Apache County: Experience cultural history and nature

On the outskirts of Chinle, in Apache County, lies Canyon de Chelly National Monument on Navajo trust land. The monument preserves a continuously inhabited Indigenous community with a history stretching back at least 5,000 years. Cliff alcoves, cliff dwellings, pictographs, and petroglyphs make the area’s long history of settlement visible. For your trip planning, this is a special focus if you’re interested in Indigenous history and its traces in the landscape.

Cultural history in specific places

In Ganado, the Hubbell Trading Post has been trading in Native American goods and art since 1878. A visit includes the trading post, a hogan, and the farm. A free, park ranger-led look inside the trader’s home is also available. Operating details may change, so check the latest arrangements before your visit.

The Apache County Historical Society Museum and the Navajo Nation Zoo and Botanical Park in Window Rock offer further cultural perspectives. The museum presents artifacts and the history of Apache, Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni communities, as well as Hispanic and Mormon settlers. The zoo and botanical park focus on animals and plants that are significant to Navajo history and culture. Their focuses differ: one explores artifacts and community history, while the other looks at the cultural significance of animal and plant life.

Rock landscapes, trails, and water

For comparison, the Wildcat Trail in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is 1.5 miles long. A shorter route is the Painted Desert Rim Trail in Petrified Forest National Park: This one-mile loop offers views of the Painted Desert as well as opportunities for birdwatching. The park also has two units of Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area where you can hike.

At Big Lake in the White Mountains, fishing and the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest are the main attractions. The lake lies within this two-million-acre national forest. Fish you may catch there include rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, and Apache trout, as well as the occasional brown trout. Lyman Lake State Park offers another practical point of reference for boaters: The park has two paved boat ramps.

The White Mountain Scenic Road follows State Route 260 and is 67 miles long. It is part of a region of scenic roads in northern Arizona that also includes Apache County. In winter, Sunrise Park Resort offers activities on three mountains: skiing, snowboarding, ski biking, cross-country skiing, and tubing. Seasonal offerings may change, so check current activities before planning your visit.

Visitor information and seasonal offerings

Casa Malpais is a pueblo built and inhabited by the Mogollon between 1240 and 1350 CE. It can only be visited on a guided tour; tours start at the Springerville Heritage Center, which brings together four museums in a historic school building. Reservations and tour availability may change. If Casa Malpais is part of your plans, check the schedule in advance.

Food and regional products offer another aspect of a trip. Near the Four Corners Monument, Navajo traders sell handmade jewelry and traditional Navajo foods. The monument itself is the only place in the United States where Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado meet at a single point. In Apache County, Red Rock Ranch and Farms offers wine tastings in its tasting room; a seasonal schedule for 2026 has been published. Check the dates before your visit.

Then compare a hotel’s specific location with the places you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations: Ganado, Window Rock, Steamboat, Greer, Lupton, Sanders, St. Michaels, Chinle, Springerville.

For the broader travel overview: Arizona.