enthusiasts include Becker Lake, Canero Lake,

Luna Lake, Nelson Reservoir, Mexican Hay Lake, and GreerLakes.

Winter Sports - All traditional “snow” sports can be enjoyed right here in Arizona’s winter wonderland.

Cross Country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowcatting, snowmobiling, sledding, ice
skating, tubing, ice fishing, and even old fashioned sleigh rides. Sunrise Park Resort (11 chair lifts and 65 trails) is
just a short drive away from Springerville. Other popular nearby locations for cross country skiing and sledding
include Williams Valley Winter Recreation Area, Pole Knoll and Greer Trails, Hannagan Meadow Winter
Recreation Area, and Squirrel Springs Recreation Area.

Hiking Wilderness Areas - Want to get off the beaten path a little? Check out the numerous

wilderness areas in close proximity: Mount Baldy, Escudilla and Bear Wallow Wilderness, and the Blue Primitive

Area plus Sipe Wildlife Area, Becker Wildlife Walk, and Grasslands Wildlife Area.

Foliage Fun - Although the term “plant watching” seems a tad boring, activities like Fall Foliage Tours

and the dramatic displays of wildflowers have become extremely popular among shutterbug explorers.

HOLIDAYS IN THE TOWN OF SPRINGERVILLE

….. Gateway to the White Mountains

As we move into December, the days get darker and the nights begin to sparkle with twinkly lights. The sight
and smell of peppermint lattes, candy canes, and gingerbread fill the air and the store windows sparkle with
snowflakes and red velvety displays. We rush around buying warm, cozy presents and wrapping them with
silver ribbons and bright red bows. We get out the recipe books and begin making candy cane bark or
peppermint patties. We drink cider and sing carols. We make plans to get together with family and friends,
make shopping lists, and start clearing the clutter………… IT’S TIME TO CREATE MEMORABLE
EXPERIENCES…

Christmas is a magical time of the year. It’s a time to believe in miracles, a time to celebrate, a time to cross
your fingers and wish really hard that it will snow. IT’S A TIME TO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS IN a real
wild west town, our Town, Springerville! Nestled in the White Mountains – snow and old tales – Christmas
lights and parades – Local artists offer last minute opportunities to buy a very special gift for that VERY
special someone…and we all know that the greatest gift is the gift of giving. … but it’s so much fun to watch

the look on someone’s face when you them that special gift!

Have you ever stood outside on a quiet, cold winter’s night and just looked up at all the sparkling stars – you
see your breath turn to crystals- you reach up to touch the magic – you turn around to share the experience
with your loved ones. You ARE in the mountains! You are in a place that memories are made of…

CUT YOUR SPECIAL CHRISTMAS TREE IN OUR MAGICAL FORESTS..

If you’d like to spend the day in our beautiful mountains, bring some hot chocolate, hot cider and spend the day hunting for your very own
Christmas tree. Permits can be obtained at the Springerville Ranger District (928/333-4372) for $15

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests 2015 Christmas tree Cutting Instructions

Please be sure to carry your permit with you and place the tag on the tree as soon as it is cut. You may only cut the tree species
specified on your permit, and only in the area designated on your permit and map. The dates for cutting your tree begin November
16 and end at midnight on December 24, 2015. No refunds will be made, even if weather

Cut the tree as close to the ground as possible leaving a stump no more than 6 inches high. Allowable tree diameter 5 inches or less
(diameter is measured at 4 Y2 feet from the ground) and not exceed 10 feet in total height. Do not cut the top off of a tree. Remember a
treestanding in the woods looks smaller than it will in your home. Please remove all trash and litter resulting from your cutting activities.
Scatter any slash left behind making sure your slash piles are less than 2 feet deep.
Please cut your tree out of sight of any road and only on National Forest land. Vehicle use in some areas may be restricted to driving
only on established forest roads. Please consult the cutting area map you were given. An armload of green branches for decorations
may be taken along with your tree as part of this permit. These may be found where timber has recently been logged. You are also
welcome to pick up pine cones for decorations, if you wish. Please be sure that everyone in your party reads the safety precautions in this
message prior to leaving home. In the past, there have been some very serious accidents, even fatalities, resulting from failures
to heed one or more of these safety measures.

Safety Precautions
Always notify friends or relatives where you intend to go and when you expect to return. Be prepared for bad weather, including
muddy or snowy roads. At a minimum, we suggest you take the following items with you: (Tire Chains, Shovel, First Aid Kit, Matches or
Flares, Tow Chain, Warm Clothing, Food and water, flashlight, blankets, a full tank of gas)
Before going out to higher elevations check local weather conditions. Plan to leave the cutting area before nightfall. Remember , winter
storms can suddenly occur, making forest roads hazardous. Forest roads are NOT PLOWED so roads may be snow packed, dangerous
or inaccessible. If you notice a storm is brewing , start home as soon as possible. If you get caughtin the storm, be cautious and stay
on the main roads -avoid short cuts. Stay dry and avoidoverexertion. If you get stranded, stay with your group and your vehicle. Keep a
window open while using your car heater.
Be aware that you are not the only forest user in the woods this time of year. You may encounter other recreation users, firewood
cutters, loggers, or even deer and elk hunters. As aprecautionary measure, you may want to consider wearing an article of brightly
colored, highly visible clothing while walking in the woods. Please park your vehicle off the road, so you do not interfere with other
traffic.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

When you make your vacation plans, you’ll find reason to celebrate. You will be able to share in the Town’s old time Christmas Tree Lighting,
take a magical stroll down our decorated River Walk with millions of twinkling light at the Little Colorado River Trail that will guarantee smiles
on one and all. Holidays brings bountiful feasts, bright decorations and plenty of good cheer.

WINTER SPORTS - If you love to play in the snow, don’t forget that we are only twenty minutes to Sunrise Ski Resort, for an

incredible ski, snow board adventure, tubing, cross country skiing ….

In this rare photo of the western legend, Wild Bill Hickok, we see he’s not a happy
camper. He apparently waited up by the chimney all Christmas Eve for Santa to
bring him his pony. (note Santa’s Slay in the background - looks like he may have
stuffed Santa down the chimney as his hat is resting a bit askew on the top) Bill
was obviously a very bad boy that year. All he got was a Mr. Potato Head kit and
some RED mittens. I mean, REALLY, what cowboy would keep his image in tack
with RED mittens? Of course, he could always give them to his lady friend,
Clamaity Jane… and rest assured that Mr. Potato head play kit will put smiles on

his face as he assembles it to look like Buffalo Bill

COME SHARE THE HOLIDAYSWITH US – WE’LL HELP MAKE YOUR MEMORIES!!!

AND DON’T FORGET…………we’ll leave the light on for you!

The Town of Springerville presents

The Springerville Municipal Airport

The Springerville Municipal Airport is located in northeastern Arizona on the banks of the Little Colorado
River at an elevation of 7,000 feet known as Round Valley in the foothills of the White Mountains. The Town
was developed around Henry Springer’s Trading Post in 1948. Combined with a mild climate and proximity to a
wealth of outdoor recreation year round, ranging from hunting and fishing to winter skiing, Springerville is a
haven for recreational enthusiasts in Arizona and New Mexico. The many lakes and streams, year round hunting
and nearby ski resort attract many visitors to the Springerville area. Sunrise Ski and recreation Park owned by
the White Mountain Apache Tribe, is 20 miles southwest of Springerville. The communities are located just
outside the northern boundary of the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest which encompasses more than 2 million
acres.

The airport is located in the east-central portion of Arizona in southern Apache County and is a public airport. It is
located on a low mesa adjacent to rangeland/agriculture to the north, west an south. The east side of the airport
consists of some residential and commercial land uses. The airport is surrounded by land uses that are considered
compatible with the airport. The Springerville Municipal Airport is owned and operated by the Town of
Springerville. A new terminal and municipal hangar were constructed in 2013, offering conference and meeting
rooms and office space, flight planning and pilot lounge facilities.

The airport was initially constructed at its present location in the 1940’s and was originally owned by the
Springerville-Eagar Airport Corporation. The Town of Springerville acquired the airport in 1948 and paved the
primary runway in 1962. The original apron was reconstructed and expanded in the 1970’s and a parallel
taxiway to Runway 3/21 was constructed in the early 1980’s. In the 1990’s, the Town of Springerville con-
structed a crosswind runway, expanded the aircraft-parking apron, constructed a vehicle parking area as well as
a hangar and terminal area. Runway 3/21 has also been extended and resurfaced numerous times throughout the
years. A parallel taxiway was constructed to Runway 11/29 in 1994 and the runway was resurfaced in 2001.

The Springerville Municipal Airport provides a good facility for a variety of users that need access to the
Springerville area. There are currently two runways; the main runway with 8,422 feet and the crosswind run-
way with 6,403 feet, each with parallel taxiways. The parking apron accommodates 46 tie-down spaces and 3
helipads. Privately developed hangars are available on the south side of the airport, with land available for
further hangar development. Automated weather observations, Jet A and AvGas are available 24 hours a day.

The airport currently sees approximately 3,000 aircraft operations annually, with over 10% of those being
medevac flights, and nearly 50% being related to business in the Springerville area. There are 17 aircraft based at
the airport. The airport is currently an Airport Reference Code (ARC) B-II airport serving predominately single
engine piston, multi-engine piston and turbo prop aircraft, with some use by light turbojet aircraft. Users include:

Air Medivac Services which provide essentially emergency medical transport in life threatening situations and
patient transfers from clinics to higher level care facilities throughout the Springerville/Eagar areas. In 2015,
nearly 300 medical evacuation flights left the airport.

• Business/Recreational Transportation users desire the utility and flexibility offered by general aviation
aircraft. The types of aircraft utilized for personal and business, hunting and tourism transportation varies with
individual preference and resources and generally include a mix of single engine, multi engine and turbo jet
aircraft.

• Wildfire Management – The US Forest Service utilizes the airport for wildfire control and suppression. The
number of these operations varies greatly depending on the first season in the area. The type of aircraft
predominately used for aerial fire fighting is the single engine air tanker.

The Springerville Airport is a prime location to benefit the region, which was traumatized by two recent historic
wildfires. The Rodeo– Chediski Fire was a wildfire that burned in east-central Arizona beginning on June 18,
2002, and was not controlled until July 7. Several local communities were threatened and had to be evacuated.
The second major fire was the Wallow Fire, named for the Bear Wallow Wilderness area where the fire
originated. The Springerville Airport played a pivotal role in accommodating DC10’s which sprayed fire
retardant on the Wallow Fire.

On April 30th, the Springerville Municipal Airport, Skydive AZ and Round Valley Animal Rescue will
present the annual RV Aviation Expo. “The event is centered around children because we have an aging
pilot population throughout the world. It has become very expensive to become a pilot and costly to own aircraft
and purchase fuel. There is a fear of a shortage of commercial pilots in the future. With this event, we hope to to
introduce kids to aviation at an early age,” says Airport Manager Sean Kienle during a recent interview, “On the
day of the event, we will be offering free airplane rides. Kids will get the opportunity to see what it is like to be
in a plane and fly.”

Skydive AZ is another major sponsor of this event and their skydivers will be jumping about once an hour
(depending on the winds and weather). “As a world champion skydive team, Skydive AZ puts on a great show for
the kids. They also bring in anywhere from two to four aircraft including a Lockheed Lodestar and a DC3. They
also offer rides in those planes for a donation to the Animal Rescue. So for a donation, you can take an airplane
ride in vintage restored aircraft.”

The event begins with a pancake breakfast at 7 am with free flights for the kids beginning around the same
time. As a fundraising event for the Round Valley Animal Rescue, there is a silent auction, raffles and the
opportunity to meet some dogs and cats that are available for adoption. “This event is also an Open House for
the airport because even our locals may not realize we have an airport. Tax dollars built this terminal facility
so we like people to come see what a great airport they have,” notes Sean.

For more information, please visit www.springervilleair.com or call (928) 333-5746.

The Town of Springerville presents

Explore the Past at Casa Malpais

Picture in your mind an extended family or clan
wandering through this area of Arizona well over a
thousand years ago – now known as Springerville –
Gateway to the White Mountains.

This clan of Paleo-Indians may have consisted upward to twenty or more, all of them related to an elder
or a com- mon ancestor. They were large game hunters, descendants of people that crossed the Bering
Strait when it was a mass. Many generations later Archaic Indians following in the old footsteps hunt and
gather and plant small gardens in areas near reliable water sources like our Little Colorado River. They
built pit houses, shallow dugout circular structures about 12-15 feet in diameter with roofs made of
poles and matting and mud. When the area they are using runs low on game and usable vegetation they
move on, sometimes to return and sometimes not. They realized that they could take advantage of the
terraces formed when the edge of the lava field sloughed off and left flat areas. These areas could be
used for dry farming, trading or ceremonial plazas. The highest terrace could be used for their homes
and for the great Kiva. They took advantage of the fissures in the lava, created during the cooling period
after the eruptions 800,000 years before. Over these fissures they placed large flat slabs of stone, wedged
into place with openings left for access to passageways and chambers below. For protection from
predators and other uninvited visitors, they didn’t use doors, but accessed the rooms through the roofs
using wooden ladders. Some families decided to build two and possibly three stories high. Unique and
unusual features characterize the site. The Great Kiva, painstakingly constructed of volcanic rock, is the
centerpiece. A steep basalt staircase set into a crevice of the high basalt cliff wall leads to the top of the
mesa. Both the Hopi and Zuni Indian tribes still consider Casa Malpaís a sacred ancestral place. Another
truly interesting feature of Casa Malpais consists of a low stone wall enclosing a space 26 meters in
diameter, with 5 gates. Part of the structure has been restacked, indicating an approximate possible height
of 1.2 meters. An opening on the structure’s northern side appears to be oriented to true north. Another,
on the southwest side of the structure, is offset to allow a distinctive rectangular shaft of light to enter

in a direct line with the wall during sunset at summer solstice. At winter solstice, the shaft of light once again enters through the gate and extends to
about the middle of the enclosure. During the equinoxes, the sun enters again through the gate and produces a distinctive rectangular shaft of light.
Outside this circular feature, is a Bear Claw petroglyph, which at vernal equinox sunset, fits into a shaft of light produced by a natural rock grouping.
Both the Hopi and Zuni have bear clans or bear societies who may have created this image for reasons unknown.

Eight hundred years have passed since the ancient people disappeared from Springerville. The heavy mud roofs began to cave in the timbers supporting
them, walls collapsed upon themselves and the winds slowly covered over the ruins with soil. Silent mounds of rocks and dirt remain along with the
voices of the spirits in the breezes.

The Casa Malpais site is a nationally recognized archaeological site and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The site covers over 14
acres and consists of a masonry pueblo, a Great Kiva, a large boulder walled enclosure, ten individual masonry rooms, and other features such
petroglyphs, trails, a solar calendar and grinding areas. In 1990, the Town of Springerville initiated the Casa Malpais Restoration project to establish the
importance of the site and to protect, research and interpret the site and its artifacts.

If you’ve never been to Casa Malpais, or if you would like to revisit, please come out and watch history unfold before your very eyes as guides take you
on a journey back in time.

The visitor center and museum is located at 418 E. Main Street in Springerville. Museum hours are 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday. Pueblo tour
times are 9 am, 11:30 am and 2 pm Tuesday through Saturday, March through November weather permitting. Reservations are recommended. Tour
prices: $10 adults, $8 for those over 60, and $5 for explorers under 18.

Special school and group tours are available with reservations. For more information, please call (928) 333-5375 or visit www.casamalpais.org.

The Town of Springerville presents

The Unsung Season: Spring in the White Mountains,

Springerville, AZ

Wondering about the best time of year to visit Springerville in the White
Mountains of Arizona? Just about every guidebook and travel website out
there will tell you it’s October, when the fall foliage is at its peak or in the
Winter when the ski season is at its best. As you plan your vacation,
please check with the Chamber of Commerce (928) 333-2123 to get
information on our various hotels... or if you prefer, we have several
guest ranches as well. Come visit the WILD WILD west and get AWAY
from it all.

If you have recently visited our area for its great skiing this past winter,
come back to share in our beautiful spring weather as spring has its
treasures, too. The grass grows greener and the fragrance of flowers fills
the air, snow still clings to the mountains; in fact, it’s not unusual to see
flakes fall in April and May. Black bears, found in several counties, awaken
from their winter slumber and emerge from their dens with cubs in tow. The
bull elk grow new racks, and the loons swim around with their newly
hatched babies. Fiddlehead ferns, my favorite sign of spring, pop out of the
ground.

The Town of Springerville, known as the Gateway to the White At lower elevations you’ll find an abundance of
Mountains, is in the north east- ern part of Arizona. The mountains cover wildlife around the lakes, ponds and rivers. Elk es-
one-third of Arizona, yet only a small percentage of the state’s residents pecially enjoy the water early in the morning or late
call this region home. It’s a beautiful varied landscape from tall mountain in the day in June. If you’re a birding enthusiast, our
peaks, lush meadows, volcanoes and ranch land. Winter is sometimes slow area is the place to be in the spring!
to loosen its frosty grip on the White Mountains. In May, summer
attractions, include boating and fishing in the many lakes and streams. We also have Sipe Wildlife area: Recreational op-
Hiking, horseback riding and ATV’s are also excellent spring/summer portunities include wildlife viewing and photogra-
sports that draw many to our area. The cool mountain air and scenery is phy, picnicking and hiking to historic and prehistoric
spectacular if you just choose to get away for the week- end. We still get cultural sites. A small visitor center is also located at
chilly nights, so make sure to bring a jacket. the site. Visitors are encouraged to look through the
center first and then explore the grounds to enhance
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, you can take the their wildlife viewing experience. Move about the
aerial tramway to the summit. The highest mountain property freely by hiking, biking or horseback riding
is Mount Baldy: Dził Łigai (White Mountain). It is the on one of four trails leading to wetlands, meadows
highest point in the White Mountains and Apache Coun- and old homesteads.
ty. It is the fifth highest point in the state, and the high-
est outside the San Francisco Peaks in the Flagstaff area. A variety of raptors, including osprey, American kes-
With a summit elevation of 11,409 feet the peak of Mount trel, hawks, golden eagle and peregrine falcon, can
Baldy rises above the tree line and is left largely bare of be spotted throughout the wildlife area. In summer,
vegetation, lending the mountain its current name. The rufous and broad-tailed hummingbirds concentrate
summit of Mount Baldy is within the Fort Apache Indian here and are easily photographed. Lewis’ and acorn
Reservation and is off-limits to hikers without permis-
sion. Mount Baldy is one of the most sacred mountains to the Apache of
Arizona. Mount Baldy also contains the headwaters of the Little Colorado
River and Salt River and produces the most abundant trout fishing streams

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Town of Springerville

For more information, contact:

Town of Springerville

418 East Main Street.
Springerville, AZ 85938
phone: (928) 333-2656