Arizona White Mountains

High Mountain Communities Along the
Arizona - New Mexico Border

Some of Arizona's best outdoor recreation can be found within the White Mountain communities. You have choices among many campsites, fishing streams, lakes, ski runs, and hiking trails.

The White Mountain Scenic Road was designated on May 13, 1992, by the Arizona Department of Transportation. This route passes through dense Ponderosa Pine forested mountains as it stretches across the Mogollon Rim. Visitors can see views of mountain meadows, creeks and lakes. Mt.Baldy and the Apache Sunrise Ski Area stand out among the rest of the towering peaks. Whether looking for a chance to ski, fish or merely sight see, this scenic destination has something for all.

The communities of the White Mountains:

Show Low
Show Low , Arizona, the commercial and tourism capital of the White Mountains, was established in 1870 and incorporated in 1953. Located in southern Navajo Country at an elevation of 6,331 feet, the city is 174 miles northeast of Phoenix, and 193 miles north of Tucson.

Show Low received its name when C.E. Cooley and Marion Clark decided there was not enough room for both of them in their settlement. The two men agreed to let a game of cards decide who was to move. According to the story, Clark said, "If you can show low, you win." Cooley turned up the Deuce of Clubs and replied, "Show Low it is." Show Low's rich heritage has created a thriving town that has prospered due to its many resources and attractions. Was pioneered by Native Americans and Mormons who settled the land. Today, people from all over the country are discovering the secret that residents have always known: Show Low is a great place to live, to own a business, to work and to enjoy our wonderful recreational opportunities.

Springerville
Springerville , Arizona has a number of endeavors shaping its economy. These include tourism, agriculture, construction, forest service, hunting, fishing, lumbering, and retail sales. Cattle and sheep ranching were early economic activities, less important to the Springerville of today. Nationally recognized archaeological ruins, Casa Malpais, are located within the Springerville town limits. Tour information and additional archaeological information is available from the Chamber of Commerce.

Pinetop Lakeside
Pinetop was founded in the early 1880s by Mormon pioneers and derived its name from the nickname of a saloon keeper who served the Fort Apache soldiers. Lakeside was named because of the number of lakes in the area. The two communtiies incorporated as one town in 1984. Pinetop-Lakeside is known for its extensive tourism and recreational activities, proximity to the world's largest stand of Ponderosa Pine, and for the great quality of life. The area offers access for major metropolitan areas and a great rural business atmosphere. The economy is focused on trade and services. Pinetop-Lakeside is surrounded by the White Mountains, the Apache-Sitreaves National Forest, and the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation. Hunting and fishing are popular along with hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Greer
Greer is a summer and winter outdoor recreational center in the White Mountains. Greer is fast becoming a year-round destination point as people discover the beauty of Arizona's high country and enjoy the four seasons. The Willard Lee family arrived in Greer in 1879 and named it Lee Valley. In 1898 the name was changed to Greer in honor of a leading citizen, Americus Vespucius Greer. Greer is surrounded by pine forests with numerous mountain streams and lakes. The economy is heavily oriented tourism and recreation.

Snowflake
Snowflake Founded in 1878, Snowflake was named after its founders, Apostle Eratus Snow and Mormon land agent William Flake. Snowflake is at an elevation of 5,600 feet and is bordered by the Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains. Arizona's only pulp and paper mill is Snowflake's largest industry. Snowflake lies in an area of great contrast - barren desert to the north and mountain ranges to the south.

Taylor
Taylor is located on the banks of Silver Creek in a broad, flat valley. The community is close to the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim at an elevation of 5.640 feet. Taylor's largest industry is Arizona's only pulp and paper mill. Livestock is also prominent in the area.

Hannagan Meadow
Hannagan Meadow is approximately 22 miles south of Alpine, located on the historic Coronado Trail, U.S. Route 191, near mile marker 232. The anchor of the area is Hannagan Meadow Lodge, which has been operating cabins and bed-and-breakfast rooms under U.S. Forest Service permit since 1926. Also in Hannagan Meadow are a restaurant, general store and auto fuel station. Because of its high elevation at 9100 feet, Hannagan Meadow frequently has the first and last snow available in the state, and they maintain the highest-altitude weather reporting station in Arizona. Summers are cool and mild. Recreational opportunities in Hannagan Meadow include horseback riding, hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobile touring, snowshoeing, mountain biking and more on thousands of acres of beautiful forests and trails. Hannagan Meadow has a rich place in the history of Eastern Arizona, beginning in 1926 with a huge two-day celebration for the dedication of the Coronado Trail. It is also the site where the Mexican Gray Wolf Endangered Species Reintroduction program was instituted in 1997, as recommended by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Hannagan Meadow was named for Robert Hannagan, an area rancher who, in the early 1900's, was chained to a tree until his son came to pay off a $1200 debt that his father had not repaid. Former Arizona Governor Bruce Babbitt has called Hannagan Meadow "the most beautiful place in the state.