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St. Johns is at the center of the "Signature" sou
thwestern
experiences. From the Native American experience in the nearby Hopi and Navajo
nations, to the prehistoric experience of the Petrified Forest and nearby
petroglyphs, you'll find a variety of tourist attractions that await you and
your family.
Within an hour's drive, you can be skiing in the powder of the White Mountains, boating at Lyman camping and hiking in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, or fishing one of many cool mountain streams.
Getting to St. Johns
The City of St. Johns is located in the northeastern portion of Arizona,
approximately 18 miles west of the Arizona-New Mexico border, at an elevation of
5,730 feet. St. Johns is accessed from the north
via Interstate 40
(approximately 50 miles) or from the south through our neighbor Springerville
(approximately 29 miles). St. Johns is approximately 4 hours from Phoenix
through the tall pines and majestic view of the Mogollon Rim, or 2.5 hours from
Flagstaff through the scenic southwestern scenery of the Painted Desert and
Navajo Nation.
From Phoenix...(approximately 3.5 hour's drive)
Many visitors to St. Johns enjoy the scenic view through the Payson, located in 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 north along State Route 81 to St. Johns. 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. Visitors also enjoy the scenic route through Snowflake, with it's many historic homes.
From
Flagstaff...(approximately 2.5 hour's drive)
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. Turning south on State Route 191 at Sanders, St. Johns is a pleasant 1 hour drive through the high desert of Northeastern Arizona.
City Attractions
City Park
The St. Johns City
Park is a point of pride for the community. Located at the center of town,
the carefully manicured grassy knolls are a favorite among residents to
gather in the cool shade of the numerous trees that populate the park. The
park has picnic tables, restrooms, barbeque pits, playground equipment, and
a ramada area for large groups. Included in the park is the swimming
pool, horseshoe pits, and sports courts for volleyball, tennis,
racquetball, and basketball. Throughout the year, the Park is home
to a variety of events, such as Pancake Breakfasts, Bar-B-Ques, footraces,
and patriotic programs.
The centralized location of the park and it's well groomed facilities make the City Park an ideal location for large gatherings, families to play together, or a quiet picnic lunch in the cool shade.
Swimming Pool
The swimming pool, located in the City Park, is open during the
summer months (late May through late August) to all residents and visitors.
Handicap accessible, the pools is open for daily use or special rentals. Swimming lessons and other classes are
offered during the summer. On the Fourth of July, the swimming pool is open
for free admission. Click here for a detailed
listing of pool hours and rates.
Equestrian Center
The St. Johns Equestrian Center is rapidly becoming one of the premier equestrian centers of the Southwest. The center is centrally located for horses and riders from Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, and southern California. St. Johns provides excellent footing, rolling countryside and a variety of facilities and equipment. The area is perfect for equestrian competition. Click here for more information.
Little League Park
Located adjacent to the airport, the Longie Ballegos Little League Park is maintained by the City, and is available for use by the public at no charge. Named after one of the founders of Little League in St. Johns, tournaments with teams from the region are held each year. For profit tournaments will be assessed a nominal use fee, typically in the range of $50/day, including use of the lights. The Park is open year round.
RV Park
38 sites with water/electric/sewer hookup. Operated by the City, the shower and restroom facilities are open year round.
City Fairground Building
Recently completed, this 150x150 building evaporated cooled and heated building is available year round for exhibits, swap meets, trade shows, dances, local 4H Club. The building is available for rent for special events.
Southern Apache County Historical Museum
The Southern Apache County Historical Museum preserves the artifacts of the early pioneers that settled in the region. The museum features interpretive displays and original pieces that help to capture the lifestyle of the original families that came to carve a lifestyle here in the 1800’s.
Nearby Attractions
Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert
Less than an
hours' drive north of St. Johns is the internationally famous Petrified
Forest National Park, the largest park where visitors can walk among giant
fallen petrified wood. The Painted Desert, adjacent to the Petrified Forest,
comes alive with a brilliant palette of desert colors for a sunrise or
sunset that you won't want to miss!
Meteor Crater
50,000 years ago, with an explosive force greater than 20 million tons of TNT, a meteorite estimated to be about 150 feet across, slammed into the earth just a half-day's drive from Southern Apache County. Accessible via Interstate 40, the crater is 550 feet deep, 2.4 miles in circumference, and is open to the public. The Museum of Astrogeology, interpretive displays, guided rim trail hike, gift shop, and snack bar are found in the Visitor's Center.
Navajo Nation and Hopi Villages
Within a half-day's
drive from St. Johns, visitors can tour the scenery of the Navajo Nation,
famous for the "signature" southwestern scenery of Canyon de
Chelle and Monument Valley. Monument Valley was a favorite location for
western movie producers such as John Ford, who filmed many of his classics
against the breathtaking backdrop of Monument Valley. Because of it's unique
formations, Monument Valley is still used today in both film and television
commercials, and is a favorite stopping point for European visitors wishing
to experience the native southwest.
In this region,
you'll also find the Hopi Villages, where artisans and craftsman display
jewelry and the world famous Kachina dolls. On occasion, visitors may be
allowed as spectators to certain religious dance ceremonies.
Lyman Lake State Park
Located just
minutes from St. Johns and Springerville, this 1,180-acre park encompasses
the shoreline of the man-made reservoir. As one of the largest lakes in
northeastern Arizona, there are no size restrictions on boats, thus allowing
for speed boats and water skiing. The park features improved campgrounds and
hookups, and its group ramadas are popular locations for local residents.
Paved boat ramps, restrooms, showers, and a small herd of buffalo that
reside in the park make the park a unique destination for residents and
visitors. Special interpretive programs, tournaments, and fireworks are
available throughout the summer months.
Sunrise Ski Resort
65 runs over
three mountains, separate snowboarding area, cross country ski trails, and a
special children's area make this resort one of the most popular in the
southwest. Owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, the high
speed quad chairlifts, with a capacity in excess of 16,000 skiers per hour,
are also open during the spring months for scenic viewing.
Big Lake Recreation Area/Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
An integral
part of the communities is the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, home to
one of the largest Ponderosa Pine stands in the world. The 2-million acre
forest is home to more than 410 species of wildlife. Each year, the 35
lakes, 680 miles of streams, 36 campgrounds, and over 950 miles of trails
are visited over 5 million times. The Big Lake Recreation Area is home to
one of the largest newly developed recreation facilities, featuring improved
campgrounds, hookups, and shower facilities. During the winter months, the
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is also home to one of the largest winter
recreation areas in the southwest, where cross-country skiing trails,
snowmobile rentals, and sledding areas are open to the public.
Casa Malpais Ruins
Overlooking the
Town of Springerville, just 30 minutes south of St. Johns, the 17-acre ruins
were occupied in the 13th century, and have been carefully preserved.
Unusual features such as the Great Kiva, a catacomb burial area, stairways,
astronomically aligned shrines, and petroglyphs provide visitors with a
distinct view into the regions ancient past. Considered as one of the finest
archeological parks in the southwest, a museum and gift shop displaying
artifacts from the time period welcomes visitors in Springerville. Guided
tours are also available.
Raven Site Ruins and Petroglyphs
Home to the Anasazi and Mogollon people, the prehistoric pueblo lies between the communities of St. Johns and Springerville, less than a half hour's drive from either community. Guided tours of the ruins are available, and hiking paths include both petroglyph and ethnobotany trails. Open from May through September, Raven Site also includes "hand-on" excavation, and day programs for adults and children.
Snowflake Historic Home tours
During the summer months, newly restored Pioneer homes in nearby Snowflake, a half-hours' drive from St. Johns, are open for public tours. Many of the homes have been restored to their original condition, and are complete with artifacts and period furniture depicting the lifestyle of the original Mormon settlers.
Concho Valley Golf Course
Pick up 18 holes
of golf in the high desert surrounding St. Johns, just a few minutes
southwest of the community, open to the public.
Trail of Many Tracks Automobile Tour
A strong sense of appreciation and preservation for historical ancestry is evident in this area of the White Mountains. The "Trail of Many Tracks" is an historical driving tour that highlights the prehistorical and historical aspects of the Little Colorado River Plateau and White Mountains of east-central Arizona, in an effort to promote heritage-based tourism.
Events
St. Johns is home to a variety of events year-round. From parades to Formula-One racing, you'll find a wealth of special events in St. Johns!
Click here for more information.
Accommodations in St. Johns
Days Inn
39 rooms, air conditioned
P.O. Box 431
St. Johns, Arizona 85936
(928) 337-4422
Budget Inn
31 rooms, mostly queen size beds
75 East Commercial Street
St. Johns, Arizona 85936
(928) 337-2990
Please contact the individual properties for rates, availability, and amenities.
For Additional Information
City of St. Johns
(928) 337-4517
St. Johns Regional Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 929
St. Johns AZ 85936
(928)337-2000