The continent of North America was not inhabited by humans prior to a land bridge across the arctic sea that allowed migration from west to east. They settled across Alaska and down the west coast and out into the far reaches of north America. Early signs of human beings near our location would have been in Clovis New Mexico. Certain man made tools such as spear and arrow heads were found that date back about 12,000 years. In the area around Heber/Overgaard they call the ancient ones Anasazi.They left evidence of their being from 200BC to about 1500AD. The Apache left Texas and came to the southwest about that time. Seems the Kiowa and Comanche and others moved into Texas and displaced many others. One writer claimed that his research showed 23 different Apache groups living in Arizona Territory. That was just Apache... not counting the Navajo, Hopi, Yavapai, Yuma, Mogollon, Pima, Ute, Maricopa and many many more! In geologic times, humans are really new comers to the area.
Sentenals in the Monumant Valley area. from Mogollon Estates it is just a 300 mile trip to see these wonders. A few great western movies have used this landscape as a backdrop to their stories.
Deep in the heart of the Apache reservation where the Salt River cut a path, there lies a very seldom seen but beautiful landscape. Above is Mustang Ridge and below is Hay Stack Butte. All visible from Gleason Flats.