Visitors to Alpine are greeted by a captivating view of a small high country community set in the lush plains of the San Francisco River headwater.  Surrounding Alpine are spectacular and sweeping slopes of mountains covered with vast stands of pine, fir, and aspen.  

        Alpine, which was settled in the late 1870's, was originally known as Bush Valley.  Today, the "Swiss-like" setting of Alpine continues to enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.

 

The Apache and Sitgreaves National Forests are administered as one National Forest from the Supervisor's office in nearby Springerville.  The forests encompass two million acres of magnificent country located along the Mogollon Rim and in the White Mountains of east-central Arizona.  

        Within 20 miles of Alpine are 6 mountain lakes and over 100 miles of running streams to occupy the most avid fisherman.  Two of Arizona's most productive hunting units are nearby.

        A short 12 miles from Alpine is The Escudilla Wilderness containing 5200 acres atop Arizona's third highest peak, Escudilla Mountain at 10,912 feet.  Large stands of aspen, both inside the wilderness area and on other areas of the mountain, make this a fabulous place to visit in the fall when the leaves change to gold.

Alpine
Alpine is surrounded by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near the headwaters of the San Francisco River. Hunting, fishing, lakes, streams and camping are a few of the areas attractions. The community's high meadows are surrounded by majestic peaks, including Escudilla Mountain (10,877 ft.) which is covered with tall pines and aspen. Alpine is at an elevation of 8,050 feet, just 6 miles from the New Mexico border.

The area, also know as Bush Valley, was settled in 1876 by Anderson Bush, owner of a log house know as Fort Bush. In 1880, Mormon settlers built a log house fort about a mile southeast of Alpine. At the junction of U.S. Highways 191 and 180, the unincorporated community is 28 miles south of Springerville on state Highway 191 and 110 miles south of Interstate 40.

The Apache-Sitgreaves Forest contains wilderness and primitive areas. Within a 30-mile radius there are more than 200 miles of trout streams and 11 lakes. In addition to the excellent fishing, camping, hiking, and horseback riding opportunities, big game abounds. Deer, elk, mountain lion, and bear, as well as turkey, javelina, and smaller game are attractions for hunters, trappers, and photographers. Licensed guides are available.

Developed campsites at Luna Lake and the Alpine Divide are attractive and well-spaced. Additional campgrounds are found on the Black River (elevation 8,000 ft.) and Blue River (elevation 6,000 ft.). Luna Lake is also a wildlife refuge where bald and golden eagles, as well as swans and geese, are often seen. An Audubon refuge is at the Luce Ranch on the Blue River. Rock-hunters can enjoy finding Luna agate, fire agate, and quartz crystals. A herbarium that helps people identify the hundreds of wildflowers which bloom during the spring and summer is available at the Forest Service Ranger Station in Alpine.

Local annual events include dog-sled races in January, a rodeo, parade and dance in June and weekly van tours and campground programs during the summer.


Alpine is in Eastern Arizona. It is in Apache County. Alpine is surrounded by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and is near the headwaters of the San Francisco River. The town is located on U.S. Highway 180 and U.S. Highway 191. It is midway between Arizona’s northern and southern borders and is just six miles from the New Mexico border.

Alpine is a quaint village with western hospitality. It is sometimes called the “Alps” of Arizona. As a matter of fact, it is the highest town in the state. Alpine began as a group of log cabins and has grown into a small vacation town. Today Alpine’s population is 560. The town sits at an elevation of 8,050 feet. The climate is cool all year round with a winter low temperature of 17 degrees and a summer high temperature of 90 degrees. Vacationers and retirees are attracted to Alpine’s cool summers and year round recreational activities.

There is one attraction in town that will be a real hit with golfers. The Alpine Country Club offers 18 holes of golf set amongst the pines. The club offers a driving range, practice green and restaurant. It is true. Golfers are playing at one of the highest courses in the country.
An outdoor attraction that is popular with birders is Luna Lake. Luna Lake Wildlife Area is a wildlife refuge. Bald and golden eagles have been spotted here. Swans and geese do frequent the lake. You will want to take the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway that begins just north of Alpine in Springerville. The Coronado Trail Scenic Byway travels between the towns of Springerville and Morenci, along U.S. Highway 180 or 191. Francisco Vasques de Coronado first used the trail in 1540, during his search for the Seven Cities of Cibola. The drive passes by gorgeous landscapes and through dangerous switchbacks

Events:
Dog Sled Races January

History:
In 1876, Anderson Bush was the first settler in the area. He built a series of low roofed log cabins and placed them in a circle. The walls of the cabins had portholes. These portholes were used for firing guns at attacking Indians. The settlement was known as Fort Bush. The fort was eventually torn down in 1884, but a Fort Bush Monument was established in 1953 to honor the early pioneers.

Then in 1879, Mormon settlers came to this area to build a community. They bought the land claims from Bush. The leader of the Mormon group was Fred Hamblin. Hamblin was the brother of the famous missionary and scout, Jacob Hamblin. The settlers named the town Frisco, in honor of the nearby San Francisco River. Eventually, the name was changed to Alpine because the White Mountains surrounding the town resembled the Alps.