Arizona White Mountains near Show Low with pine forest and mountain scenery

Show Low Arizona: Things To Do & Outdoor Recreation

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 2, 2026

Show Low, Arizona is a popular four-season destination in the scenic White Mountains of eastern Arizona. At an elevation of about 6,400 feet, the community offers cooler mountain weather, pine forests and convenient access to fishing, boating, hiking, camping, golf and winter recreation. Nearby Show Low Lake, Fool Hollow Lake and Rainbow Lake make the area especially popular with anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, while the surrounding White Mountains provide year-round opportunities for scenic drives, wildlife viewing and mountain vacations.

Things To Do
Seasonal Activities
Best Lakes Near Show Low
Outdoor Recreation
Nearby Attractions
Best Time To Visit
Getting To Show Low
Show Low FAQ

Things To Do In Show Low, Arizona

Visitors to Show Low enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, camping and wildlife viewing throughout the White Mountains. The area also offers golf courses, scenic drives and winter recreation, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Show Low is surrounded by mountain lakes, streams, pine forests and the scenic landscapes of the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim. Spring wildflowers, cool summers, colorful fall scenery and occasional winter snow give the region four distinct seasons. Show Low also serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby communities including Pinetop-Lakeside, Snowflake-Taylor, Springerville, Heber-Overgaard and other destinations throughout the Arizona White Mountains.

Show Low Activities By Season

Summer Activities

Summer in Show Low is ideal for fishing, boating, hiking, and camping, with cool mountain temperatures providing relief from the Arizona desert heat. Visitors enjoy spending time on nearby lakes, exploring forest trails, and relaxing in the shade of towering pine trees.

Fall Activities

Fall brings cooler temperatures and beautiful seasonal colors to the White Mountains. Visitors enjoy hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing as the forests transition, making it a peaceful and picturesque time to visit Show Low.

Winter Activities

Winter in Show Low offers a quieter mountain experience, with opportunities for snow play, cross-country skiing, and nearby downhill skiing. The cooler weather and occasional snowfall create a scenic winter setting throughout the region.

Spring Activities

Spring is a great time to visit Show Low, with mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and excellent fishing conditions. As the area comes out of winter, visitors enjoy outdoor recreation and fewer crowds before the busy summer season.

Show Low is located in eastern Arizona about 175 miles northeast of Phoenix and Scottsdale and approximately 195 miles from Tucson. Its higher elevation and cooler summer weather make it a popular getaway from Arizona's lower desert communities, while winter visitors can enjoy snow recreation and skiing at nearby Sunrise Park Resort.

Best Lakes Near Show Low

Show Low Lake: A popular local lake for fishing, boating, camping and family-friendly outdoor recreation close to town.
Fool Hollow Lake: One of the area's most popular recreation lakes, offering fishing, boating, camping, hiking and easy shoreline access.
Rainbow Lake: A scenic White Mountains lake near Pinetop-Lakeside known for fishing, kayaking, boating and relaxed lakeside scenery.
Woodland Lake: A convenient lake near Pinetop-Lakeside with walking paths, birdwatching, picnic areas and peaceful forest surroundings.

Outdoor Adventure & Recreation

Rainbow Lake near Show Low Arizona in the White Mountains

Water recreation is abundant around Show Low and throughout the White Mountains, where mountain lakes and streams support fishing and boating opportunities. Area waters contain bass, walleye, crappie and several species of trout, including Arizona's native Apache trout.

The surrounding high country offers hiking trails through varied landscapes, including mountains, rugged cliffs, lakeshores, mountain streams, pine forests and colorful aspen stands. Wildlife found throughout the region includes black bears, elk, deer, hawks, eagles and many other mountain species.

A few miles north of Show Low, the Pintail Lake Wildlife Area offers birdwatching and wildlife-viewing opportunities in a wetland environment. Migratory waterfowl and numerous other bird species can be observed throughout the area.

Show Low and the surrounding area also feature several golf courses set among forests and mountain scenery. Cool summer temperatures make the White Mountains a popular Arizona destination for golf getaways.

How Show Low Got Its Name

Legend has it that two men, C.E. Cooley and Marion Clark, decided there was not enough room for both of them in the settlement and agreed to let a card game determine who would leave. According to the story, Clark said, "If you can show low, you win." Cooley turned up the two of clubs, so Clark had to leave. The settlement became known as "Show Low," and the two of clubs remains closely associated with the town's history.

Nearby Show Low Attractions

Hon-Dah Resort Casino

Show Low is also within driving distance of Hon-Dah Resort Casino, which offers gaming and year-round entertainment. The property also hosts special events and includes lodging and dining, providing another recreation option for visitors exploring the White Mountains.

Sunrise Park Resort

Sunrise Park Resort is about 34 miles from Show Low and offers year-round mountain recreation. Winter activities include downhill skiing and snow sports, while warmer months bring opportunities for mountain biking and other outdoor activities. Sunrise Park Resort is owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe.

Best Time To Visit Show Low

Spring: A good season for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and mild mountain weather before the busy summer season.
Summer: One of the most popular times to visit Show Low, with cooler temperatures, lake recreation, camping, golf, and family vacations.
Fall: A scenic time for colorful foliage, comfortable hiking, fishing, photography, and quieter travel throughout the White Mountains.
Winter: A good season for snow play, nearby skiing at Sunrise, cozy cabin stays, and quiet mountain getaways.

Getting To Show Low, Arizona

From Phoenix, take Highway 87 north toward Payson and then Highway 260 east to Show Low. The drive from Phoenix or Scottsdale is approximately 175 miles and passes through changing desert, mountain and forest scenery.

Show Low Area Map

Map of Show Low and the Arizona White Mountains region

Show Low Weather & Elevation

Show Low sits at an elevation of about 6,400 feet, giving the community a cooler mountain climate than Arizona's lower desert cities. Summers are popular for outdoor recreation, while fall brings cooler temperatures and seasonal color. Winter can bring freezing temperatures and snow, and spring conditions gradually become milder as mountain recreation increases.

For monthly temperatures and seasonal climate information, see our Show Low weather and average temperatures guide.

Where To Stay In Show Low

Visitors can choose from hotels, cabin rentals, RV parks and other accommodations in and around Show Low and neighboring Pinetop-Lakeside. For a mountain-style stay, explore Show Low cabin rentals. RV travelers can compare Show Low RV parks, while additional lodging choices are available throughout the White Mountains region.

Show Low Arizona FAQ

Where is Show Low, Arizona?

Show Low is located in eastern Arizona in the White Mountains region, about 175 miles northeast of Phoenix.

What is Show Low known for?

Show Low is known for its cooler mountain climate, pine forests, nearby lakes and year-round outdoor recreation including fishing, boating, hiking, camping, golf and winter activities.

What lakes are near Show Low?

Popular lakes near Show Low include Show Low Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Rainbow Lake and Woodland Lake, along with many additional lakes throughout the White Mountains.

What is the elevation of Show Low?

Show Low sits at an elevation of about 6,400 feet, contributing to its cooler mountain climate compared with Arizona's lower desert communities.

Is Show Low a good summer vacation destination?

Yes. Summer is one of the most popular seasons to visit Show Low because the higher elevation generally provides cooler weather for fishing, boating, hiking, camping, golf and other outdoor activities.