San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation spans Gila, Graham and Pinal
counties in southeastern Arizona. It was first established as a
reservation by President Grant's Executive Order in
1871. Apaches are descendants of the Athabascan family, which
migrated to the Southwest in the 10th century. Many bands of
Apache, as well as Mohave and Yuma Indians, were relocated from
their traditional homelands, extending through wide areas of
Arizona and New Mexico, to the reservation. Later, separate reservations
were created for the Mohave and Yuma tribes. U.S. 70, a
main scenic route between Phoenix and Lordsburg, New Mexico,
runs through the 2,854- square-mile reservation that ranges from
low plains and rolling desert hills to pine-forested, high-mountain
country.
Government agencies are the major employers on the San Carlos
Indian Reservation. The federal government employs many residents
in its delivery of health, education and economic services. Numerous
tribal enterprises, as well as tribal administration, also provide
employment.
Cattle-ranching operations generate approximately $1 million
in annual livestock sales. The tribe's cattle association is also the
third largest source of income, providing full-time and temporary
employment. Lumbering and tourism are other industries contributing
to the economy. Off the reservation, copper mining is the main
source of employment. Southwest Forest Fighters provides summer
jobs.
The San Carlos Reservation is a scenic adventure ranging from
desert to alpine meadows. The area is blessed with a wide variety of
geological, historical and recreational attractions. U.S. 60, the direct
route between Show Low and Globe, cuts through the Salt River
Canyon, often referred to as the mini Grand Canyon. Whitewater
rafting, kayaking and canoeing are popular as the snowmelt fills
the river. San Carlos Lake, formed by the construction of Coolidge
Dam, has 158 miles of shoreline and stores 19,500 acres of water.
Also on the reservation are found more than 100 small ponds,
called tanks, and many other lakes and streams.
Talkalai Lake is fully stocked and fishing for trout, bass, channel catfish, crappie
and bluegill is excellent throughout the reservation (permits are
required). The temperate climate makes hunting for big and small
game, such as elk, bighorn sheep, javalina, antelope, and migratory
birds, enjoyable year round. On many summer weekends traditional
Apache ceremonies take place, and visitors are allowed to observe
portions of Crown Dances or Sunrise Rituals. Annual events include
the All Indian Rodeo/Fair in November and a spring roundup rodeo.