Apache County, Arizona
Located in the northeastern corner of Arizona, home to significant portions of the Navajo Nation and Apache National Forest.
Apache County is Arizona's third largest county by area, covering 11,218 square miles in the northeastern corner of the state. Established in 1879, the county was named after the Apache Native American tribe. The county is characterized by its diverse landscape, which includes portions of the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Reservation, and the Apache National Forest.
The county seat is St. Johns, a small town with rich history dating back to 1873. Apache County is home to significant natural attractions including Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Petrified Forest National Park, and parts of the Painted Desert. The eastern border of the county follows the New Mexico state line, while the northern border touches Utah.
County Information
Demographics & Economy
Photos
Major Attractions
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
One of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes in North America, Canyon de Chelly offers remarkable vistas of sheer red cliffs and ancient ruins built by early indigenous peoples of Arizona. The monument is entirely owned by the Navajo Tribal Trust and is jointly managed by the National Park Service and the Navajo Nation.
Location: Near Chinle, AZ
Features: Spider Rock, White House Ruins, canyon views
Petrified Forest National Park
Partially located in Apache County, this park features one of the world's largest concentrations of petrified wood, along with colorful badlands of the Painted Desert. The area was designated as a national monument in 1906 and became a national park in 1962.
Location: Eastern border of Apache County
Features: Petrified logs, Painted Desert, archaeological sites
Navajo Nation
A significant portion of the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the United States, is located within Apache County. The reservation spans over 27,000 square miles across northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and southeastern Utah.
Features: Window Rock (tribal capital), Hubbell Trading Post, traditional arts and culture
Lyman Lake State Park
A 1,500-acre park centered around a reservoir on the Little Colorado River. Lyman Lake is one of the few bodies of water in northeastern Arizona with no size restrictions on boats, making it a popular destination for water recreation.
Location: Near St. Johns, AZ
Activities: Boating, fishing, camping, hiking, swimming
Frequently Asked Questions
Apache County is known for its significant Native American presence, particularly the Navajo Nation and portions of the Hopi Reservation. The county is home to notable natural attractions including Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Petrified Forest National Park, and parts of the Painted Desert. Its diverse landscape ranges from high desert to pine forests, and it contains some of the most culturally and historically significant sites in Arizona.
Apache County can be accessed via several major highways:
- Interstate 40 runs east-west through the southern portion of the county
- US Highway 191 runs north-south through much of the county
- State Route 61 connects eastern Arizona communities
The nearest major airports are:
- Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (approximately 2 hours from St. Johns)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (approximately 3.5 hours from St. Johns)
- Albuquerque International Sunport (approximately 3 hours from Window Rock)
The best time to visit Apache County is during late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) when temperatures are moderate and precipitation is generally low. Summer can bring monsoon storms but also showcases the landscape at its most vibrant. Winter visitors can experience snow in the higher elevations, particularly in the Apache National Forest, but some rural roads may be difficult to navigate.
Many cultural events and traditional ceremonies take place throughout the year in the Navajo Nation, offering unique opportunities to experience Native American culture.
Some attractions in Apache County require permits or entrance fees:
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument: No entrance fee for the rim drives and overlooks, but guided tours with authorized Navajo guides are required to enter the canyon floor (except for the White House Trail)
- Petrified Forest National Park: Standard National Park entrance fees apply
- Navajo Nation attractions: Many sites require permits and/or Navajo guides. As of 2022, recreational permits for hiking, camping, and photography are required for non-Navajo visitors to many areas within the Navajo Nation
- Lyman Lake State Park: Standard state park entrance fees apply
Always check with the relevant managing authority before visiting, as permit requirements may change.
Major Communities
St. Johns
County seat, population ~3,500, established in 1873
Chinle
Gateway to Canyon de Chelly, population ~4,500
Window Rock
Capital of the Navajo Nation, population ~2,700
Springerville
Historic town, population ~2,000, gateway to White Mountains
Eagar
White Mountain community, population ~4,900
Fort Defiance
Historic military post, now a Navajo community, population ~3,600