Discover Gila County | Peridot Mesa

Peridot Mesa - San Carlos

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PERIDOT MESA SAN CARLOS APACHE TRIBAL LANDS, ARIZONA

Peridot Mesa - San Carlos, AZ

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Famous for the green gemstone that gives this dormant volcano remnant its name, Peridot Mesa on the San Carlos Apache reservation is even more famous with photographers and spring-flower chasers as one of Arizona’s best places to see and photograph goldpoppies. In fact, slopes of the collapsed caldera can be carpeted with gold when winter rains are generous and conditions are right for a ‘super-bloom’ – as 2023 appears to be.

While only members of the tribe may mine for the prized mineral, or collect peridot that’s above ground, those visiting Peridot Mesa in search of wildflowers from late February through early April will find their own treasure in the 1,000 acre expanse of flowers: yellow-orange Mexican goldpoppies on the rocky slopes and hillsides. Also look for the impressive carpet of greenish-yellow Arizona Bladderpod that carpets the flat mesa below, and on the opposite side of the poppies. Other flowers to see include lupine, owl’s clover, desert chicory and blue dicks adding color to the across rolling hillsides.

Video | Peridot Mesa

IMPORTANT AREA INFORMATION

How to Find Peridot Mesa

From the city of Globe take highway 70 east for about 20 minutes -- you’ll see the Apache Gold Casino Resort, airstrip and wood yard – then watch for milepost #268, and a left turn onto the dirt road that leads you up-and-over Peridot Mesa. The road onto the mesa is unmarked; watch for a guardrail at the left-hand turnoff, and a wide parking area – and a sign with the friendly reminder that a tribal recreation permit is required by law.

So, first? Drive past milepost #268 and buy your recreation permit – the Recreation and Wildlife Department is another few miles past the mesa, its also a left turn off Highway 70
**watch for Noline’s gas station and store – the Rec & Wildlife office is just east of Noline’s

Watch Your Footing, Watch For Snakes

Walk carefully on the slopes of fractured volcanic rock – and March is the month that Arizona reptiles begin to emerge from winter hibernation, including rattlesnakes. Its best to stay on roads and paths, be extra careful and always listen to your surroundings. Wear closed-toed shoes and be extra cautious if you venture off-trail.

$10 Permit Required - One Place To Buy Them

This is important: a $10 tribal recreation permit is required – and now you can only buy them at one location: the San Carlos Apache Recreation and Wildlife Department office just off Highway 70 (about 25-minutes’ drive east of Globe). Office hours are weekdays and Saturdays – and Sunday mornings from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Permits are no longer available at convenience stores in Globe, so here’s an essential ‘know before you go’ Pro Tip. Tribal Recreation permits cover a single adult, or a married couple with children under age 18. .

San Carlos Apache Tribe Recreation
and Wildlife Office
US-70,
Peridot, AZ 85542
Phone: (928) 475-2343