SPARE America's Wildlands

San Francisco Peaks, Arizona

The Navajo believe the San Francisco Peaks in northern Arizona have the power to heal both mind and body. The Havasupai believe the mounds, buttes and hills around the Peaks carry their prayers to the heights of the Peaks, and beyond to the Great Spirit. The Peaks are also sacred ground to the Hopi, Zuni, Hualapai, Yavapai and five Apache tribes.

Rising from the ponderosa forest floor, the spectacular San Francisco Peaks include multiple forest and alpine life zones, and are home to a variety of wildlife including the threatened Mexican spotted owl. From as far as 100 miles away, people can view Mt. Humphries within the Peaks, the highest point in the state.

Recreationists and travelers come from miles around to do their own form of worship of the San Francisco Peaks. In the winter, cross-country skiers enjoy the winter wonderland of the ponderosa forests, while in the fall, hikers rush to see the golden leaves of the aspen groves.

But Arizona's mountain landmark is threatened. Tufflite, Inc., the owners of White Vulcan Mine, are looking to expand a mine for pumice - used for stonewashing jeans - on the eastern side of the mountains. This proposed expansion would further destroy the Peaks' natural habitat and Native American cultural sites.

Photo courtesy Tom Bean

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