White Mountains Arizona Map & Directions

By AZ Leisure Staff Writers

Last updated on May 2, 2026.

The White Mountains region of eastern Arizona is one of the state’s premier high-country destinations, offering cooler temperatures, forested landscapes, and a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities. Centered across Apache and Navajo counties, the region has a combined population of roughly 170,000 residents, with smaller mountain communities, seasonal homes, and tourism playing a significant role in the local economy. While some areas have experienced modest population shifts, the region continues to attract visitors and second-home owners seeking relief from Arizona’s desert heat, along with steady economic activity tied to tourism, outdoor recreation, and energy development. The White Mountains are one of the coolest regions in Arizona during summer. This White Mountains map highlights the area’s unique geography, including alpine forests, lakes, rivers, and mountain towns that make it one of the most diverse and scenic regions in the state.

This map of the White Mountains of Arizona shows the location of towns located in the area including Heber Overgaard, Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Greer, St. Johns, Springerville, Eagar, Alpine, Snowflake and Taylor AZ.

Vacation Regions & Activities

The cool mountain climate in the White Mountains offers a variety of vacation experiences across different parts of the region, each with its own character and attractions. The southern portion, including Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside, serves as the main hub for lodging, dining, and access to nearby lakes and golf courses. To the east, Greer and the Sunrise Park area provide higher elevation landscapes with cooler temperatures, fishing streams, hiking trails, and winter sports. Northern and eastern sections, including Alpine and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, offer more remote and rugged environments with excellent camping, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Throughout the region, visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and exploring hundreds of miles of forested terrain, making the White Mountains a top destination for summer getaways, fall color viewing, and year-round outdoor recreation.

Best Lakes Near the White Mountains

• Big Lake
• Sunrise Lake
• Fool Hollow Lake
• Show Low Lake

Directions To The White Mountains

Most White Mountains communities are within a relatively short drive of one another. The major routes into the area include State Route 260 via Payson, U.S. Route 60 via Globe, and State Route 77 via Holbrook.

Major Towns in the White Mountains

The Arizona White Mountains include several small towns and mountain communities that serve as gateways to lakes, forests, ski areas, cabins, campgrounds, and scenic drives. Each town has a different feel, from larger service hubs like Show Low to quiet high-country escapes like Greer and Alpine.

• Show Low: Main regional hub with lodging, restaurants, shopping, Fool Hollow Lake, and access to nearby recreation areas
• Pinetop-Lakeside: Popular mountain vacation area known for cabins, golf, restaurants, forest access, and nearby lakes
• Greer: High-elevation village near trout streams, cabins, hiking trails, and Sunrise Park Resort
• Springerville & Eagar: Eastern White Mountains communities close to scenic drives, forests, lakes, and high-country recreation
• Alpine: Remote mountain town near forests, wildlife areas, scenic drives, and cooler summer temperatures

Best Lakes Near the White Mountains

The White Mountains are one of Arizona’s best regions for lake recreation, especially during summer when higher elevations provide cooler temperatures. Area lakes are popular for trout fishing, kayaking, camping, boating, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

• Big Lake: One of Arizona’s top high-country trout fishing lakes, located in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
• Fool Hollow Lake: Popular Show Low-area lake with camping, fishing, boating, and easy access from town
• Show Low Lake: Convenient lake near Show Low with fishing, boating, camping, and family recreation
• Rainbow Lake: Pinetop-Lakeside area lake known for fishing, kayaking, and vacation cabin access
• Sunrise Lake: High-elevation lake near Sunrise Park Resort with fishing and mountain scenery

Best Time to Visit the White Mountains

The best time to visit the Arizona White Mountains depends on the activities you want to enjoy. Summer is popular for cool weather and lake recreation, fall brings colorful foliage, winter offers snow sports, and spring provides quieter travel conditions as mountain roads and lakes begin to open.

Spring (March – May)

• Cool weather and fewer crowds than summer
• Good time for scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and early-season fishing
• Some high-elevation areas may still have snow or limited access

Summer (June – August)

• Peak season for escaping desert heat
• Best time for lakes, camping, hiking, fishing, and cabin stays
• Afternoon thunderstorms are possible during monsoon season

Fall (September – November)

• Excellent season for fall colors and photography
• Cooler temperatures and fewer visitors than summer
• Great time for hiking, scenic drives, and fishing

Winter (December – February)

• Best season for skiing, snowboarding, and snow play near Sunrise Park Resort
• Mountain roads may require caution during storms
• Cabins and snowy forest scenery make this a popular winter getaway

Travel Tips for Visiting the White Mountains

Because the White Mountains sit at higher elevations than much of Arizona, weather and road conditions can change quickly. Visitors should plan ahead, especially when traveling in winter, camping in remote areas, or visiting lakes and forests away from town services.

• Check road conditions before winter travel, especially near Greer, Alpine, and Sunrise Park Resort
• Bring layers, even in summer, because evenings can be cool at higher elevations
• Fuel up in larger towns like Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Springerville, or Eagar before heading into remote areas
• Watch for elk, deer, livestock, and wildlife on forest roads and highways
• Make cabin, campground, and RV reservations early for peak summer weekends

From Phoenix Via Payson. Depending upon your leaving point and community destination, driving miles to the White Mountains is about 190 to 210 miles. Take State Highway 87 (Beeline Hwy) North to Payson Arizona. At Payson, take State Highway 260. Then see map above.

From Tucson Via Globe. Driving distance is about 200-210 miles from Tucson. Take State Route 77 (Oracle Road) to Oracle Junction. Continue on SR 77 North to Globe. Take SR 77 and US 60 through the Salt River Canyon to Show Low. Then see map above.

From Holbrook AZ. If you are traveling along Interstate 40 in Northern Arizona from Flagstaff or New Mexico points, exit South from I-40 at Holbrook and take State Route 77 South. Pass through Snowflake and Taylor to Show Low. The distance for Holbrook to Show Low is about 67 miles from Holbrook. Then see map to select your precise destination within the White Mountains.

White Mountains Map FAQ

Where are the White Mountains in Arizona?

The White Mountains are located in eastern Arizona, primarily in Apache and Navajo counties, near communities such as Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Greer, Springerville, Eagar, and Alpine.

What towns are shown on the White Mountains map?

Common towns shown on White Mountains maps include Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Greer, Heber-Overgaard, Snowflake, Taylor, Springerville, Eagar, St. Johns, and Alpine.

How do you get to the White Mountains from Phoenix?

From Phoenix, many visitors take State Route 87 north to Payson, then State Route 260 east toward Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, and other White Mountains communities.

How far are the White Mountains from Phoenix?

Depending on the destination, the White Mountains are generally about 190 to 210 miles from the Phoenix area by road.

What are the best lakes in the White Mountains?

Popular lakes in the White Mountains include Big Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Show Low Lake, Rainbow Lake, Sunrise Lake, Hawley Lake, Crescent Lake, and Luna Lake.

When is the best time to visit the White Mountains?

Summer is the most popular season because of cooler temperatures, lakes, camping, hiking, and fishing. Fall is excellent for foliage, while winter is best for snow recreation near Sunrise Park Resort.

Beautiful White Mountains In Arizona