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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Welcome to Gila County! Here are some frequently asked questions that may help you enjoy the wild. Remember come prepared. If you need more information please read your “Stay Alive Guide”.

WHERE IS GILA COUNTY?

Get Acquainted with Gila County -- With a population of 53,500 residents and covering 4,796 square miles, Gila County has always been a great place to live, work and play. Gila County is in Central Arizona and contains the Tonto Apache Reservation and parts of the Fort Apache and San Carlos Reservations. The county was formed in 1881 from parts of Maricopa and Pinal Counties, and later added the northern portion of the county from Yavapai County. Cities and Towns in Gila County include Globe, Hayden, Miami, Payson, Star Valley and Winkelman, along with a large number of rural unincorporated communities. Gila County is located on the northeastern edge of the Sonoran Desert, and covers a wide variety of life zones, including desert, high desert plains, chaparral, pinon-juniper and pine forests. There are a number of popular recreation areas in Gila County, including Roosevelt Lake, Tonto National Monument, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, and Fossil Creek, along with several designated Wilderness Areas and popular camping areas within the Tonto National Forest.

WHO DO I CALL IF I HAVE AN EMERGENCY?

If you have an emergency it is always best to call 911. If it is a non-life threatening emergency you can call:

The Gila County Sheriff's Office
108 W Main St A, Payson, AZ 85541
Phone: (928) 474-2208

DO I HAVE TO HAVE PERMITS TO VISIT GILA COUNTY?

Most places no. But if you will be visiting either San Carlos Indian Reservation or the White Mountain Apache Tribal Lands you will need a permit. If you plan on hiking, camping, fishing, atving, bird watching, hunting (no matter what) you will need to contact them and get a permit.

Here is their contact information:

San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Department

Phone: (928)-475-2343
http://www.sancarlosapache.com/Permits_Information.htm

White Mountain Apache Tribal Game and Fish

Phone Number: (928) 338-4385
Fax Number: (928) 338-1712
Mailing Address: PO Box 220, Whiteriver, AZ 85941
Physical Address: 100 West Fatco Rd, Whiteriver, AZ 85941
https://wmatoutdoor.org/purchase_permit.html

DO I NEED A FISHING LICENSE?

The answer is yes. The type of license you need is what you will need to do further research on. Here is a link to the Arizona Game and Fish Departments website: https://www.azgfd.com/license/

Bear in mind that if you plan on fishing in either San Carlos Indian Reservation or the White Mountain Apache Reservation, you will need a different license. See "Do I need a permit for more info."

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GILA COUNTY?

Anytime is really a good time to visit Gila County. Bear in mind that in the summer the Phoenix Area is very hot but you can head to the mountains of Gila County to escape the heat. Typically in the summer months, it is about 20 degrees cooler in Rim Country and about 10 degrees cooler in the southern parts of the County. Check our weather page to make sure you are up-to-date information before you head out on your adventure.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR?

Well, first of all, be prepared for some fun! To ensure that you have an enjoyable time please make sure you read our "Staying Alive Guide". This will prepare you for what you are about to do.

DON'T forget to bring lots of water. This is Arizona! Whatever you think you need - double it. When you head out on a long hike, don't do it in open-toed shoes. You will be hating life when you are done. Bring a cell phone with you and always tell someone where you are going.

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