Gila River Indian Community

The Gila River Indian Community is nestled beneath a beautiful blue desert sky, amid breath-taking sunrises and warm golden sunsets, live The River People. This lush desert environment with its abundant wildlife of wild horses, cottontail rabbits, quail, road runners, and morning dove, makes living here very precious.

The Sonoran Desert has been home to two distinct tribes – the Akimel O’odham (Pima), and Pee-Posh (Maricopa) people since time in memorial. The natural elements of our environment have been embraced by incorporating them into our artwork, pottery, baskets and jewelry. Our new buildings also feature symbolic designs, natural materials and plants which reflect our affection for the land.

Once arriving within our 600 square mile boundary, Phoenix seems light years away, yet it’s only 11 miles to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and 17 miles from downtown Phoenix.

Things to Do

Firebird International Raceway is a quarter-mile strip that hosts a variety of National Drag Racing events and the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving and ProFormance Driving Events. Link to page

Gila River Casinos
     Wild Horse Pass Casino Link to page
     Vee Quiva Casino Link to page
     Lone Butte Casino Link to page

HuHugam Heritage Center is a museum and repository for many artifacts that tell the stories of the history, culture and language of the peoples of the Gila River Indian Community. Link to page

Koli Equestrian Center offers miles of breathtaking scenery and horseback riding trails you and your family are sure to enjoy. Link to page

Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass offers a variety of attractions from the world-renowned Steakhouse & Saloon to their unique shops. This 1880's western town is full of fun and has a true taste of the Old West you'll not find anywhere else in Arizona. Link to page

Toka Sticks Golf Club has 9 original holes that were build over 40 years ago by the Air Force personnel and local community members. Link to page

Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass is created by the Gila River Indian Community who has woven championship golf with their rich cultural heritage. Link to page

Annual Events

Mul-Chu-Tha Fair & Rodeo
Location: Rodeo Grounds, Sacaton
Date: February - second weekend
Information: (520) 562-6032

St. John's Festival
Location: Laveen
Date: March - first Sunday
Information: (520) 562-6550

Anniversary Celebration
Location: Arts & Crafts Center, Bapchule
Date: March - third weekend
Information: (480) 963-3981

Where to Stay

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa was designed to be an authentic representation of the Gila River Indian Community's heritage and culture. This resort has 500 rooms and features a 17,500 square foot spa with 17 treatment rooms along with two 18-hole, Troon-managed golf courses. Link to page

Location and Nearby Communities

Location:

The Gila River Indian Community is located approximately 34 miles south of the Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona.

Nearby Communities:

Chandler

Maricopa

Contacting the Tribe

Tribal Government
P.O. Box 97
Sacaton, AZ 85147
(520) 562-9700

Visitor Information
(520) 562-9715
www.gilarivertourism.com