Pinetop-Lakeside Arizona Map & Driving Directions

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on October 20, 2026

Located in Arizona's scenic White Mountains, Pinetop-Lakeside is a mountain community approximately 15 miles from Show Low along State Route 260. This Pinetop-Lakeside map and driving directions guide explains how to reach the area from Phoenix, Tucson and Show Low, compares the major highway routes, and provides estimated driving times and winter travel advice. At an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet, Pinetop-Lakeside is also a convenient gateway to mountain lakes, pine forests and outdoor recreation throughout eastern Arizona.

• Driving Times
• Pinetop-Lakeside Map
• Directions From Phoenix
• Directions From Tucson
• Directions From Show Low
• Compare Phoenix Routes
• Winter Driving
• Getting Around Town
• Nearby Destinations
• Travel Tips
• FAQ

From Phoenix, travelers can reach Pinetop-Lakeside through Payson and the Mogollon Rim on State Route 260 or through Globe and the Salt River Canyon on US 60. Under normal conditions, the drive from Phoenix is approximately 3.5 hours. Pinetop-Lakeside also provides a convenient base for Rainbow Lake, Woodland Lake, Show Low, Greer, Sunrise Park Resort and other White Mountains destinations.

Pinetop-Lakeside Driving Times At A Glance

• From Phoenix: Approximately 3.5 hours under normal conditions.
• From Tucson: Approximately 4 hours under normal conditions.
• From Show Low: Approximately 15 miles by State Route 260/White Mountain Boulevard.
• From Phoenix via Payson: State Route 87 north to Payson, then State Route 260 east.
• From Phoenix via Globe: US 60 east through Globe and the Salt River Canyon to Show Low.

Pinetop-Lakeside Arizona Map

The map below shows Pinetop-Lakeside within Arizona's White Mountains and its relationship to Show Low, nearby communities, lakes and regional highways. State Route 260 is the primary highway through Pinetop-Lakeside and connects the community with Show Low and other White Mountains destinations.

Use the map to plan travel throughout the White Mountains, including side trips to Rainbow Lake, Woodland Lake, Show Low, Greer, Sunrise Park Resort and nearby recreation areas. Pinetop-Lakeside sits at approximately 7,000 feet in elevation, so weather and road conditions can differ significantly from Phoenix and other lower-elevation Arizona communities.

Directions From Phoenix To Pinetop-Lakeside

Pinetop-Lakeside is approximately a 3.5-hour drive from Phoenix under normal conditions. Two primary routes are commonly used.

Payson and Mogollon Rim Route: Take State Route 87 north from the Phoenix area to Payson. In Payson, take State Route 260 east across the Mogollon Rim toward Show Low. Continue through Show Low on State Route 260/White Mountain Boulevard for approximately 15 miles to Pinetop-Lakeside.

Globe and Salt River Canyon Route: Take US 60 east from the Phoenix area through Globe and continue on US 60 through the Salt River Canyon to Show Low. From Show Low, turn onto State Route 260/White Mountain Boulevard and continue approximately 15 miles to Pinetop-Lakeside.

Directions From Tucson To Pinetop-Lakeside

The drive from Tucson to Pinetop-Lakeside is approximately four hours under normal conditions. Travel north toward Oracle Junction, continue north on State Route 77 to Globe, then take US 60 through the Salt River Canyon to Show Low. From Show Low, take State Route 260/White Mountain Boulevard approximately 15 miles to Pinetop-Lakeside.

Directions From Show Low To Pinetop-Lakeside

Pinetop-Lakeside is about 15 miles from Show Low. From Show Low, follow State Route 260/White Mountain Boulevard southeast toward Lakeside and Pinetop. The route is direct and serves as the primary local connection between the two communities.

Which Phoenix Route To Pinetop-Lakeside Is Best?

Both major Phoenix routes reach Pinetop-Lakeside through Show Low, but they provide very different driving experiences. The Payson route follows State Route 87 and State Route 260 across the Mogollon Rim, while the US 60 route passes through Globe and the Salt River Canyon.

• Via Payson: A popular route for travelers coming from central and north Phoenix and for those who want to travel through Payson and the Mogollon Rim.
• Via Globe: Useful for travelers coming from parts of the East Valley and for those who prefer the US 60 route through Globe and Salt River Canyon.
• Before leaving: Compare current traffic, construction, weather and road conditions rather than assuming one route will always be faster.

Winter Driving To Pinetop-Lakeside

Winter storms can bring snow, ice and rapidly changing road conditions to Pinetop-Lakeside and the surrounding White Mountains. Conditions can also affect State Route 260, US 60 and other high-country roads leading into the area.

Before driving during winter weather, check current Arizona highway conditions through AZ511 as well as the local Pinetop-Lakeside forecast. Conditions on State Route 260, US 60 and the Salt River Canyon can change rapidly during mountain storms. Allow extra travel time, make sure your vehicle is prepared for freezing temperatures and winter conditions, and never rely solely on normal drive-time estimates during a storm.

Getting Around Pinetop-Lakeside

State Route 260/White Mountain Boulevard is the main travel corridor through Pinetop-Lakeside and provides access to lodging, restaurants, shopping and local roads leading to neighborhoods and recreation areas. Rainbow Lake, Woodland Lake and many local destinations are reached from streets branching from the State Route 260 corridor.

For detailed local streets and neighborhoods, use the interactive map above or the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside's current visitor map in addition to the regional White Mountains map.

Planning Your Arrival In Pinetop-Lakeside

Although Pinetop-Lakeside is a single incorporated community, local destinations are spread along State Route 260 and adjoining neighborhood roads. Before leaving Show Low, confirm the address of your cabin, hotel, campground or recreation destination. Travelers visiting Rainbow Lake, Woodland Lake or other nearby attractions should use current local navigation for the final portion of the trip rather than relying only on the regional map.

During winter, check whether your lodging or destination has special access instructions, parking requirements or weather-related restrictions. Some forest recreation roads and seasonal facilities may be inaccessible after snowfall.

Nearby White Mountains Destinations

Pinetop-Lakeside's location makes it a convenient starting point for visiting mountain lakes, recreation areas and neighboring communities throughout eastern Arizona.

• Show Low: The nearest major neighboring community and the primary highway connection for travelers arriving from Phoenix or Tucson.
• Rainbow Lake: Popular local lake near Lakeside for fishing, boating and scenic recreation.
• Woodland Lake: Convenient Pinetop recreation area with fishing, walking and picnic opportunities.
• Greer: Scenic White Mountains community northeast of Pinetop-Lakeside.
• Sunrise Park Resort: Year-round mountain recreation destination southeast of Pinetop-Lakeside.
• White Mountains Lakes: Numerous fishing and recreation lakes are accessible throughout the broader region.

Pinetop-Lakeside Driving & Travel Tips

• Check current Arizona highway and weather conditions before leaving.
• Allow additional driving time during winter storms, holiday periods and road construction.
• Remember that Pinetop-Lakeside sits at approximately 7,000 feet, so temperatures can be much cooler than Phoenix or Tucson.
• Carry water and basic emergency supplies when traveling through remote mountain areas.
• Keep your fuel level adequate before long stretches through the White Mountains.
• Use current navigation for your final local destination rather than relying only on older printed directions.
• Check lodging and campground access before arrival during winter weather.

Pinetop-Lakeside Map & Driving Directions FAQ

Where Is Pinetop-Lakeside Arizona?

Pinetop-Lakeside is located in Navajo County in eastern Arizona's White Mountains, approximately 15 miles from Show Low along State Route 260.

How Far Is Pinetop-Lakeside From Show Low?

Pinetop-Lakeside is approximately 15 miles from Show Low by State Route 260, also known locally as White Mountain Boulevard.

How Long Does It Take To Drive From Phoenix To Pinetop-Lakeside?

The drive from Phoenix generally takes approximately 3.5 hours under normal conditions. Actual travel time depends on your starting point, selected route, traffic, construction and weather.

What Is The Best Route From Phoenix To Pinetop-Lakeside?

Two common routes are available. The Payson route follows State Route 87 north and State Route 260 east across the Mogollon Rim. The Globe route follows US 60 through Globe and the Salt River Canyon to Show Low. Compare current travel conditions before choosing a route.

How Long Does It Take To Drive From Tucson To Pinetop-Lakeside?

The drive from Tucson generally takes approximately four hours under normal conditions. A common route follows State Route 77 toward Globe, US 60 through the Salt River Canyon to Show Low, and State Route 260 to Pinetop-Lakeside.

What Highway Goes Through Pinetop-Lakeside?

State Route 260, known locally as White Mountain Boulevard through much of the community, is the primary highway through Pinetop-Lakeside.

Does It Snow On The Drive To Pinetop-Lakeside?

Yes. Winter storms can bring snow and ice to Pinetop-Lakeside and high-elevation highways throughout the White Mountains. Check AZ511.gov for current highway conditions before traveling.

What Is The Elevation Of Pinetop-Lakeside?

Pinetop-Lakeside sits at approximately 7,000 feet above sea level. Its elevation contributes to cooler summer temperatures and the possibility of winter snowfall.

What Lakes Are Near Pinetop-Lakeside?

Nearby lakes include Rainbow Lake, Woodland Lake and Show Low Lake. Big Lake, Hawley Lake and other White Mountains fishing destinations are also accessible on longer trips.

Can You Use Pinetop-Lakeside As A Base For Exploring The White Mountains?

Yes. Pinetop-Lakeside provides convenient access to Show Low, Greer, Sunrise Park Resort, mountain lakes, forest recreation areas and other destinations throughout Arizona's White Mountains.

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