The reservation was first established in 1871 by President Grant. For a time, the reservation housed many bands of Apache, Mohave, and Yuma Indians who were relocated from their homelands. Later, separate reservations were created for the Mohave and Yuma Indians leaving San Carlos for the Apache who are descendants of the Athabascan family which migrated to the Southwest in the 10th century.

The San Carlos Reservation is a scenic adventure - the area is blessed with a wide variety of geological, historical, and recreational activities. Salt River Canyon, Arizona's "Other Canyon" separates the reservation from its neighbor, Fort Apache Reservation. The canyon provides a scenic drive on steep mountain terrain and offers pull-outs for viewing the canyon and river below. At the bottom of the canyon, viewing areas overlook the swift moving white water areas of Salt River.

San Carlos Lake, formed by Coolidge Dam, has 158 miles of shoreline and is a fisherman's delight. Fishing is excellent at this and other waterways on the reservation.

The reservation is home to Apache Gold Casino, the San Carlos Apache Cultural Center and is easily accessible from all Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.

On many summer weekends ceremonies take place and visitors are allowed to view portions of Crown Dances or Sunrise Rituals.

Major events held:

All Indian Rodeo/Fair (November)
Spring Roundup Rodeo

The tribe is noted for basketry, beadwork and peridot jewelry. Peridot is mined by the Apaches and jojoba bean oil is manufactured by the reservation.

For more information on the tribe, contact:

San Carlos Apache Tribe
P.O. Box O
San Carlos Arizona 85550
520-475-2331