Kokopelli's Kitchen
Flavors of the SouthwestArizona's Public Lands
Agua Fria National Monument (Phoenix)
This 71,100-acre monument is located 40 miles north of Phoenix. It contains one of the most significant systems of prehistoric sites in the American Southwest. At least 450 prehistoric sites and four major settlement areas are known to exist within the monument. This area contains two mesas - Perry and Black Mesa - and the Agua Fria River Canyon.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest (East-Central Arizona)
Covers over 2 million acres in east-central Arizona. Noted for its high elevations (9100 feet at some camping areas) and its 24 lakes and 450 miles of streams. Named for Capt. Lorenzo Sitgreaves, who conducted an expedition across the state in the early 1850’s and the Apache Indians.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument (Chinle)
Tucked into the Navajo Reservation, this beautiful canyon sustained humans for over two thousand years. Dramatic cliff dwellings were built by the Anasazi Indians. The canyon cliffs contain spectacular Anasazi and Navajo petroglyphs and pictographs.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument (Coolidge)
A four-story Hohokam structure or "big house". Might have been built as an ancient astronomical observatory.
Chirlcahua National Monument (Willcox)
This monument is a mecca for hikers and bikers. "The Wonderland of Rocks" started as an immense volcanic eruption some 27 million years ago. The lava flow has eroded over the years until thousands of pinnacles and rocks crowd canyons and mountain slopes. These mountains were the home of the Apaches, the most famous of whom was Geronimo.
Coconino National Forest (Northern Arizona/Flagstaff)
Covering 1.8 million acres, Coconino is part of the world’s largest contiguous stand of ponderosa pines. One of the most diverse forests, its terrain ranges from Sedona’s red rocks to Arizona’s biggest ski hill. Coconino borders four other forests: Apache-Sitgreaves National, Kaibab National, Prescott National and Tonto National.
Coronado National Forest (Southeastern Arizona)
Covers 1.8 million acres in southeast Arizona and 69,000 acres in southwest New Mexico. In the middle of the Sonoran Desert, Coronado’s elevations range up to nearly 11,000 feet.
Coronado National Monument (Hereford)
Honors the first organized expedition into the Southwest by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in 1540-1542 during which he searched for the Seven Cities of Gold.
Fort Bowie National Historic Site (Bowie)
Ft. Bowie was established in 1862 and named for commanding officer Col. George Washington Bowie. It was the military nerve center for the army against the Chirlcahua Apache Indians in the Apache Wars. The battle ended in 1886, with the surrender of Apache leader Geronimo.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Page)
Established in 1958, this area surrounds Lake Powell and expands 186 miles along the old Coronado River channel behind Glen Canyon Dam. This huge dam killed much of Glen Canyon and some say that provoked the modern environmental movement.
Grand Canyon National Park (Northern Arizona)
The park, which covers 1.2 million acres in northwestern Arizona, is a World Heritage Site. Within the park lies the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, largely created by Colorado River erosion and flash floods over thousands of years. Close to five million people visit the park a year.
Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site (Ganado)
Oldest continuously operating trading post on the Navajo Reservation.
Ironwood Forest National Monument (Tucson)
This 129,000 acre national monument contains a significant system of cultural and historical sites covering a 5000 year period. Boasts one of the most populous regions of Ironwood trees in the Sonoran Desert.
Kaibab National Forest (North-Central Arizona)
Covering 1.6 million acres, Kaibab is split into two sections – northern and southern- by the Grand Canyon. One of its habitants – the Kaibab Squirrel – is only found within the Grand Canyon National Park and the northern section of the forest.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Northwestern Arizona)
Big lake and 1.5 million acres of wilderness in northwestern Arizona and southern Nevada. The centerpieces are its two large reservoirs: Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. Three of America's four desert ecosystems - the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin Desert and the Sonoran Desert - meet in Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Montezuma Castle National Monument (Camp Verde)
The five-story, 20-room cliff dwellings were built and used by the Sinagua Indians around 1400 AD. They once housed about 50 people. A natural overhang shades the rooms and shelters them from rain. One of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America.
Navajo National Monument (Black Mesa)
The magnificent Anasazi (or Ancestral Puebloan) cliff dwellings, Betatakin and Keet Seel, are two of Arizona's largest ruins. Both dwellings were built in the 1260's and 1270's.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (Ajo)
The monument covers more than 330,000 acres, most wilderness. A vast assortment of Sonoran Desert Cacti and other plants abound, such as monster organ pipe cactus, saguaros and elephant trees. Six varieties call it home.
Petrified Forest National Park (Northeastern Arizona)
The park features one of the world's largest and most colorful collections of petrified wood. The world-renownedPainted Desert lies within the park.
Pipe Spring National Monument (Fredonia)
Pipe Springs is rich with American Indian, early explorer and Mormon pioneer history. This oasis with four springs was home to Mormons who settled there and began a ranching operation. Also the location of the first telegraph station in Arizona.
Prescott National Forest (North-Central Arizona/Prescott)
Covering 1.25 million acres in central Arizona, Prescott includes eight wilderness areas including the Granite Mountain Wilderness. It borders three other national forests – Coconino, Kaibab and Tonto.
Saguaro National Park (Tucson)
This park covers 91,450 acres, and consists of two districts: Tucson Mountains (Saguaro West) and Rincon Mountains (Saguaro East). The areas are separated by the city of Tucson, and are about 30 miles apart. The park was established as Saguaro National Monument in 1933 and changed to a national park status in 1994. The park abounds with hiking trails and scenic drives. The park's 7 Biotic Communities, determined primarily by elevation and vegetation, are home to over 1,200 plant, 73 mammal and 200 bird species. Such abundance makes this corner of the Sonoran Desert our nation's most biologically wealthy desert region. But the park's most prominent feature are theSaguaro cactus, which grow nowhere in the world except the Sonoran Desert.
Sonoran Desert National Monument (Phoenix)
In 2001, a portion of the Sonoran Desert achieved National Monument status. The monument contains more than 496,000 acres of diverse Sonoran Desert landscape. It also contains three mountain ranges (the Maricopa, Sand Tank and Table Top Mountains) as well as the Booth and White Hills.
Sunset Crater National Monument (Flagstaff)
Sunset Crater is the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau. The volcano blew up in 1065 and covered the region with black cinders.
Tonto National Forest (Phoenix and central Arizona)
Covering 2.8 million acres, north of Phoenix, Tonto is the largest of the six national forests in Arizona and the fifth largest forest in the nation. Temperatures are always cooler than those of Phoenix. Its recreational activities make it one of the most visited forests in the U.S. The forest has diverse scenery, with elevations ranging from 1400 feet in the Sonoran Desert to 7400 feet in the ponderosa pine forests of the Mogollon Rim.
Tonto National Monument (Roosevelt)
These well-preserved cliff dwellings were occupied by the Salado culture during the 13th, 14th and early 15th centuries. The people farmed in the Salt River Valley and supplemented their diet by hunting and gathering native wildlife and plants.
Tumacacori National Historic Park (Tumacacori)
Site of two of the oldest Spanish colonial missions in Arizona - San Jose de Tumacacori and Los Santos Angeles de Guevavi; both established in 1691. Also home to the San Cayetano de Calabazas mission established in 1756.
Tuzigoot National Monument (Clarkdale)
The 1000-year-old pueblo built by the Sinagua sits high on a desert hilltop. Once, the pueblo consisted of 110 rooms and two- and three-story structures.
Walnut Canyon National Monument (Flagstaff)
These cliff dwellings found in this picturesque canyon were occupied by the Sinagua from approximately 1100 to 1250. The single-story ruins are sheltered by limestone overhangs.
Wupatki National Monument (Flagstaff)
The many settlement sites scattered throughout the monument were built by the Ancient Pueblo Peoples. A major population influx began after the eruption of Sunset Crater, in the 11th century. The largest settlement, the Wupatki Ruin, is believed to be the largest and tallest structure for its time period.
This 71,100-acre monument is located 40 miles north of Phoenix. It contains one of the most significant systems of prehistoric sites in the American Southwest. At least 450 prehistoric sites and four major settlement areas are known to exist within the monument. This area contains two mesas - Perry and Black Mesa - and the Agua Fria River Canyon.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest (East-Central Arizona)
Covers over 2 million acres in east-central Arizona. Noted for its high elevations (9100 feet at some camping areas) and its 24 lakes and 450 miles of streams. Named for Capt. Lorenzo Sitgreaves, who conducted an expedition across the state in the early 1850’s and the Apache Indians.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument (Chinle)
Tucked into the Navajo Reservation, this beautiful canyon sustained humans for over two thousand years. Dramatic cliff dwellings were built by the Anasazi Indians. The canyon cliffs contain spectacular Anasazi and Navajo petroglyphs and pictographs.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument (Coolidge)
A four-story Hohokam structure or "big house". Might have been built as an ancient astronomical observatory.
Chirlcahua National Monument (Willcox)
This monument is a mecca for hikers and bikers. "The Wonderland of Rocks" started as an immense volcanic eruption some 27 million years ago. The lava flow has eroded over the years until thousands of pinnacles and rocks crowd canyons and mountain slopes. These mountains were the home of the Apaches, the most famous of whom was Geronimo.
Coconino National Forest (Northern Arizona/Flagstaff)
Covering 1.8 million acres, Coconino is part of the world’s largest contiguous stand of ponderosa pines. One of the most diverse forests, its terrain ranges from Sedona’s red rocks to Arizona’s biggest ski hill. Coconino borders four other forests: Apache-Sitgreaves National, Kaibab National, Prescott National and Tonto National.
Coronado National Forest (Southeastern Arizona)
Covers 1.8 million acres in southeast Arizona and 69,000 acres in southwest New Mexico. In the middle of the Sonoran Desert, Coronado’s elevations range up to nearly 11,000 feet.
Coronado National Monument (Hereford)
Honors the first organized expedition into the Southwest by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in 1540-1542 during which he searched for the Seven Cities of Gold.
Fort Bowie National Historic Site (Bowie)
Ft. Bowie was established in 1862 and named for commanding officer Col. George Washington Bowie. It was the military nerve center for the army against the Chirlcahua Apache Indians in the Apache Wars. The battle ended in 1886, with the surrender of Apache leader Geronimo.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Page)
Established in 1958, this area surrounds Lake Powell and expands 186 miles along the old Coronado River channel behind Glen Canyon Dam. This huge dam killed much of Glen Canyon and some say that provoked the modern environmental movement.
Grand Canyon National Park (Northern Arizona)
The park, which covers 1.2 million acres in northwestern Arizona, is a World Heritage Site. Within the park lies the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, largely created by Colorado River erosion and flash floods over thousands of years. Close to five million people visit the park a year.
Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site (Ganado)
Oldest continuously operating trading post on the Navajo Reservation.
Ironwood Forest National Monument (Tucson)
This 129,000 acre national monument contains a significant system of cultural and historical sites covering a 5000 year period. Boasts one of the most populous regions of Ironwood trees in the Sonoran Desert.
Kaibab National Forest (North-Central Arizona)
Covering 1.6 million acres, Kaibab is split into two sections – northern and southern- by the Grand Canyon. One of its habitants – the Kaibab Squirrel – is only found within the Grand Canyon National Park and the northern section of the forest.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Northwestern Arizona)
Big lake and 1.5 million acres of wilderness in northwestern Arizona and southern Nevada. The centerpieces are its two large reservoirs: Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. Three of America's four desert ecosystems - the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin Desert and the Sonoran Desert - meet in Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Montezuma Castle National Monument (Camp Verde)
The five-story, 20-room cliff dwellings were built and used by the Sinagua Indians around 1400 AD. They once housed about 50 people. A natural overhang shades the rooms and shelters them from rain. One of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America.
Navajo National Monument (Black Mesa)
The magnificent Anasazi (or Ancestral Puebloan) cliff dwellings, Betatakin and Keet Seel, are two of Arizona's largest ruins. Both dwellings were built in the 1260's and 1270's.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (Ajo)
The monument covers more than 330,000 acres, most wilderness. A vast assortment of Sonoran Desert Cacti and other plants abound, such as monster organ pipe cactus, saguaros and elephant trees. Six varieties call it home.
Petrified Forest National Park (Northeastern Arizona)
The park features one of the world's largest and most colorful collections of petrified wood. The world-renowned
Pipe Spring National Monument (Fredonia)
Pipe Springs is rich with American Indian, early explorer and Mormon pioneer history. This oasis with four springs was home to Mormons who settled there and began a ranching operation. Also the location of the first telegraph station in Arizona.
Prescott National Forest (North-Central Arizona/Prescott)
Covering 1.25 million acres in central Arizona, Prescott includes eight wilderness areas including the Granite Mountain Wilderness. It borders three other national forests – Coconino, Kaibab and Tonto.
Saguaro National Park (Tucson)
This park covers 91,450 acres, and consists of two districts: Tucson Mountains (Saguaro West) and Rincon Mountains (Saguaro East). The areas are separated by the city of Tucson, and are about 30 miles apart. The park was established as Saguaro National Monument in 1933 and changed to a national park status in 1994. The park abounds with hiking trails and scenic drives. The park's 7 Biotic Communities, determined primarily by elevation and vegetation, are home to over 1,200 plant, 73 mammal and 200 bird species. Such abundance makes this corner of the Sonoran Desert our nation's most biologically wealthy desert region. But the park's most prominent feature are the
Sonoran Desert National Monument (Phoenix)
In 2001, a portion of the Sonoran Desert achieved National Monument status. The monument contains more than 496,000 acres of diverse Sonoran Desert landscape. It also contains three mountain ranges (the Maricopa, Sand Tank and Table Top Mountains) as well as the Booth and White Hills.
Sunset Crater National Monument (Flagstaff)
Sunset Crater is the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau. The volcano blew up in 1065 and covered the region with black cinders.
Tonto National Forest (Phoenix and central Arizona)
Covering 2.8 million acres, north of Phoenix, Tonto is the largest of the six national forests in Arizona and the fifth largest forest in the nation. Temperatures are always cooler than those of Phoenix. Its recreational activities make it one of the most visited forests in the U.S. The forest has diverse scenery, with elevations ranging from 1400 feet in the Sonoran Desert to 7400 feet in the ponderosa pine forests of the Mogollon Rim.
Tonto National Monument (Roosevelt)
These well-preserved cliff dwellings were occupied by the Salado culture during the 13th, 14th and early 15th centuries. The people farmed in the Salt River Valley and supplemented their diet by hunting and gathering native wildlife and plants.
Tumacacori National Historic Park (Tumacacori)
Site of two of the oldest Spanish colonial missions in Arizona - San Jose de Tumacacori and Los Santos Angeles de Guevavi; both established in 1691. Also home to the San Cayetano de Calabazas mission established in 1756.
Tuzigoot National Monument (Clarkdale)
The 1000-year-old pueblo built by the Sinagua sits high on a desert hilltop. Once, the pueblo consisted of 110 rooms and two- and three-story structures.
Walnut Canyon National Monument (Flagstaff)
These cliff dwellings found in this picturesque canyon were occupied by the Sinagua from approximately 1100 to 1250. The single-story ruins are sheltered by limestone overhangs.
Wupatki National Monument (Flagstaff)
The many settlement sites scattered throughout the monument were built by the Ancient Pueblo Peoples. A major population influx began after the eruption of Sunset Crater, in the 11th century. The largest settlement, the Wupatki Ruin, is believed to be the largest and tallest structure for its time period.
