Little Bear/Big Bear Lakes turn off AKA Shush Be Zahze/Shush Be Tou, White Mountain Apache Reservation, Arizona

## Overview Located along Highway 260 on the White Mountain Apache Reservation in east-central Arizona, the spring at the Little Bear/Big Bear Lakes turnoff — known in Apache as **Shush Be Zahze / Shush Be Tou** — is a continuously flowing piped spring that emerges from the ground like a spigot. Visible directly from the highway on the north side of the road, this public drinking spring has long served as a convenient water stop for travelers and locals passing through the scenic White Mountains region. The Apache names "Shush Be Zahze" and "Shush Be Tou" translate roughly to references involving bears ("shush" meaning bear in Apache), reflecting the area's deep connection to the wildlife and landscape of the White Mountain Apache homeland. The spring sits near the junction for Hawley Lake (Highway 473), one of the reservation's most popular recreation areas, and is surrounded by the high-elevation pine forests that characterize this part of Arizona — a striking contrast to the desert landscapes most people associate with the state. The water flows year-round, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Visitors have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, though water quality can vary with seasonal and environmental conditions. ## Directions 1. **From McNary, AZ** (approximately 10 miles west of the spring): Head east on **State Route 260 (Highway 260)** through the White Mountain Apache Reservation. 2. Watch for the **Hawley Lake turnoff at Highway 473** on the north side of the road. The spring is located right at this junction area. 3. The spring is **visible from the highway** on the north side — look for the piped spigot flowing continuously near the road. 4. **From the east (Eager/Springerville area):** Travel west on Highway 260. The turnoff to Eager via Highway 473 is approximately 25 miles east of the spring. Continue west past that junction until you reach the Hawley Lake exit area. **Nearby Landmarks:** - The **Sunrise Park Resort** (White Mountain Apache Tribe's ski area) is located approximately 10 miles east of the spring along Highway 260. - The small community of **Greer** is also nearby, located just off Highway 260. - **Hawley Lake**, a well-known fishing and camping destination on the reservation, is accessible via Highway 473 at the same turnoff. **Note:** The White Mountain Apache Reservation requires a valid **recreation permit** for most outdoor activities, including stopping at certain areas. Visitors should check with the White Mountain Apache Tribe's Game & Fish Department for current permit requirements before visiting. ## What to Expect The spring is a straightforward, easy-to-access roadside water source — no hiking required. Water flows continuously from a pipe emerging from the ground, making it simple to fill containers. The setting is along the forested corridor of Highway 260 at an elevation of roughly 7,000–8,000 feet, so expect cooler temperatures than lower-elevation Arizona, especially in the mornings and evenings. The surrounding White Mountains offer some of the most beautiful scenery in Arizona, with tall ponderosa pines, meadows, and abundant wildlife. If you're visiting during winter months, be prepared for snow and icy road conditions along Highway 260. Summer months are pleasant and mild, making this a popular corridor for travelers heading to Hawley Lake, Sunrise Park Resort, or the nearby town of Greer. Because this spring is on White Mountain Apache Reservation land, visitors should be respectful of tribal regulations and the surrounding environment. The GPS coordinates provided (34.051041, -109.725967) can help guide you to the approximate location, though the spring's visibility from the highway makes it relatively easy to spot.