History & Culture of Alpine

Alpine is surrounded by the Apache-Sitgreaves

Apache-Sitgreaves	(u'-PA'-chee SI'T-greevz)
The Apache and Sitgreaves National Forests are administered as one, and encompass over two million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona. The Sitgreaves National Forest was named for Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves, a government topographical engineer who conducted the first scientific expedition across Arizona in the early 1850’s.

National Forest near the headwaters of the San Francisco River

San Francisco River	(sa'n fra'n-SI'S-ko RI'-ve'r)
A major tributary to the Gila River, this body of water flows in from New Mexico and enters in at the eastern part of the state.

. Hunting, fishing, lakes, streams and camping are a few of the area's attractions. The community's high meadows are surrounded by majestic peaks, including Escudilla Mountain

Escudilla Mountain	(e's-coo-DE-ya'h MAWN-ti'n)
The third largest mountain in the state towering in at 10,877 feet, located in the area of the White Mountains.

which is covered with tall pines and aspen. Alpine is at an elevation of 8,050 feet, just 6 miles from the New Mexico border.

The area, also known as Bush Valley

Bush Valley	(bush VA'L-le)
The original name of the area in the Apache County encompassing Alpine, Nutrioso, and others nearby. Originally settled in by Anderson Bush and his family.

, was settled in 1876 by Anderson Bush, owner of a log house known as Fort Bush. In 1880, Mormon settlers built a log house fort about a mile southeast of Alpine. At the junction of U.S. Highways 191 and 180, the unincorporated community is 28 miles south of Springerville on state Highway 191 and 110 miles south of Interstate 40.

The Apache-Sitgreaves

Apache-Sitgreaves	(u'-PA'-chee SI'T-greevz)
The Apache and Sitgreaves National Forests are administered as one, and encompass over two million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona. The Sitgreaves National Forest was named for Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves, a government topographical engineer who conducted the first scientific expedition across Arizona in the early 1850’s.

Forest contains wilderness and primitive areas. Within a 30-mile radius there are more than 200 miles of trout streams and 11 lakes. In addition to the excellent fishing, camping, hiking, and horseback riding opportunities, big game abounds. Deer, elk, mountain lion, and bear, as well as turkey, javelina, and smaller game are attractions for hunters, trappers, and photographers. Licensed guides are available.

Developed campsites at Luna Lake

Luna Lake	(LOO-nu'h la'k)
With great trout and close proximity to Alpine, Luna Lake is an excellent destination for fisherman. Luna is also known for ice-fishing during winter freezes.

and the Alpine Divide are attractive and well-spaced. Additional campgrounds are found on the Black River

Black River	(bla'k RI'-ve'r)
A river flowing near Alpine approximately 8,000 feet in elevation, and a popular visitor destination.

(elevation 8,000 ft.) and Blue River

Blue River	(bloo RI'-ve'r)
Flowing near the White Mountains area, and at approximately 6,000 feet, this river is not regularly stocked, though is live with wild trout.

(elevation 6,000 ft.). Luna Lake

Luna Lake	(LOO-nu'h la'k)
With great trout and close proximity to Alpine, Luna Lake is an excellent destination for fisherman. Luna is also known for ice-fishing during winter freezes.

is also a wildlife refuge where bald and golden eagles, as well as swans and geese, are often seen. An Audubon refuge is at the Luce Ranch on the Blue River

Blue River	(bloo RI'-ve'r)
Flowing near the White Mountains area, and at approximately 6,000 feet, this river is not regularly stocked, though is live with wild trout.

. Rock-hunters can enjoy finding Luna agate, fire agate, and quartz crystals. A herbarium that helps people identify the hundreds of wildflowers which bloom during the spring and summer is available at the Forest Service Ranger Station in Alpine.

Local annual events include dog-sled races in January, a rodeo, parade and dance in June and weekly van tours and campground programs during the summer.