Pinetop-Lakeside

Last updated on April 22, 2026.

Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona is one of the premier mountain destinations in the White Mountains, known for cool summer temperatures, tall ponderosa pines, scenic lakes, and easy access to year-round outdoor recreation. At about 7,200 feet in elevation, Pinetop-Lakeside offers a refreshing high-country setting for travelers looking to escape the desert heat and enjoy hiking, fishing, golfing, camping, and relaxing mountain scenery in central-eastern Arizona.

There's so much to love about Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, the hub of the scenic White Mountains. This vacation getaway area in central-eastern Arizona is a favorite retreat of the desert-dwellers in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson to escape the summer heat. At an elevation of about 7,200 feet, Pinetop-Lakeside features cool refreshing summer temperatures with an alpine-type setting of tall mountain peaks and lush forests that boasts of year-round outdoor adventure.

Pinetop-Lakeside Arizona in the White Mountains with tall pines and mountain scenery

Hub Of The White Mountains

Pinetop-Lakeside is a popular destination because it combines a true mountain-town atmosphere with convenient access to the broader White Mountains region. Visitors are drawn by the cooler climate, nearby lakes, forest trails, scenic drives, golf courses, winter recreation, and wide range of lodging options, while its location also makes it a practical base for exploring other White Mountains communities and attractions.

The entire White Mountains area features tall pines, crystal clear mountain lakes and dozens of creeks and rivers that meander from mountain slopes. This means great trout fishing and colorful meadows of springtime wildflowers and all year recreation including hiking, cross country skiing, horseback riding, fishing, ice fishing, sledding, snowmobiling, hunting, golf and some of the most picturesque camping you will ever experience.

Rainbow Lake

Scenic Location

Pinetop-Lakeside AZ is surrounded by the Apache/Sitgreaves National Forest and the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation which owns the Sunrise Ski Resort and the Hon-Dah Resort Casino. The White River flows east, the Black River south. Less than 20 miles southwest of the White Mountain Apache Tribe's headquarters in Whiteriver, they flow together to form the Salt River. On the northern flank of the mountains, the Little Colorado starts its nearly 300-mile journey northwest across the Painted Desert to join the Colorado River, marking the point where Marble Canyon becomes the Grand Canyon.

Things To Do In Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ

Fish nearby mountain lakes and streams in the White Mountains.
Hike and explore the area’s extensive non-motorized multi-use trail system.
Camp in the scenic forests and mountain recreation areas around town.
Play golf at one of the scenic area golf courses.
Enjoy horseback riding in the White Mountains region.
Visit nearby Rainbow Lake and other popular White Mountains lakes.
Take a day trip to Sunrise Ski Resort or Hon-Dah Resort Casino.
Use Pinetop-Lakeside as a base for exploring Greer, Show Low, Springerville, Heber-Overgaard, and other White Mountains communities.

Pinetop-Lakeside is located about 190 miles northeast of Phoenix and about 90 miles east of Payson Arizona and shares White Mountain beauty with its sister-communities of Greer, Taylor, Show Low, Springerville, Eagar, Heber-Overgaard, St. Johns and the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation.

A Quick History

At one time Pinetop and Lakeside AZ were separate towns originally founded by Mormon pioneers in the early 1880s. Pinetop derived its name from the nickname of a saloonkeeper and Lakeside was named after the many lakes in the area. The two communities incorporated as one town in 1984.

Regional Attractions

One of the main attractions are cool temperatures, an abundance of mountain lakes, hiking along over 180 miles of non-motorized, multi-use trails, winter recreation, camping and several very scenic golf courses. Fort Apache is located about 4 miles southwest of Whitewater near Highway 73 and features General Cook's Headquarters and the Apache Cultural Center.

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Where To Stay

Pinetop-Lakeside offers accommodations and lodging to fit any style and budget including hotels in Pinetop-Lakeside, cabins, bed and breakfast inns, and campgrounds.

Getting To Pinetop-Lakeside

From Phoenix. Take State Highway 87 north (Beeline Highway) to Payson. From Payson take State Highway 260 to Show Low. From Show Low, continue on Highway 260 to Pinetop-Lakeside.