Pinetop-Lakeside Arizona Travel Guide

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 26, 2026.

Pinetop-Lakeside is a year-round mountain destination in Arizona's White Mountains, known for cool summer weather, tall ponderosa pines, scenic lakes and extensive outdoor recreation. At an elevation of about 7,000 feet, the community provides a refreshing alternative to Arizona's desert cities, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, golf, biking, horseback riding and winter recreation.

Surrounded by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and close to the Fort Apache Reservation, Pinetop-Lakeside also makes a convenient base for exploring Show Low, Greer, Sunrise Park Resort, nearby mountain lakes and other White Mountains destinations. Hotels, cabins, restaurants and shops make it easy to combine outdoor adventure with a comfortable mountain getaway.

• Why Visit Pinetop-Lakeside
• Things To Do
• Nearby Lakes
• Best Time To Visit
• History
• Where To Stay
• Getting There
• Visitor Tips
• FAQ

Why Visit Pinetop-Lakeside?

Pinetop-Lakeside combines a relaxed mountain-town atmosphere with convenient access to lakes, forest trails, golf courses, winter sports and scenic drives throughout Arizona's White Mountains. Its cooler high-elevation climate makes it especially popular during summer, while winter brings opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, sledding and other cold-weather recreation.

The surrounding White Mountains offer hundreds of miles of forest roads and trails, mountain lakes, streams, campgrounds and wildlife habitat. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, camping and cross-country skiing are popular throughout the region, while the White Mountain Trail System alone includes more than 180 miles of developed multi-use trails around Pinetop-Lakeside and neighboring communities.

Scenic White Mountains Location

Pinetop-Lakeside is surrounded by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and lies near the White Mountain Apache Tribe's Fort Apache Reservation. The broader region includes the headwaters of major Arizona river systems, high-elevation forests, mountain meadows and numerous lakes and streams. Nearby destinations include Sunrise Park Resort, Hon-Dah Resort Casino, Greer, Show Low and the Salt River Canyon.

Best Things To Do In Pinetop-Lakeside

• Hike and bike portions of the White Mountain Trail System, with more than 180 miles of developed multi-use trails.
• Fish nearby mountain lakes and streams for trout and other species.
• Visit Rainbow Lake, Woodland Lake and other White Mountains lakes.
• Camp in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and nearby recreation areas.
• Play golf at scenic high-country courses around Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low.
• Explore forest roads, picnic areas and scenic drives throughout the White Mountains.
• Visit Sunrise Park Resort for skiing, snowboarding and winter recreation.
• Return to Sunrise Park Resort in summer for lift-served mountain biking, scenic lift rides and the Apache Alpine Coaster.
• Enjoy horseback riding, wildlife viewing and photography in the surrounding forests.
• Visit Hon-Dah Resort Casino, restaurants, shops and other local attractions.
• Take day trips to Greer, Show Low, Springerville, Heber-Overgaard and other White Mountains communities.

Lakes Near Pinetop-Lakeside

Pinetop-Lakeside is surrounded by numerous mountain lakes and reservoirs that support fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing and scenic recreation. Some are close to town, while others make excellent day trips deeper into the White Mountains.

• Rainbow Lake: Popular local lake for fishing and boating near Lakeside.
• Woodland Lake: Convenient in-town recreation area with fishing, walking and picnic opportunities.
• Show Low Lake: Popular fishing lake near neighboring Show Low.
• Fool Hollow Lake: State recreation area with fishing, camping and shoreline scenery.
• Big Lake: High-elevation White Mountains lake well known for trout fishing and camping.
• Hawley Lake: Scenic mountain lake on White Mountain Apache tribal lands.

Pinetop-Lakeside is approximately a 3.5-hour drive from Phoenix under normal conditions and is connected to the rest of the White Mountains by State Route 260. Nearby communities include Show Low, Greer, Heber-Overgaard, Springerville-Eagar and communities on the Fort Apache Reservation.

A Short History Of Pinetop-Lakeside

Pinetop and Lakeside developed as separate communities in the late 1800s and officially incorporated together as the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside in 1984. Lakeside took its name from the area's lakes, while Pinetop was named for the nickname of a saloon keeper who served soldiers from nearby Fort Apache.

White Mountains Attractions Near Pinetop-Lakeside

Popular regional attractions include Sunrise Park Resort, Hon-Dah Resort Casino, Fort Apache Historic Park, White Mountains lakes, forest trails and scenic mountain communities such as Greer and Show Low. The area's combination of outdoor recreation and nearby visitor services makes Pinetop-Lakeside a practical home base for multi-day White Mountains trips.

Best Time To Visit Pinetop-Lakeside

• Spring: Mild days, cool nights and increasing access to hiking, fishing and outdoor recreation.
• Summer: One of the most popular seasons because high elevation provides much cooler temperatures than Phoenix and Tucson.
• Fall: Cooler weather, changing foliage and excellent conditions for hiking, fishing and scenic drives.
• Winter: Snow brings skiing, snowboarding, sledding and other winter recreation throughout the White Mountains.

Related Pinetop-Lakeside Information

Pinetop-Lakeside
Average Temps-Weather Pinetop-Lakeside
Pinetop-Lakeside Map & Directions
Pinetop-Lakeside RV Parks

Where To Stay In Pinetop-Lakeside

Pinetop-Lakeside offers hotels, lodges, cabins, vacation rentals, RV parks and campgrounds for a wide range of travel styles. Cabins are especially popular for mountain getaways, while nearby RV parks and campgrounds provide convenient access to forest recreation.

Getting To Pinetop-Lakeside From Phoenix

Two common driving routes connect Phoenix with Pinetop-Lakeside. The Payson route follows State Route 87 north to Payson, then State Route 260 east through Show Low to Pinetop-Lakeside. An alternate route follows US 60 east through Globe and the Salt River Canyon to Show Low, then State Route 260 south into town. Driving time from Phoenix is typically about 3.5 hours, although weather, traffic and road conditions can add time.

Map To Pinetop-Lakeside Arizona

Pinetop-Lakeside Visitor Tips

• Check current road and weather conditions before traveling, especially during winter storms.
• Bring layers because temperatures can change quickly at high elevation.
• Reserve cabins, hotels and campgrounds early for summer weekends and holidays.
• Carry plenty of water when hiking even though temperatures are cooler than the desert.
• Check current fire restrictions before camping or building a campfire.
• Stay on designated trails and follow Leave No Trace practices.
• Give wildlife plenty of space and never feed wild animals.
• Verify fishing permits and regulations for National Forest and tribal waters before fishing.

Pinetop-Lakeside Arizona FAQ

Where Is Pinetop-Lakeside Arizona?

Pinetop-Lakeside is located in Arizona's White Mountains in Navajo County, southeast of Show Low and surrounded by high-elevation forests and mountain recreation areas.

What Is The Elevation Of Pinetop-Lakeside?

Pinetop-Lakeside sits at approximately 7,000 feet in elevation, giving it much cooler summer temperatures than Arizona's lower desert communities.

How Far Is Pinetop-Lakeside From Phoenix?

The drive from Phoenix typically takes about 3.5 hours depending on route, traffic, weather and road conditions.

What Is Pinetop-Lakeside Known For?

Pinetop-Lakeside is known for ponderosa pine forests, cool summer weather, mountain lakes, hiking, fishing, camping, golf and easy access to year-round White Mountains recreation.

What Are The Best Things To Do In Pinetop-Lakeside?

Popular activities include hiking, fishing, mountain biking, camping, golfing, horseback riding, scenic drives, winter sports and visiting nearby mountain lakes.

Are There Lakes Near Pinetop-Lakeside?

Yes. Rainbow Lake, Woodland Lake, Show Low Lake, Fool Hollow Lake and several other White Mountains lakes are within convenient driving distance.

Is Pinetop-Lakeside Good In Summer?

Yes. Summer is one of the most popular times to visit because the community's roughly 7,000-foot elevation provides cooler temperatures than Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson.

Does Pinetop-Lakeside Get Snow?

Yes. Winter snow is common in the White Mountains, supporting skiing, snowboarding, sledding, cross-country skiing and other winter recreation.

How Far Is Sunrise Park Resort From Pinetop-Lakeside?

Sunrise Park Resort is southeast of Pinetop-Lakeside and is commonly visited as a day trip for skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, scenic lift rides and other seasonal activities.

Are There Hiking Trails Near Pinetop-Lakeside?

Yes. The White Mountain Trail System includes more than 180 miles of developed multi-use trails around Pinetop-Lakeside and neighboring White Mountains communities.

Where Can You Stay In Pinetop-Lakeside?

Visitors can choose from hotels, lodges, cabins, vacation rentals, RV parks and campgrounds throughout Pinetop-Lakeside and the surrounding White Mountains.

Is Pinetop-Lakeside A Good Year-Round Destination?

Yes. Summer is popular for hiking, fishing and camping, fall brings cooler weather and seasonal color, winter supports snow recreation, and spring gradually reopens warm-weather outdoor activities.

More Information

Apache Sitgreaves National Forest

Beautiful White Mountains In Arizona