Pinetop is the perfect Arizona weekend getaway any time of year.
Escape the summer heat and enjoy lazy days picnicking by the lake. Pack your boots and scarves and inhale the crisp Fall air. Hit the ski slopes and enjoy the magic of a winter wonderland. Visit in spring to see the world thaw out to a beautiful new beginning.
If you live in the Valley you most likely crave the change of seasons, Pinetop is the perfect spot to get your fix!
We have a second home in Pinetop and it has become our home away from home. We are excited to share our list of the best things to do in Pinetop, so keep reading!
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A Local’s Guide: Best Things to do in Pinetop
Table of Contents
- Best Lakes and Parks in Pinetop
- Best Hiking Trails in Pinetop
- Best Family Activities in Pinetop
- Best Places to Eat in Pinetop
- Best Places to Stay in Pinetop
- Best Places to go Shopping in Pinetop
- Best Outdoor Recreation in Pinetop
Best Lakes and Parks in Pinetop
One of the best things to do in Pinetop is to spend a day at the lake.
While there aren’t any large lakes for motorized boating, there are plenty of smaller lakes scattered throughout the area that are perfect for fishing, kayaking and exploring the walking trails.
Here are a few of our favorite lakes near Pinetop.
Woodland Lake Park
Woodland Lake Park is located in the heart of Pinetop. This park is a great place to spend a day outdoors.
The small lake is not suitable for swimming but is great for fishing or kayaking.
There is also a 3.7-mile paved loop trail around the circumference of the lake.
After enjoying a stroll along the walking trail, engage in a friendly (yet competitive) game of family kickball on the sports fields.
There are tennis courts and basketball courts as well.
Let the kids burn off some energy playing tag or kick ball on the large grassy field.
Fire up the charcoal grills and enjoy a summer barbecue under the covered ramada, or cast a line from the floating dock and try to catch a fish.
If you turn into the first entrance, you will also find restrooms and a playground overlooking the lake. The second entrance will take you to the ball fields and lake access.
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
This state park offers summer rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, fishing boats, and mountain bikes. They also offer guided pontoon boat tours.
Canoes and kayaks start at $25/hr and a fishing boat is $40/hr.
Fool Hollow Lake is one of the best fishing lakes near Pinetop and you’ll find several fishing docks located around the lake.
Camp sites are also available where you can sleep under the stars and towering pines. Entrance is $7/vehicle.
Hawley Lake
Hawley Lake is a little further drive but is a family favorite. This beautiful photogenic lake is a great place to get away from it all.
Fishing is one of the most popular things to do in Pinetop and this lake is a favorite among locals.
The summer provides the perfect back drop for a peaceful picnic and stroll through the woods.
In the fall, changing leaves line the road on the scenic drive to the lake. In the winter, the scenery turns to a snow-covered winter wonderland. Ice fishing is popular when the lake freezes over.
The access road is open year-round, but it is not always plowed.
Services include a boat dock with boat rentals (only electric motors are permitted). There is also a combination service station and grocery store on property where you can purchase fishing licenses.
Los Burro’s Campground
This hidden gem is tucked away in the White Mountain Apache tribe land. The campground is accessed by a rural gravel road.
The drive up is scenic with patches of aspens scattered throughout the pines.
It is especially beautiful in the Fall when the aspen leaves turn golden yellow.
Other great places to see Fall leaves are on the drive to Hawley Lake, on the outskirts of Woodland Lake, or near Sunrise and Greer where there are groves of aspens mixed in with the pines.
Los Burros campground has picnic tables and fire pits along with an open meadow, forest trails, and a picturesque old barn.
You’ll also find the remains of a former Forest Service Ranger Station which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
There is no fee for day use, so bring a picnic and a ball to toss around and enjoy the serenity.
To get to Los Burros Campground, take E White Mountain Blvd/AZ-260 to McNary. Turn left on Vernon McNary Rd/Co Rd 52. Follow the road for about 7.4 miles until you see the turn-off.
Show Low Lake
Show Low Lake is centrally located right off the main road in Show Low. This lake is used primarily for fishing and holds claim to be the best spot for Walleye fishing in Arizona.
The current state record at 16 lbs 2 oz was caught here, along with the last 5 state records.
This placid lake is one of our favorite spots to fish, it is centrally located in town but feels remote.
There is also a fun rope swing located on the south side of Show Low lake, opposite the boat ramp.
The trail down is a bit steep and slippery, so wear tennis shoes. Just ensure that the water level is high enough in order to swing safely.
To reach the rope swing, turn right on Show Lake Road when coming from Pinetop. Follow the road until you get to the second bend, then you will see a dirt road.
Take the dirt road a short distance until you reach the parking lot. There is a more rugged dirt road from the parking lot that leads down toward the lake.
Walk along that road until you get near the water where you’ll see several dirt paths leading down to the shore. Follow along the water’s edge to the right until you come to the rope swing.
Rainbow Lake
This man-made lake is also relatively small, but easy to access from town.
The majority of the shoreline is privately owned, except for a small section of land next to the dam. Subesquently, the best place to fish is by boat. Boat rentals are available at Rainbow Lake Resort.
The best time to fish is in the spring and early summer when they stock the lake with trout.
If you like to camp, Lakeside Campground is located near the dam.
Scott’s Reservoir
Scott’s Reservoir is a beautiful man-made lake set against a thick forest of native trees.
It was formed in 1928 and is the best lake to discover untouched beauty as it is the least developed of the lakes in town.
Scott’s Reservoir is a great spot for fishing, kayaking, and camping. As a bonus, the private campsites overlooking the lake are free of charge!
The shoreline mostly consists of large rocks, but there is a small sandy entrance near the boat launch if you plan to swim.
Just north of Scott’s Reservoir along North Porter Mountain Rd, you’ll also find a great area for target shooting.
The designated dirt basin is perfect for setting up targets and working on your aim while teaching your kids about gun safety.
Show Low City Park
This large city park offers great amenities. The newly installed playground is fantastic for kids.
There are plenty of walking trails through the pines as well as bbq grills and picnic pavilions. They also have well-maintained sports fields, a frisbee golf course, and a fenced-in dog park. It is located adjacent to the recreation center if you want to stop in for a swim.
Crawdad Catching at Porter Creek
At the head of the Blue Ridge Cave Trail, you’ll find Porter Creek. This calm and shallow stream is the perfect spot for catching crawdads.
Just attach a piece of hot dog to the end of a fishing line and use it to lure the crawdads out from under the rocks in the stream bed.
Have a net and bucket on hand to catch and observe the crawdads before releasing them back into the stream.
To access the stream, park at the Blue Ridge Cave trailhead located across the street from the Paws Clinic on Porter Mountain Road.
Head to the left through the woods and down a small hill until you reach the grassy clearing. The best spot to find crawdads is closer to the drain pipe under the road.
Silver Creek Fish Hatchery
We haven’t been here yet, but have heard that it is a great place to see some large trout. The creek and surrounding area are nice as well.
Best Hiking Trails in Pinetop
Blue Ridge Cave Trail
Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Pinetop. The moderate Blue Ridge Cave Trail is 7 miles round trip.
It follows along Porter Creek to Scott Reservoir then starts climbing to higher elevations.
The trail is lined with wildflowers and Ponderosa pines. Areas of the trail are a bit rough with volcanic rocks and ruts caused by horses.
After about 2 miles, you will come to the Blue Ridge Cave, also known as the “Ice Cave”.
The Ice Cave is a lava tube that was discovered by sheepherders in the 1900’s. It gets its name from the constant flow of cool air (around 52 degrees Fahrenheit) leaving the cave.
The entrance to the cave is a sinkhole that has been fenced off for safety reasons.
Mount Baldy Wilderness
The Mount Baldy Wilderness Area has several hiking trails and is especially beautiful during the fall as it leads through a forest of colorful changing leaves.
Take the East Baldy Trail across open meadows, through a forest of mixed conifers and Aspens, and out to a panoramic view over the eastern slope of Baldy Mountain.
The total trail is 11.7 miles out and back, but you can just do a portion of the trail and still experience the fall beauty.
The nearby Big Lake is also a great place to find fall leaves. For more of the best places to see fall leaves in Arizona, check out our guide 12 Places to Experience Fall in Arizona!
For another great weekend getaway in the fall or any time of year, check out our guide to Visiting Strawberry, Arizona!
Country Club Trail
The Country Club Trail is a flat 3.5-mile loop trail through the Ponderosa pines. It is a pleasant and easy trail that is great for a leisurely stroll.
The trail loops through the pine forest along Whitcomb Springs Meadow. It also follows portions of the old railroad bed used at the turn of the century for transporting timber products.
Mogollon Rim Interpretive Trail
The Mogollon Rim Interpretive Trail is another easy trail that can be accessed right off the main road in Pinetop.
It is a relatively flat 1-mile loop with informational signs along the way. It is a great way to learn about the area, along with enjoying the views over the Mogollon Rim.
Springs Trail
The Springs Trail is an easy 3.5-mile loop and my personal favorite. It is a cool and refreshing hike under the shaded pines.
The trail crosses through a riparian habitat alongside Billy Creek and Thompson Creek.
The wetlands provide a variety of plant and animal life, but the trail can be quite muddy, especially during monsoon season.
Escape the heat of a summer day and enjoy this beautiful and shaded hike!
Show Low Bluff Trail
The Show Low Bluff Trail is another easy kid-friendly 1-mile loop trail that can be accessed right off the main road in Show Low.
It follows along the bluff through the forest with views of the meadow and Show Low Creek.
There is a stone footbridge to cross the creek, or you can cool off and wade across. It is a great place to go if you’re looking to get out and enjoy some fresh air!
Thompson Trail
The Thompson Trail is located near Greer in the Mount Baldy Wilderness area.
This 5-mile round-trip trail boasts the most beautiful landscape in the White Mountains.
With alpine meadows, lakes, rivers, and aspen trees. It is especially vibrant in the spring when the meadows are dotted with wildflowers.
The trail follows through a forested canyon, alongside Black River’s west fork then opens up into a grassy meadow.
Other Greer Hiking Trails
Greer is located about 40 minutes from Pinetop. It is a charming little town surrounded by forest and mountains. There are several hiking trails in the area.
The West Fork Trail is a 14 mile out and back forest trail. I would recommend just hiking to Badger Pond a little over a mile, then turning around.
It is a small lake, but you can sometimes find wild raspberry and rose bushes growing nearby.
The East Fork Trail opens up into a meadow as it intersects with the East fork of the Colorado River. This trail is also 7 miles one way, but you can turn around without completing the entire trail.
The South Fork Trail begins at the South Fork Campground.
It follows alongside the Little Colorado River through cottonwood, sycamore, pine, aspen, and oak forests. There are also several grassy meadows perfect for picnics.
The Amberian Loop Trail in Greer is a 2.2-mile trail lined with wild blackberry bushes.
While you’re in Greer, be sure to stop by the charming Rendezvous Diner and grab a big slice of homemade blueberry cobbler!
And if you love water hikes, be sure to stop at the Water Wheel Falls Trail in Payson when driving up to Pinetop!
Best Family Activities in Pinetop
White Mountain Family Fun Park
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Pinetop with the family, the White Mountain Family Fun Park offers go-karts, mini golf, a laser maze, and an arcade.
It can be a bit pricey, but they offer discounted “fun cards”. Check the link for prices and hours.
Show Low Museum
It may not look like much from the outside, but step inside the Show Low Museum and you’ll find a quaint and charming museum.
The museum details the history of the area through curated displays.
It is divided into different rooms, our favorite was the miniature train room.
They have done a phenomenal job creating a miniature replica of the early days of Show Low and the surrounding area.
My kids spent hours looking at all the little details and playing “I Spy”. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the best part is that it is free. Of course, donations are always welcome.
The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am-3 pm. If you’re looking for things to do in Pinetop and Show Low, I would recommend a stop.
White Mountain Nature Center
The White Mountain Nature Center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 am – 2 pm. It is a small facility but is very informative with a friendly staff.
They have great nature trails and also offer different free events for the community.
Their summer Discovery Learning Camps are filled with fun STEM-based hands-on learning activities. Camps are offered in June and part of July Monday-Thursday 9:30-3:30. Cost is $25/day, $90/week.
WME Village 8 Movie Theater
A family night out to the movies is always a great way to unwind together.
The WME Village 8 Movie Theater has $5 tickets on Tuesdays. Their Super Saver movies starting between 4-5:59 pm are only $5.50.
Matinee shows are $6.50 and evening show tickets are $8.50 for adults and $6.50 for kids and seniors.
Show Low Aquatic Center
The Show Low Aquatic Center offers year-round fun. The aquatic center has a lap pool, water slide, spray fountain, and a hot tub.
It is also very affordable, kids 0-17 years are only $1.50 and adults are $3. Open public swim times may vary, check the link for hours.
Local Events
We love small towns because there are always local events going on where the whole town turns up.
You’ll find markets, a car show, outdoor music events, guided hikes, bike rallies, pancake breakfasts, and so much more throughout the year. Click the link to see the calendar of events.
Our favorite is the 4th of July festivities with a parade, craft fair, outdoor music, activities, and an impressive fireworks display.
The fireworks are set off at the high school and there are plenty of side streets where you can park and watch the show.
Best Places to Eat in Pinetop
The Bistro at Annies
The Bistro at Annie’s has such an inviting ambiance. It is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion brunch.
Darbi’s Cafe
Darbi’s Café is a charming restaurant filled with so much character. It is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. They serve up the best down home comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Red Devil Italian Restaurant And Pizzeria
Red Devil has the best pizza in town and is our favorite place to eat as a family. The secret is in their crust, it has the perfect texture and taste! Everything on their menu is delicious, you just can’t go wrong!
They also offer a par-baked pizza deal where they bake the pizza 3/4 done and then send you home with instructions to finish baking.
The discount is $3 off a large, $2 off a medium, and $1 off a small. It must be ordered before 4 pm.
White Mountain Donut and Cafe (Update: now called Bertie’s Cafe)
We love White Mountain Donut (now under new ownership and called Bertie’s Cafe) for its build-your-own donut bar. You can come up with your own creation as you pick your donut, frosting, and toppings.
It is also one of our favorite spots to go for breakfast or lunch.
Everything on their cafe menu is delicious, but be sure to order the Crunchy Pig for lunch!
All meals are under $10. Kids also eat free on weekdays with a paying adult. Each additional child is only $3.
Charlie Clark’s Steakhouse
Charlie Clarks Steakhouse specializes in the finest Mesquite-broiled steaks in the White Mountains.
This steakhouse has been in continuous operation for 67 years and is the oldest saloon in the White Mountains.
In fact, John Wayne used to frequent Charlie Clarks when staying at his 26 Bar Ranch in Eager!
“The Orchard” is located behind the restaurant and is a rustic bar with an outdoor patio and dance floor. They have live music on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
The House
The House not only serves up delicious innovative dishes, but the outdoor space is perfect for families. Enjoy a game of cornhole, warm up around the fire pits, and listen to live music while you eat.
After you eat, head next door to the Red Barn Creamery for a scoop of homemade ice cream.
The Pasta House
At The Pasta House you’ll find pasta made from only the freshest ingredients served up in a cozy and warm atmosphere.
The portion sizes are large and the Alfredo sauce is to die for. The Baked Ziti, Chicken Picatta, and Chicken Parmesan are also delicious.
What’s Cooking Kitchen & Bakery
We sort of stumbled across the What’s Cooking Kitchen & Bakery and it quickly became a family favorite!
They offer a wide variety of dishes so you’re bound to find something for even your pickiest of eaters.
The food is fresh and delicious, we have loved every dish we’ve tried.
Best Places to Stay in Pinetop
There are so many cozy cabins available to rent in Pinetop. Our favorite is the Getaway Frame Hyygested cabin.
This darling A-frame gives attention to every detail with thoughtful touches and modern decor.
It is the perfect getaway any time of year, but we especially love it at Christmas time when it is all decked out with holiday cheer.
The same hosts also have the 1975 Luxury Cabin available for rent.
Aside from Airbnb rentals, the accommodations in Pinetop are limited. WorldMark does offer apartment-style vacation rentals that are great for families. They also have an outdoor pool, hot tub, and game room.
The Rainbow Lake Resort offers rustic lake-front cabins. Lazy Oaks Resort also offers modest cabins and private lake access with fishing piers.
Best Places to go Shopping in Pinetop
Antique Shopping
Pinetop is a popular spot for antique shopping. Driving down the main street you’ll spot an antique store at almost every corner!
The Red Door Home Decor is my favorite place to go. The 6,000-square-foot retail space sells one-of-a-kind antiques along with new and gently used home decor.
A few other recommended antique shops are Outhouse Antiques, Harvest Moon Antiques, Bear Wallow Antiques, and Old Time “E” Antiques.
Show Low Main Street Farmer’s Market
The Show Low Main Street Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday from 9 am – 1 pm during the summer months.
Stroll through the stalls of handmade treasures, homemade goods, unique gifts, and local souvenirs.
Gingerbread Cabin
With a name like “Gingerbread Cabin”, you know it’s going to be cute! If you’re looking for unique souvenirs or gifts, this is the place. As an added bonus they sell homemade fudge!
The Burly Bear
The Burly Bear is also such a cute spot. They have a wide variety of unique gifts and home décor. With so many darling displays it’s like a candy shop for your eyes, especially during the holiday seasons.
Best Outdoor Recreation in Pinetop
The Maverick Trail
Going off-roading is one of the best things to do in Pinetop! The Maverick Trail is a 60-mile motorized vehicle trail.
It is for use by off-road motorcycles, ATVs, and OHVs in the summer, and snowmobiles and OHVs in the winter.
The Maverick Trail has five trailheads: Sky-Hi, Timber Mesa, Panorama Trailhead, Burton, and Clay Springs.
The trailheads provide a staging area and direct access to gated trails. Most of the trails accommodate vehicles less than 50 inches in width.
The terrain through the Lakeside Ranger District varies from flat open grasslands to hilly and rocky terrain with breathtaking views of the White Mountains.
Show Low Motorsports is the only company that offers ATV rentals in the area, but you may want to check Craigslist.
Porter Mountain Stables
Porter Mountain Stables is a family-owned business that takes pride in providing a memorable trail riding experience.
Explore the beauty of the White Mountains on horseback as you follow along streams and forests into open meadows.
They offer scenic trail rides, sunset rides, and longer rides up to the Ice Caves or the Mesa Overlook.
Trail and Carriage rides are also available at the Pinetop Lakes Activity Center & Stables.
Sledding Hill
I was surprised to find that there are a limited amount of sledding hills in the area.
I believe there is a hill in Show Low city somewhere, but the best sledding hill we found is just outside of Sunrise Park Ski Resort.
From Pinetop, head towards Sunrise on AZ-260 for about 35 miles. Take a right on the turn-off for Sunrise (AZ-273).
After about a half-mile you’ll see a basin on the left side of the road by the dam that is perfect for sledding!
If you continue past the Sunrise Resort turn-off, you’ll find another great sledding hill at mile marker 379. There is a parking lot and restrooms here as well.
If you’re visiting in the winter, be sure to make the stunning drive from Pinetop to Greer and enjoy the magical winter wonderland.
Sunrise Ski Resort
Most people don’t associate Arizona with skiing, but Sunrise is Arizona’s premier ski resort and one of the best places to go in Pinetop during the winter.
Sunrise has a total of 65 runs and 10 lift systems. Cross-country ski trails also start at the base of the mountain.
There is also a tubing hill located near Lake Ono, just off the road that leads to the Cyclone Base Area. The tubing hill is open Saturday and Sunday from 9-4. Only Sunrise tubes are allowed, no sleds. The cost for a 2-hour session is $18 for 13 years and older, and $16 for ages 6-12 years. No children under 5 are allowed.
In the summer, visitors can take a scenic lift ride to the top of the mountain to hike around and explore the terrain.
You can choose to either hike down or ride the lift back down. You can also bring a mountain bike up the lift and then ride it down one of the many trails.
The Spirit Trail Adventure Tour is also offered in the summer and is a series of 6 zip lines. It is the longest zip line in Arizona, covering one mile of terrain.
There are several other activities available at the base area, including a tubing slide, airbag jump, bungee trampoline, rock climbing wall, and a bounce house.
You can purchase an Explorer’s Pass that gives unlimited access to the scenic lift and base area activities. Full-day and half-day passes are available. A half-day pass is good from 12-4 pm, the cost is $42 for adults and $32 for kids.
There are also 2 different 3-D archery courses where you can practice your skills and compete with friends on the 10-target course.
Paddle boats and kayaks are available for rent to enjoy a day on the water at Sunrise Lake.
Click the links for information about the winter and summer activities offered at Sunrise.
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We hope this guide will help you plan the best things to do in Pinetop! It’s a beautiful area and we’re sure you’ll fall in love!
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This local guide is very informative. Thanks for the time you put into it. I have a vacation rental in Pinetop and going to use this web page as a reference for my guests.
I’m so glad you found it helpful! Thanks so much for passing the link along!
Thanks for writing all of this up! I’m visiting the area this month and this was very helpful to have lots of suggestions and photos! I’ll be pinning this for later!
I’m so glad it was helpful! Enjoy your visit, it’s a beautiful place!
Jamie, Thank you so much for all the great information. I’m planning a wedding there next October and hoping for fall colors. I can’t decide between the 10th or 30th for my ceremony. Do you have any suggestions on what date would be the best for fall foliage? Thanks!
What a beautiful place for a wedding, congratulations! We were up the weekend of October 11 and the colors were beautiful, they weren’t quite peak yet but it has been a mild fall. Last year they received snow mid-October, so it can change each year! I think earlier in the month would be a safe bet. The best place for fall foilage is in the area by Sunrise Ski Resort. Best of luck, let me know if there’s anything else I can help with!
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