Eagar is located at the midpoint between Phoenix and Albuquerque on the northeast foothills of the White Mountains. Eagar experiences all four seasons with an elevation of 7,100 feet and is set against the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in North America. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest offers a gamut of recreational activities. Eagar was settled in the late 1800s when Mormon settlers homesteaded the area. In 1888, the town and the post office were established under the name "Union" in an effort to unify settlements in Round Valley. The name was changed to Eagar in 1892. Eagar offers an affordable cost of living within a family-friendly environment. With no property tax and a low crime rate, Eagar is an ideal destination for families and business alike.

Principal Economic Activities

For many years, agriculture and trading were the focus of the area. While ranching is still important, the construction of two power plants, timber-related industries and the growing tourism/recreation trade have broadened the economic base. Eagar is in the center of the White Mountain Recreation Area. Tourist activity brings approximately 100,000 people to the national forest, making the trade and services sector vital to the economy.

Scenic Attractions

Eagar’s southern border is Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which features four rivers, 35 lakes and reservoirs, 680 miles of trout streams, 36 campgrounds, 18 miles of designated ATV trails, guest ranches and primitive areas for pack trips. Recreational opportunities are endless with four seasons of outdoor adventures including skiing, sledding, tubing, ice fishing, snowmobile riding, camping, hunting, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, ATV riding, golfing and mountain biking. 20 miles from Eagar are skiing opportunities at the Sunrise Ski Park, owned by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, or cross-country skiing in Alpine or Greer. The Little Colorado River originates above Greer and flows through Eagar on its way to the Grand Canyon. In 1964, Hollywood legend John Wayne purchased a ranch in Eagar that became the historic 26 Bar Ranch, or John Wayne’s Ranch, which he kept until his death in 1979. The 26 Bar Ranch, a local landmark, is still a working ranch today, owned by the Hopi Tribe.

Community Facilities

Eagar community facilities include the public library, Eagar fire and police departments, White Mountain Ambulance Service, White Mountain Regional Medical Center (hospital), North Country Clinic and Springerville Airport, horseshoe pits, a swimming pool, Ramsey Park, Skate Park and rodeo grounds. The rodeo grounds are a multi-purpose arena with associated buildings that host an annual Fourth of July Rodeo as well as other rodeos, bull riding events, the Gymkhana Club, Eagar Days and an ATV Jamboree. The sports facilities consist of softball fields and tennis and racquetball courts. The school district has soccer fields and a multi-purpose domed stadium with 3,500 fixed seats and 10,000 moveable seats. This is used for the Eagar Days Outdoor Expo, football, basketball and other high school activities as well as some community functions.