Four Seasons of Wonder...
highlight the quality of life that is experienced in
the Town of Eagar. From skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobile rides, to
camping, hunting, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and mountain biking—nowhere
can you experience cleaner air and cool summer breezes.
A Rich History
In the late 1800’s the Eagar family homesteaded this part of northeastern
Arizona among the tall ponderosa pines. Central to several small homesteads, the
town was formed under the name "Union" as a symbol of the unity among
the small settlements in the area. Incorporated in 1948, the town changed
its name back to Eagar in honor of the original homesteaders. Along with its
neighbor Springerville, the two communities are collectively known as Round
Valley.
At an elevation of 7,000 feet, Eagar lies at the crossroads of several major
thoroughfares in northeastern Arizona. Today, natural resources are still a part
of the community’s industries. Two power plants and the timber-related
industry form a substantial portion of the town’s employment base, while
ranching, retail, and industries in support of the popular tourist trade help to
diversify the town’s economy.
And it’s no wonder that tourism is a large part of Eagar: with over 2
million acres in the adjoining Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, numerous lakes
and miles of pristine trout streams, tourists from Arizona and New Mexico flock
to Eagar each year. Combined with winter skiing, sledding, and sight-seeing,
it’s no wonder why Eagar has become a popular tourist destination.
Eagar, like all of Southern Apache County, is a designated Enterprise Zone,
which can mean substantial tax savings for businesses expanding or relocating in
the region.
The Town of Eagar is located in the northeastern portion of Arizona,
approximately 18 miles west of the Arizona-New Mexico border, at an
elevation of 7,000 feet. St. Johns is accessed from the north via
Interstate 40 (approximately 80 miles) or from the south through our
neighbor Springerville (approximately 2 miles). Eagar is approximately 4
hours from Phoenix through the tall pines and majestic view of the
Mogollon Rim, or 4 hours from Flagstaff through the scenic southwestern
scenery of the Painted Desert and Navajo Nation.
From Phoenix...
Many visitors to Eagar prefer the scenic view through Payson,
enjoying the largest stand of Ponderosa Pine in the world. Starting from
Phoenix along State Route 87 to Payson, take State Route 260 along the
Mogollon Rim to Show Low. Continue heading east along U.S. 60 to
Springerville, then turn south along State Route 81 to Eagar. An
alternative route from Phoenix takes visitors through the communities of
Globe and Miami, (the Cobre, or copper valley) where the heart of
Arizona's rich copper mining began.
From Flagstaff...
Heading east along Interstate 40, you'll pass through the communities
of Winslow and Holbrook, famous for their proximity to popular attractions
such as Meteor Crater, the Petrified Forest, and the Painted Desert. Turn south
at Holbrook, and then follow State Route 180 into Eagar, a little more
than an hour's drive away.
From New Mexico...
Heading west along Interstate 40, you'll cross the border between
Arizona and New Mexico, and turn south on State Route 666 at Sanders, and Eagar is a pleasant 1.5
hour drive through St. Johns, along the high desert of Northeastern
Arizona.
Interested in moving your family or company to our community? You'll
find abundant opportunities and a small town atmosphere to grow a business
or a home. Click here to visit
the Economic Development Corporation for Apache County, our non-profit
economic development arm for more information!
Quick facts about the
Town of Eagar:
Founded 1888 - Incorporated 1948
Elevation: 7,090
ft.
Location: East
central Arizona on the northeast slopes of the White Mountains, 15 miles west of the New Mexico state border, 220 miles East of
Phoenix off U.S. Highway 60.
Population: 4,535
(2006 Census Figures)--4,265 (2004 DES Estimated Population)
County: Apache
Education: (1)
Primary School, (1) Elementary School, (1) Middle School, (1) High School, (3)
Charter Schools
Top Industries:
Forest Products,
Agriculture, livestock, tourism and recreation
Major Employers:
Salt River Project, Tucson Electric Power, USDA Forest Service, Round Valley
Unified School District
Area Key Attractions:
Apache-Sitgreaves
National Forest
Big Lake, Crescent Lake,
Greer Lakes, Nelson Reservoir, Lyman Lake, Sunrise Lake, Luna Lake
Casa Malpais Ruins
Sunrise Ski Resort
Recreation:
Activities include
hunting, fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing, camping, backpacking,
horseback riding, sightseeing, snowmobiling, ATV trails, down hill and
cross-country snow skiing, historical site tours
Signature Events:
4th of July Celebration
and Rodeo
Eagar Daze
ATV Outlaw Trail
Jamboree
Christmas Electric Light
Parade
Nestled
at the base of the White Mountains in northeastern Arizona, the Town of Eagar
serves as a central point to the region's recreational opportunities. Whether
it's the winter skiing, fall colors, warm spring weather, or cool summer
nights, Eagar is a natural choice for tourists. A low crime rate, small town
atmosphere, easy access to major transportation hubs, and an affordable
quality of life make Eagar a popular choice for small business expansion or
relocation.
