Beat The Arizona Heat At This Unsung Mountain Town With Forest Hikes And Clear Lakes

If you live in the Phoenix metro area, the best way to beat the heat is to head north into the hills. Here, the terrain transforms from dusty desert to endless forests and majestic mountain ranges. The air temperatures are much cooler in these higher elevations away from the urban heat, and there are an infinite number of things to do. From tasting exquisite wines in the Verde Valley, hiking in the rugged wilderness, and splashing around in cold mountain rivers and lakes, there's something for everyone.

One of the best escapes in northern Arizona is Pinetop-Lakeside, two conjoined communities about 190 miles northeast of Phoenix. This hidden gem of an area is nestled in the White Mountains at an elevation of 7,000 feet, with average summer temperatures in the 70s and 80s compared to triple digits in Phoenix. The surrounding White Mountains boast hiking trails galore, around 800 miles of streams and springs and more than 50 alpine lakes, making them a veritable wonderland for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. What's more, visitors definitely won't go hungry and may even be pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of restaurants in these quaint mountain towns. The area isn't short on charming accommodations, either, though many visitors opt to stay in one of the area's many cozy cabins. In all, whether you're a couple looking for a romantic weekend getaway or an active family on an epic summer vacation, Pinetop-Lakeside may be just the place for you. 

What's better than spending a sweltering day hiking in the cool shade of a thick pine forest? The White Mountains Trail System around Pinetop-Lakeside and the neighboring town of Showlow encompasses more than 200 miles of hiking trails that weave through fragrant forests of Ponderosa pine, juniper, and cedar. This is a thoughtfully designed trail system, with a series of primary loop trails joined by shorter connector trails, with options for novice to experienced hikers and everything in between. Note that motorized vehicles are not allowed on these trails but are open to mountain bikers and equestrians in addition to hikers. A few favorite trails near Pinetop-Lakeside are the easy 1.5-mile Springs Trail and the moderate 7.5-mile Timber Mesa Trail. There's also the longer 9.5-mile Panorama Trail, which (as its name suggests) features incredible views if you're willing to go the distance. 

Water lovers should check out some of the area's pristine lakes, which offer opportunities for swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing, and birdwatching. Woodland Lake Park is especially pleasant for families with young kids, with a few easy walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. For anglers, nearby Rainbow Lake has abundant fish species (e.g., trout, bass, catfish, and northern pike) with boat rental available right on the lake at the Rainbow's End Resort. To read more about Arizona's lakes, check out our recent article on this unsung lake with unique granite dells near Prescott, Arizona.   

A trip to Pinetop-Lakeside is the perfect summer retreat for desert dwellers, but the area draws visitors consistently throughout the year, with something special for everyone in every season. As the weather gets chillier, the cabins get even cozier, while the landscape is a constantly shifting kaleidoscope of color. Leaf peepers come from all directions to view the stunning fall foliage on the aspens, maple, and oak trees in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. The optimal time to see the leaves here is from early to mid-October.

In the colder months, Pinetop-Lakeside is often blanketed with sparkling white snow, with an average annual snowfall of around 38 inches. But this doesn't mean the area goes into hibernation. Instead, it becomes a giant winter playground, with opportunities for sledding, snowmobiling, skiing, and pretty much every other winter sport you can think of. The nearby Sunrise Park Resort springs into action during winter, boasting more ski acreage than any other area in the state and terrain to suit skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. The resort also offers ski biking and snow tubing if you want to try something a little different. Sunrise Park Resort is located about 30 miles from Pinetop-Lakeside, which is around a 40-minute drive on a well-maintained highway.