Arizona White Mountains
Temporary Closures In Place
From Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest: Due to dry conditions throughout the forests, increased fire danger and for public safety, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests have implemented a temporary area closure, effective today [June 20, 2025] at 1:00 pm MST. The purpose of this temporary area closure is to provide for the public’s health and safety during periods of high or extreme fire danger with limited escape routes out of the described area, and to close areas that will be difficult to suppress wildland fire if an ignition does occur.
Full alert with map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/apache-sitgreaves/alerts/mount-baldy-wilderness-and-greer-area-temporary-closure
We may not update this before the closure is lifted or extended. Please research in advance. Some trails below are not impacted while others are.
Pinetop Lakeside sits at 7000 feet above sea level in the heart of the White Mountains Arizona, making it the perfect escape from the desert heat. Just a few hours from Phoenix, this small town offers cool summer temperatures, usually about 20 degrees lower, with afternoon storms that bring the forest to life. In the winter, Pinetop Lakeside is a great home base for skiing at Sunrise Park Resort, located on White Mountain Apache Tribal land. Thanks to its elevation and weather patterns, the area receives plenty of snow. In spring, wildflowers bloom and creeks run strong. In fall, golden aspens light up the landscape alongside tall ponderosa pines.
We’ve taken several weekend trips to Pinetop Lakeside in the Arizona White Mountains, and it’s one of our favorite places to explore. From hiking and fishing to camping, off roading, and simply enjoying the fresh mountain air, there is so much to do. In this guide, we’re sharing everything we’ve done in the area to help you plan your own trip. We’ll keep adding more as we go back.
Before we get into visiting Pinetop-Lakeside we want to remind you to practice the LEAVE NO TRACE principles. Please remember to stay on trail, pack out all trash, and explore prepared.
Table of Contents
Summer and Spring in the Arizona White Mountains
There are so many incredible hikes around the Pinetop Lakeside area that stretch into the surrounding White Mountains and Apache Sitgreaves National Forest. This region comes alive in spring with blooming wildflowers and flowing creeks, while summer brings cooler temperatures and lush green forests.
Some of our favorite hikes during these seasons are listed below. Keep in mind that the Arizona White Mountains experience frequent monsoon storms during the summer. Be prepared for fast moving afternoon storms, heavy rain, and lightning. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out and keep an eye on the sky while on trail.
Hiking in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Quick Stats:
Length:
3.6 miles
Route Type:
Loop
Elevation Gain:
157 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
No
Dog Friendly:
Yes
Fee:
No
Difficulty:
Easy
Water:
No water at trailhead
Quick Stats:
Length:
5.3 miles
Route Type:
Out and back
Elevation Gain:
570 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
No
Dog Friendly:
Yes
Fee:
No
Difficulty:
Moderate
Water:
No water at trailhead
Quick Stats:
Length:
4.9 miles
Route Type:
Out and back
Elevation Gain:
603 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Dog Friendly:
Yes
Fee:
No
Difficulty:
Moderate
Water:
No water at trailhead
Quick Stats:
Length:
5 miles
Route Type:
Out and back
Elevation Gain:
288 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
No
Dog Friendly:
Yes
Fee:
No
Difficulty:
Easy
Water:
No water at trailhead
Good to know:
- The full trail is 15 miles out & back, but we hiked about 3 miles out and back. You are also able to backpack here
- Please note that you NEED a permit to hike to the summit of Mount Baldy. It is sacred to the White Mountain Apache peoples. Please be respectful!
- This is Wilderness Area and you are not allowed to operate drones or mountain bikes
Quick Stats:
Length:
3 miles
Route Type:
Out and back
Elevation Gain:
603 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Dog Friendly:
Yes
Fee:
No
Difficulty:
Moderate
Water:
No water at trailhead
Quick Stats:
Length:
3 miles
Route Type:
Out and back
Elevation Gain:
420 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
No
Dog Friendly:
Yes
Fee:
No
Difficulty:
Moderate
Water:
No water at trailhead
Quick Stats:
Length:
5.7 miles
Route Type:
Out and back
Elevation Gain:
603 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Dog Friendly:
Yes
Fee:
No
Difficulty:
Moderate
Water:
No water at trailhead
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
We camped at Fool Hollow Lake and had such a great time. The campground is peaceful, the lake is beautiful, and there are plenty of things to do nearby. You can enjoy water activities like kayaking or fishing, or take a short drive to Show Low or Pinetop Lakeside if you want to explore local shops and restaurants. It’s a perfect summer escape in the Arizona White Mountains.
For more details about our stay and camping tips, check out our full blog post on Fool Hollow Lake.
Good to know:
-
Check the Arizona State Parks website for entrance and camping fees
-
Canoe and kayak rentals are available during the summer
-
Boats with a maximum 10 horsepower gasoline engine are allowed
-
Fishing is permitted (check for seasonal regulations)
-
Restroom and shower facilities are available in the campground
Fall in the Arizona White Mountains
Fall in the Arizona White Mountains is absolutely beautiful. Aspen trees thrive in this region, especially east of Pinetop Lakeside in the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest. Their leaves usually reach peak golden color in early to mid October, creating stunning views that draw visitors from all over the state.
One of the best places to experience fall color is near Greens Peak, north of Highway 260. There are several forest roads in this area that lead to incredible viewpoints. If you explore off road, be sure to proceed with caution and follow TREAD Lightly principles to protect the land.
Important reminder:
Aspens may lose their leaves in the fall, but they remain very much alive. Carving into their bark can cause permanent damage. Most aspen stands grow as clones from a single root system, meaning the trees are genetically identical and deeply connected. Their thin bark acts like human skin, protecting them from infection. When carved, they become vulnerable to disease and decay—so please admire them without leaving a mark.
Winter in the Arizona White Mountains
Winter in the Arizona White Mountains offers the perfect snowy escape, and Sunrise Park Resort is one of the best places to enjoy it. Located about 30 minutes from the east end of Pinetop Lakeside, Sunrise is a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding in Arizona.
Lauren actually took her first ski lessons here, and her instructor Corey was amazing. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers tubing hills and multiple day lodges to warm up or grab food between runs.
Sunrise Park Resort is also open in the summer as a downhill mountain bike park and adventure destination, with zip lining and other warm weather activities.
Dog Friendly Places To Eat
Where To Stay in the Arizona White Mountains
Every time we visit Pinetop and aren’t camping, we stay at the Corduroy Lodge. It’s one of our favorite places in the Arizona White Mountains. The location is convenient, the nightly rates are reasonable, and best of all—it’s dog friendly.
So far, we’ve stayed in both their motel-style rooms and a beautifully remodeled Airstream trailer. Both were cozy, clean, and perfect for a weekend in the mountains. We’ve had nothing but great experiences here and will definitely be back again.
