San Carlos
Fort Apache
Located in central Arizona, the town of San Carlos sits on the border of the San Carlos Indian Reservation and the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. While this tiny town may be off the beaten path, any person enthusiastic about the great outdoors will marvel at the bevy of options when it comes to enjoying the Arizona sunshine. Be it rafting, fishing, hiking, hunting or exploring Arizona’s Salt River Canyon (Arizona’s other canyon as locals refer to it), any time is right to explore the beautiful countryside in and around San Carlos. Get area deals from lodging to activities to restaurants and more.
Once home to the legendary Geronimo, San Carlos is rich in American Indian history. Created by President Grant in 1871, The San Carlos Indian Reservation originally was home to various bands of Apache, Mohave and Yuma Indians. As the years passed, a separate reservation, the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, was created for the Mohave and Yuma tribes, which left the San Carlos Reservation for the Apaches. With so many interests at stake and a diverse American Indian population, the area plays host to the San Carlos Apache Cultural Center where visitors are treated to a one of a kind glimpse into the past of America’s native peoples.
These days, San Carlos offers a wide array of outdoor activities for the ambitious vacationer. San Carlos Lake, which boasts over 158 miles of shoreline, and its various tributaries provide some of the best fishing in Arizona. Anglers need look no further for a unique fishing opportunity as San Carlos Lake is home to the Apache Trout, a species found nowhere else on the planet. With a lake as vast as this, one could easily spend a week fishing and never hit the same spot twice, and that’s just from the water’s edge.
Visitors looking for a more explosive adventure like white water rafting can spend their time navigating both blue and white water stretches of the Salt River. Local companies on the San Carlos and Fort Apache sides are always happy to provide assistance to vacationers in search of water sports. Guided tours through the canyon are available and come highly recommended as the churning waters often prove to be too much for the inexperienced.
For those travelers seeking their fortunes, the San Carlos area is the home of the Apache Gold Casino as well as Hon-Dah Resort Casino. These full service resorts offer guests a chance at glory on the tables. Games include blackjack, keno, video poker, slot machines and more. Be sure to enjoy any of the exclusive restaurants at either casino whether you’re looking to blow your bankroll on a great meal or lick your wounds while having a few drinks. The Apache Gold Casino is also home to the Apache Stronghold Golf Course where you can chase the white ball before you tango with lady luck.
Getting to San Carlos or Fort Apache is as easy as getting to Phoenix, which lies just to the southwest of the twin reservations. Rent a car in the city and enjoy the beautiful desert scenery as you make your way to San Carlos.
If you’re considering a trip to San Carlos or Fort Apache, you need look no further for exclusive deals on lodging, food and other area activities. Planning a trip that includes rafting, fishing, gambling and golfing is easier than you would think and can be yours for a price that’s sure to please. Roll the dice on either beautiful San Carlos or Fort Apache and it’s guaranteed you won’t come up snake eyes.
