Pinetop-Lakeside sits about 7,000 feet above sea level and is an incredible escape from the desert summer heat into the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. We’ve done several weekend trips there and we always love coming back! One thing we love about the White Mountains area is the wide variety of things to do. You can hike, fish, camp, mountain bike, go off roading, and simply enjoy cooler temps. In this blog we will get into everything we’ve done in Pinetop-Lakeside, and maybe it’ll help you plan or build a base for your next trip. We can’t wait to add more to this list!
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.
Hiking
There are so many great hikes near the Pinetop-Lakeside area, extending into the White Mountains and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest! Below are some of the hikes that we’ve done and recommend. It’s important to note that the summer monsoon is frequent in this area! Be prepared for afternoon storms with fast down pours and lightning. We suggest checking the weather forecast and keeping an eye on the sky.
West Fork Trail No. 628
*Recently Added*
Important Information:
- 5.3 miles out and back. We hiked onto Thompson Trail a little before we turned around. There are a few switchbacks to get down to the river
- No restrooms
- No trash services
- No water
South Fork Little Colorado Trail No. 97
*Recently Added*
Important Information:
- The trail is 7 miles one way to Mexican Hay Lake. We hiked 4.5 miles out and back
- Poison Oak Flanks part of the trail! Be careful
- Vault toilets near trailhead
- Trash cans in restrooms
- No water
Thompson Trail #629
Important Information:
- 5.4 miles out and back with 298 ft in elevation gain
- This trail is a little over an hour from Pinetop
- Please remember to Leave No Trace & respect the lands. You drive through White Mountain Apache Land to get here
- No restrooms at trailhead
- Here is the link to AllTrails
West Baldy Trail #94
Important Information:
- 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
- Vaulted toilet at trailhead
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Here is the link to AllTrails
Pat Mullen Via Country Club Trail #632
Important Information:
- 3 miles out and back
- 419 feet in elevation gain
- There are no restrooms at the trailhead
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Here is the link to AllTrails
Government Springs 95A In Greer, AZ
Important Information:
- 5.7 miles out and back
- 603 feet in elevation gain
- Greer is about an hour from Pinetop
- Restrooms at trailhead
Visit Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
We camped at Fool Hollow Lake and had a great time! There are water activities you can do and it is close to Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside if you want to go into the city. It’s a nice summer escape!
Important Information:
- For park entrance & camping fees please check the AZ State Parks website
- There are canoe and kayak rentals in the summer
- Only boats with maximum 10 H.P. gasoline engines are allowed on the lake
- Fishing is allowed
- There are restroom and shower facilities
Dog Friendly Places To Eat
Where To Stay
Every time we have visited Pinetop (other than our camping trip) we have started at the Corduroy Lodge. We love the location, the fact that it is dog friendly, and that the nightly rate is good! We love staying here. Use code AZHIKE23 for 15% off your stay! It is good thru 10/31/23.
To learn more about the gear we bring on our hikes and in some of the photos above, CLICK HERE