chapter 3 heritage themes and related resources
DEVELOPMENT OF THE events, notes about the current HERITAGE THEMES diversity of cultures found in the watershed, and lists of activities related The seven heritage themes in this to outdoor recreation or local festivals. chapter emerged directly from public Continuing in their small groups, input. During Meeting Two of the participants reviewed all of the items series of four Working Group meetings placed on the maps and devised described in Chapter 1, participants between four and six themes that were divided into small groups and would capture all of the items. Each given large maps of the Little Colorado small group then reported its themes to watershed. They were then asked a the whole group. The whole group then series of four questions designed to worked all of themes suggested by each elicit responses that would describe the smaller group into one set of between heritage of the region. four and six themes. This process took place at five meetings in five different If you had a two-week dream locations across the watershed and vacation in the Little Colorado resulted in a total of 25 heritage themes River watershed, where would you being suggested. Many of the themes go? from a Working Group in one meeting If you had to describe this area to location were virtually the same as someone who had never been here, themes suggested by one or more what would you say? Working Groups in other meeting When friends or family come to locations, thus giving evidence that visit, where do you take them? particular themes indeed identified If “something” were to leave this prevalent, consistent, and over-arching area forever, what would you miss characteristics of the region. The most? Heritage Programs Coordinator reviewed all 25 suggestions and found Participants drew or wrote their seven common themes that united the responses on the maps. In most cases, most frequently suggested themes by the maps were completely covered the Working Groups. Those seven with sites, references to historical unifying themes became the seven
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heritage themes described in this were written on large pieces of paper chapter: and participants wrote down the name of the resource (a site, event, Sacred and Enchanted Landscapes organization, business, etc.) and its Trails, Roads, and Rails of the West general location on the paper of the Native Nations particular theme the resource fit. Living from the Land Participants were asked to identify Archaeology resources that related to tourism as Expressions of Art and Life well as those that served local Outdoor Recreation communities, although often a single resource fulfilled both functions. After establishing the seven heritage Often, too, a single resource reflected themes, the next round of Working more than one theme. The related Group meetings focused on identifying resources sections that appear in each resources within the watershed that heritage theme chapter are a direct reflected, interpreted, or embodied one result of data generated during these or more themes. The seven themes Working Group meetings.
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Theme 7 Outdoor Recreation
SUMMARY OF THEME and conservation programs would help sustain these valuable landscapes so The spectacular natural and scenic they may be enjoyed by future resources within the proposed Little generations of outdoor recreationists. Colorado River Valley National Heritage Area provide the context for a wide range of outstanding outdoor DESCRIPTION OF THEME recreation opportunities. The diverse topography, vegetation, and climate of The prevalence of public land within the area play a vital role in shaping the the Little Colorado River Valley outdoor leisure pursuits enjoyed by provides easy access to an abundant regional, national, and international array of outstanding natural, scenic, visitors. The breathtaking beauty of the and cultural resources. Three national towering peaks, picturesque canyons, forests offer opportunities for hunting, and wide open spaces express dramatic fishing, camping, backpacking, topographic variability. A variety of climbing, horseback riding, and off plant communities populate the highway vehicle (OHV) use. Four landscape ranging from extensive national monuments and one national grasslands to the largest Ponderosa park, with a total area of 136,645 acres, Pine forest on the continent. Research afford access to remarkable natural has shown that the quality of a features and cultural sites. Four state recreational experience is largely a parks (more than 7,000 acres) and eight function of the environment in which it wildlife viewing areas (19,858 acres) occurs. Thus, the high quality provide excellent opportunities for environment of the Little Colorado camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and River Valley provides an excellent wildlife observation. backdrop for a multitude of meaningful recreational experiences. The numerous recreational resources within the Little Colorado River Valley Outdoor recreation and natural serve a broad spectrum of visitors and resources are intricately linked. A local residents. From solitude to social healthy environment is essential to the interaction to fitness, outdoor continued availability of diverse recreation provides physical and recreational opportunities in the Little psychological benefits to a wide variety Colorado River Valley. National of demographic groups. These benefits Heritage Area designation would are significant given that more than 75 enhance existing efforts to protect and percent of Americans participate in conserve the rich natural and scenic some form of outdoor recreation. integrity of the region. Compatible economic development such as interpretive facilities and recreational Camping and Backpacking trail development could boost local economies and increase awareness of Although some campers relish the the region’s significant natural and rustic tradition of sleeping in a tent, scenic wonders. Resource protection others prefer the comfort and
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convenience of pop-up trailers or beauty and interesting geologic recreational vehicles. Campgrounds features of these wilderness areas. At within the proposed National Heritage Strawberry Crater Wilderness, unusual Area accommodate a variety of visitor geologic wonders abound. It was here needs and expectations. Hundreds of that Strawberry Crater, the youngest designated campsites, ranging from volcano on the Colorado Plateau, primitive sites to developed sites with erupted less than 1,000 years ago. electrical and water hook-ups, exist on Wilderness visitors can hike along the state and federal lands within the Little volcanic cinder cone and molten lava Colorado River Valley. Campgrounds flows that appear frozen in time. such as Little Elden Springs Horse Strawberry Crater is one of more than Camp and Cinder Hill OHV Area cater 600 craters and cones that make up the to campers with specific needs and San Francisco Peaks volcanic field, the interests. second largest volcanic field of its type in the United States. (Springerville Campers and backpackers seek a wide Volcanic Field is the third largest of its range of experiences. For some, type in the nation.) spending time with family and friends in a group campground is a desirable outcome of their outdoor recreation Recreational Trails experience. Others seek the solitude and quietude of backpacking in Recreational trails within the Little undeveloped wilderness areas where Colorado River Valley are used by no mechanized travel is allowed and a backpackers, hikers, bikers, runners, leave no trace ethic prevails. Public walkers, and horseback riders. lands within the proposed National Hundreds of trail miles span the gamut Heritage Area easily accommodate the from rugged backcountry settings to wide range of experiences sought by easily accessible resources such as the these outdoor recreationists. Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) and the community trails near the city In our increasingly industrialized and of Gallup. A wide range of trails, many hectic world, wild places where of which are multi-use, accommodate humans can reconnect with the natural nearly every skill level. Some trails, environment and seek inspiration are particularly those in developed areas, of major importance. The Little are universally accessible. Colorado River Valley is home to five such areas: Kachina Peaks Wilderness, Recreational trails often lead to scenic Strawberry Crater Wilderness, Mount vistas or areas of natural or cultural Baldy Wilderness, Escudilla Wilderness significance. Hikers that reach the Area, and Petrified Forest National summit of Mount Humphreys, the Wilderness. These sites include more highest peak in Arizona (12,633 feet), than 91,000 acres of land set aside in are rewarded with amazing views of accordance with the Wilderness Act of the Painted Desert and the North Rim 1964 to “secure for the American of the Grand Canyon. En route to the people of present and future top of this extinct volcano, hikers pass generations the benefits of an enduring through several distinct biotic resource of wilderness.” communities called Life Zones: piñon- juniper woodlands, ponderosa pine, Backpackers and day hikers are mixed conifer, aspen, spruce-fir, and attracted to the astounding scenic the only true alpine tundra in the state.
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The slopes of the San Francisco Peaks Trails (Pyramid Rock and Church are known as the place where C. Hart Rock), and the White Mountain trail Merriam developed the concept of Life system. The High Desert Trail is a Zones in the late 19th century. The newly developed 23-mile system that is concept is based on the similarity of frequented by mountain biking enthusi- plant and animal distributions asts. Pyramid Rock and Church Rock observed with increases in elevation trails near McGaffey provide stunning and corresponding increases in views of sandstone spires and other red latitude. rock formations. The White Mountain trail system consists of a series of The proposed National Heritage Area multi-use loop trails and connectors. A includes and is adjacent to several collaborative effort of the National major recreational trails. The eastern Forest Service, Pinetop/Lakeside portion features the Arizona Trail, TRACKS, and the Arizona State Parks which traverses the state from Mexico Heritage Trails helped create the White to Utah, linking deserts, mountains, Mountain trail system, much of which canyons, and communities. The intent was built by dedicated volunteers. of this trail is to highlight the state’s topographic, biologic, historic, and cultural diversity. Advocates are Wildlife Viewing engaged in ongoing efforts to gain National Scenic Trail status for the Wildlife viewing is the fastest growing Arizona Trail. Attaining this presti- recreational activity in the United gious status would increase trail States. According to the U.S. Fish and recognition and provide access to Wildlife Service Director, H. Dale Hall, technical assistance and funding. “Wildlife related recreation rejuvenates our spirit, connects us with nature and The eastern portion of the Little Colo- gets us outside pursuing healthy rado River Valley is bordered by the activities.” The popularity of this Continental Divide National Scenic outdoor recreation activity can have Trail. This scenic trail includes the significant positive impacts on the local Chain of Craters Area, located within economies of small towns and rural the El Malpais National Conservation areas. Preliminary data from the 2006 Area. The Chain of Craters, a unique National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and geological oddity, was formed when an Wildlife-Associated Recreation indicate underground lava flow reached a weak that 71 million Americans spent $43 area and created a rift at the surface billion on some form of wildlife view- flanked by 30 cinder cones. ing in 2006.
To the south, the General Crook Trail Outstanding opportunities for wildlife follows the route of one of the first observation are available at eight major roads in Arizona. Original blazes Wildlife Viewing Areas within the can still be seen on the ponderosa pines Little Colorado River Valley. These adjacent to this trail, which is popular Wildlife Viewing Areas, which are with hikers, mountain bikers, and managed by the Arizona Game and horseback riders. Fish Department, preserve a range of habitat that includes grasslands, Strikingly beautiful trails within the woodlands, and riparian areas. A Little Colorado River Valley include diversity of large and small mammals, Gallup’s High Desert Trail, McGaffey birds, and reptiles can be readily
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observed at these sites. For example, at Boating and Fishing Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area, visitors may observe elk, pronghorn, Plentiful boat launches and well- mule deer, coyotes, and up to seven stocked reservoirs set the stage for species of bats. The astute visitor may exceptional boating and fishing in the even hear the howl of the reintroduced White Mountains. Apache-Sitgreaves Mexican gray wolf or the wailing bugle National Forest, Fool Hollow Lake of an elk. Recreation Area, and Lyman Lake State Park offer abundant opportunities to Exceptional waterfowl habitat has been spend time on or near the water. developed at Allen Severson Wildlife (Lyman Lake State Park has the Area. The city of Show Low, in coop- distinction of being the first eration with Apache-Sitgreaves Na- recreational state park in Arizona.) tional Forest and the Arizona Game Becker Lake, the oldest artificial lake in and Fish Department, became the first Arizona, is managed as a quality trout community in Arizona, and one of the fishery. As such, the lake has special first in the nation, to create artificial regulations including possession limits, wetlands using wastewater effluent. restricted methods of take, motor The 370-acre marsh serves the dual restrictions, and seasonal closures. The purpose of increasing waterfowl Arizona Game and Fish Department’s nesting habitat and providing waste- fish hatchery system stocks more than water disposal for the city. In addition 90 percent of the brook, brown, to wildlife observation, these viewing cutthroat, and rainbow trout in many areas also provide opportunities for lakes in the White Mountains. camping and hiking, with some trails Although the majority of fish in these leading to prehistoric ruins and petro- lakes are trout, other species such as glyphs. bass, crappie, northern pike, walleye, and catfish can also be caught. The Audubon Society has identified three Important Bird Areas (IBAs) Anglers have the unique opportunity to within the proposed National Heritage fish for Apache trout, a native species Area: Blackrock and Nutria Lakes, that is found nowhere else in the Anderson Mesa, and the Upper Little world. After many years of protection Colorado River Watershed. To be and recovery efforts, Apache trout identified as an IBA, a site must meet have been restored to much their objective, standardized, science-based historic range in the White Mountains. criteria. In addition to protecting vital Fishing is now allowed in designated avian habitat for species such as the state waters or on the Fort Apache endangered Southwestern Willow Reservation. This trout species, which Flycatcher, these sites are popular was once threatened with extinction, is destinations for bird watchers. IBAs now an important recreational and Signs at Becker Lake Wildlife can serve as the catalyst that brings economic asset to the state of Arizona. Area help visitors identify and appreciate the birds that fre- people together to protect birds and the quent the lake. diverse habitats they occupy. Accord- Fishing is a year around pursuit and ice ing to Frank Gill, Senior Ornithologist fishing has quickly gained popularity for the National Audubon Society, as a winter recreation activity in “IBAs have the unique power to unite Northern Arizona. To accommodate people, communities, and organiza- winter anglers, select roads remain tions in proactive bird conservation, open during the winter months one place at a time.” allowing access to reservoirs. In
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addition, some resorts and local hunting. With permission, hunting is merchants remain open for business allowed on private land and may also during the prime ice fishing months. be arranged on Indian Lands in Nelson Reservoir, a popular ice fishing agreement with the Tribal Game & Fish location, is easily accessible by road. Departments. Lakes without road access may be reached by snowmobile or, for the adventurous, with snowshoes. Winter Sports
McGaffey Lake Recreation Area, The variable elevation and climate of Ramah Lake, and Quemado Lake the Little Colorado River Valley Recreation area are popular trout provide recreational opportunities for fisheries stocked by the New Mexico all seasons—including winter. Higher Department of Game and Fish. elevations receive significant snowfall, McGaffey Lake, situated at an elevation which creates a winter sport haven for of 7,600 feet, is a scenic destination for skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, boating and fishing. Ramah Lake, also skijoring, and sledding. Numerous recognized for its spectacular scenery, cross-country skiing and snow play is surrounded by some of the most areas are available in both, the beautiful mesa country in New Mexico. Coconino and Apache-Sitgreaves Quemado Lake Recreation Area is a national forests. picturesque 130-acre lake bordered by piñon-juniper woodlands and pines. Additional opportunities for winter Two boat ramps, two universally recreation are available through private accessible fishing piers, eight enterprises. The Flagstaff Nordic campgrounds, and seven miles of Center features more than 40 hiking trails are among the amenities kilometers of groomed skate/classic ski available at Quemado Lake. trails. At Mormon Lake, the largest natural lake in Arizona, the ski touring center grooms over 30 kilometers of Hunting trails for novice, intermediate, and advanced skiers. At the Arizona The diverse habitat within the Little Snowbowl, one of the oldest Colorado River Valley supports continually run ski areas in the country, numerous large and small game skiers and snowboarders enjoy over species. Hunters can engage in the 2,300 feet of vertical drop on 32 scenic challenge of harvesting large game trails covering 777 acres. This is the animals such as elk, bear, mountain only ski slope where skiers and lion, mule deer, pronghorn, and even snowboarders can catch a glimpse of buffalo. Small game species include the North Rim of the Grand Canyon cottontail rabbits, tree squirrels, while hitting the slopes. mourning doves, and various waterfowl. Hunters use archery, firearms, muzzle loading rifles, and Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) Use trapping to harvest wildlife. Hunting is allowed on National Forest lands with Rapidly increasing numbers of appropriate licenses and permits. recreationists are using OHVs to access Raymond Ranch, Becker Lake, and Sipe and enjoy the outdoors. In 2004, OHV White Mountain wildlife viewing areas use accounted for between 11 and 12 provide additional opportunities for million visits to national grasslands
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Table 3.4. Recreational opportunities on public lands within the proposed Little Colorado River Valley National Heritage Area.
Camping Backpacking Interpretive trails Hiking Biking Horseback riding Wildlife viewing Boating Fishing Hunting Winter sports Off highway vehicle use Climbing Archaeological sites NATIONAL FORESTS Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Cibola National Forest Coconino National Forest NATIONAL PARKS & MONUMENTS El Morro National Monument Petrified Forest National Park Sunset Crater National Monument Walnut Canyon National Monument Wupatki National Monument STATE PARK LANDS Homolovi Ruins State Park Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Lyman Lake State Park Red Rock State Park ARIZONA GAME & FISH WILDLIFE AREAS Allen Severnson Wildlife Area Becker Lake Wildlife Area Jacques Marsh Wildlife Area Lamar Haines Memorial Wildlife Area Raymond Ranch Wildlife Area Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area Wenima Wildlife Area White Mountains Grassland Wildlife Area
and forests. OHVs, which include specifically for this group of outdoor motorized all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) enthusiasts. dirt bikes, and snowmobiles, are generally allowed on designated roads, The OHV trails in the White Mountains trails, and areas on federal lands. OHV near the town of Eagar are considered users are responsible for understanding by some to be the best high country the specific rules and regulations of the trails in Arizona. Saffel Canyon Trail lands on which they are recreating. offers spectacular views along the 25- Coconino National Forest manages mile round trip trail that passes Cinder Hills OHV Area near Flagstaff through piñon-juniper, ponderosa pine, Chapter 3: Heritage Themes and Related Resources [Theme 7: Outdoor Recreation] Page 161
and mixed conifer vegetation zones. recognized as the world’s first OHV use is not limited by the seasons. International Dark Sky City. After the snow falls, the Sunrise to Big Lake route is open for snowmobile use. The city of Flagstaff has a long This trail traverses mountains and association with astronomy and is meadows and passes through beautiful considered one of the premier deep coniferous forests. space research sites in the world. The area is home to Lowell Observatory, Braeside Observatory, U.S. Naval Climbing Observatory’s Flagstaff Station, and the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer. Several rock climbing and bouldering Lowell Observatory, known for the locations exist within the Little discovery of Pluto in 1930, holds Colorado River Valley. Jack’s Canyon regular astronomy programs (with camping and climbing area, about 30 indoor and outdoor viewing miles south of Winslow, is situated in a opportunities) for the public. picturesque isolated canyon with steep limestone/sandstone cliffs. Nearly 300 routes offer what some consider some Hot Air Ballooning of the best sport climbing in the United States. The Pit, located in a scenic The Red Rock Balloon Rally in Gallup, shallow canyon about 15 minutes from New Mexico takes place against the Flagstaff, is bordered by ponderosa magnificent and vibrant bluffs and pines. The Pit features about 100 routes canyons of Red Rock State Park. From a that range from 35 to 80 feet in length show of four balloons in 1981, and 5.9 through 5.13+ in difficulty. participation today is by invitation only Mentmore Rock climbing area near and limited to 200—and there is a Gallup has more than 50 bolted top waiting list. This makes the Rally the rope climbs and 31 sport climbs. These second-largest balloon festival in the climbs range in height from 25 to 45 world. Each year during the first feet and have difficulty levels ranging weekend of December, balloonists and from 5.0 to 5.13. their chase crews descend on Gallup. Thousands of spectators gather to watch and enjoy the mass ascensions, Astronomy and Star Gazing competitive events, evening balloon glows, Native American dances, and The spectacular dark night skies of the the holiday Christmas parade. Willing Little Colorado River Valley provide spectators can even become excellent opportunities for star gazing, participants by joining chase crews, making the region a desirable location and thereby possibly get a balloon ride for amateur astronomers. Efforts to out of the deal. But whatever role the maintain dark skies around Flagstaff, spectator takes, the blue sky, red rocks, the largest municipality within the and two hundred colorful balloons proposed Area, have been ongoing for create a photographic paradise. decades. In 1958, the Flagstaff City Council passed the world’s first lighting ordinance, signifying the start DISTINCTIVENESS OF THEME of the dark skies movement. 2008 marks the 50th anniversary of that The distinctiveness of the outdoor historic occasion. In 2001, Flagstaff was recreation theme is directly linked to
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the outstanding natural and scenic examples of local commitment to resources of the Little Colorado River providing outdoor recreation Valley. Because the relationship opportunities and open spaces. between landscapes and outdoor Outfitters, guides, and tour companies recreation are so intricately offer valuable services to both intertwined, the diversity of natural experienced and novice outdoor and scenic resources support a vast recreationists. Riding stables near array of recreational opportunities Greer, Pinetop-Lakeside, Show Low, during all seasons. Collectively, these and Flagstaff lead guided trail rides recreational resources provide through remarkable landscapes. Trail outstanding opportunities for guides share valuable information recreationists to seek and attain a wide about the natural and cultural history spectrum of desirable experiences and of the area, enhancing the outdoor benefits. Large tracts of public land recreation experience. Outfitter and allow individuals and groups easy guide services are a particularly access to these extraordinary valuable resource for visitors from recreational resources. areas outside the Little Colorado River Valley. Clearly, the Little Colorado River Valley includes a multitude of unique resources. Soaring peaks, immense lava RELATED RESOURCES LIST fields, colorful concentrations of petrified wood, native Apache trout, Adventure Gallup, Gallup: A non- the first international dark sky profit organization established to community, and an abundance of promote adventure tourism. archaeological sites contribute to the area’s rich natural and cultural history. American Cancer Society’s Annual These places hold significant value at Climb to Conquer Cancer, Flagstaff: both a local and national level. Both a fundraiser and an awareness According to Ibrahim and Cordes, “the raiser, thousands of people outdoors has special meaning, because participate in this annual seven-mile it is deeply imbedded in our history walk up Snowbowl Road on the and culture.“ For many, outdoor southwest side of the San Francisco recreation strengthens their affinity for Peaks. protecting those resources that create the context for meaningful experiences. Arizona ATV Outlaw Trail Jamboree, Eagar: A three-day event where beginning and experienced RELATED RESOURCES riders have the opportunity to choose from more than twenty guided trail In addition to the vast array of public rides. The event also includes an lands within the Little Colorado River ATV rodeo, a parade, and fireworks. Valley, local city and county parks contribute to the availability of outdoor Becker Lake Wildlife Area, recreation opportunities. Navajo Springerville: This 100-acre lace is County Park, McHood Park on the part of a more than 600-acre wildlife banks of Clear Creek Reservoir in area owned and managed by the Winslow, Hidden Cove Golf course in Arizona Game & Fish Department. It Holbrook, and Woodland Lake Park in features a walking trail, excellent Pinetop-Lakeside are excellent wildlife viewing, and trout fishing.
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Chain of Craters Backcountry travelers through incredible volcanic Byway, Cibola County: One landscape. terminus of this Bureau of Land Management designated Backcountry Continental Divide Trail: The Byway lies just inside the Little eastern boundary of the proposed Colorado River watershed and leads Little Colorado River Watershed is
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the natural geologic feature of the lectures, hikes, and hands-on Continental Divide. The Continental activities. Many nearby natural and Divide Trail was officially designated cultural attractions offer free by the Congressional Oversight admissions during the festival. Committee of the National Trails System in 1978. The trail occurs in a Gallup Trails 2010, Gallup: This is a corridor of up to 50 miles to one side vision and a plan to develop a or the other of the actual Continental comprehensive multi-use trail system Divide and El Morro National in and around the town of Gallup. Monument and Pie Town are Two mountain biking groups and a specifically mentioned as sites of running crew meet regularly to interest along the route. participate in biking and running activities. Escudilla National Recreation Trail, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest: Hart Prairie (Nature Conservancy A three-mile trail up Arizona’s third interpretive hikes): Free, guided tallest peak takes hikers through nature walks and hikes aid in aspen, spruce, and fir forests and peoples’ understanding and mountain meadows before opening appreciation of the geological and to stunning panoramic views of the ecological features of the San landscape. From the fire tower on top Francisco Peaks. of the mountain, people can see the dramatic changes in the land as it McHood Park and Clear Creek rises from dry desert through deep Canyon, Winslow: Boat launches in canyons to mountain peaks. On a McHood Park allow for easy access clear day, the San Francisco Peaks, to Clear Creek Canyon. The canyon is 200 miles to the northwest, are popular with canoers, boaters, visible. sunbathers, and those who like to climb, and dive from, its impressive Fischer Canyon, Flagstaff: Fischer rock walls. The canyon also has a few Canyon is an easily accessible and petroglyph sites visible from the popular place for hiking as well as water. bouldering and climbing. Northern Arizona Audubon Society, Flagstaff Biking Organization: A Flagstaff: Members lead regular bird local nonprofit dedicated to walks at The Arboretum at Flagstaff increasing the use of bicycles for and other locations. recreation and transportation. The group sponsors bike safety classes, an Northern Arizona Trail Runners annual Bike to Work Week, special Association, Flagstaff: An bike day-trips for kids, weekly road organization that promotes of-road rides, has a trained trail crew that running on forest trails and sponsors assists the Forest Service with trail other running events for people of all maintenance, and is involved in abilities. many other bicycle-related endeavors. Northern Arizona University (NAU) hiking club, Flagstaff: A free, Flagstaff Festival of Science, student organization that seeks to Flagstaff: Brings together multiple bring students together to experience resources to organize fascinating the outdoors.
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Red Rock Balloon Rally: New every August since 1975 and Mexico is famous for its great hot air provides a picturesque backdrop to ballooning climate, and Gallup is no the Red Rock Balloon Rally every exception. Since 1981, the city has December. hosted the Red Rock Balloon Rally which features 200 balloons by Woodland Wild Country Expo, invitation only and Native American Pinetop-Lakeside: Fly fishing arts and crafts as prizes for the demonstrations, star gazing, and various competitions. information about hiking in the White Mountains. Red Rock State Park, Gallup: Known for its stunning sandstone Winterfest Flagstaff, Flagstaff: An cliffs, canyons, and buttes, Red Rock annual event for more than 20 years, State Park is a hiker’s and a mountain the festival features nearly 100 events biker’s paradise. It has also hosted including ski competitions, sled dog the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial races, and other winter activities.
PRIMARY REFERENCES
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest 2008
Arizona Game and Fish Department 2008
Arizona Office of Tourism, Map 2003 Arizona Grand Canyon State Recreation and Historic Sites: Campgrounds and Facilities on State, Federal, and Tribal Lands.
Arizona Snowbowl 2008
Arizona Trail 2008
Audubon. Important Bird Area (IBA)
Benchmark Maps 1999 New Mexico Road and Recreation Atlas.
2004 Arizona Road and Recreation Atlas.
Cibola National Forest 2008
Coconino National Forest 2008
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Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition 2008
Ibrahim, H., and K. A. Cordes 1993 Outdoor Recreation. Wm. C. Brown Communications, Dubuque, Iowa.
Outdoor Industry Foundation 2006 The Active Outdoor Recreation Economy.
Pigram, J. J., and J. M. Jenkins 1999 Outdoor Recreation Management. Routledge, New York.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau. 2006 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview.
Wilderness Act of 1964
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