Springerville Arizona

By AZ Leisure Staff Writers

Last updated on May 7, 2026.

Springerville Arizona is a scenic White Mountains destination known for cool mountain weather, outdoor recreation, fishing lakes, wildlife, camping, and easy access to the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway. Located in eastern Arizona near the New Mexico border, Springerville offers visitors a relaxing mountain-town atmosphere surrounded by forests, meadows, lakes, rivers, and year-round outdoor activities.

Like all communities in the Arizona White Mountains, Springerville AZ is a town for all seasons. Springerville, in an area known as "Round Valley" is about 28 miles from Show Low which is considered the gateway to the White Mountains area. Springerville is located at the junction of US 60 and State Highways 180 and 191. It is about a 220 mile drive from the Phoenix area depending upon departure point.

Originally established in 1879, Springerville sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet. It grew around Henry Springer's trading post and eventually was incorporated in 1948. The population of Springerville, Arizona is about 2,000 (2006).

Why Visit Springerville Arizona

Visitors travel to Springerville for its four-season recreation, scenic White Mountains landscapes, nearby lakes, hiking trails, fishing waters, wildlife viewing, and quiet mountain-town setting. The area is popular for camping, boating, scenic drives, skiing, photography, and exploring destinations including Lyman Lake State Park, Big Lake, Sunrise Park Resort, and the Coronado Trail.

Things to Do & See Around Springerville Arizona

• Visit Lyman Lake State Park: Enjoy boating, fishing, camping, kayaking, swimming, and lakeside recreation just north of Springerville.
• Drive the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway: Experience one of Arizona’s most scenic mountain drives with forests, overlooks, switchbacks, and wildlife viewing.
• Explore Round Valley: Discover wide-open mountain scenery, meadows, ranch lands, and peaceful White Mountains landscapes.
• Visit Sunrise Park Resort: Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, scenic chairlift rides, mountain biking, and summer events.
• Go Wildlife Viewing: The area is home to elk, deer, eagles, hawks, wild turkey, and other Arizona wildlife.
• Explore Nearby Mountain Lakes: Fish and relax at Big Lake, Becker Lake, Crescent Lake, Luna Lake, and other White Mountains lakes.
• Hike White Mountains Trails: Enjoy hiking, photography, and cool mountain air throughout the region.
• Visit Historic and Archaeological Sites: Explore local history museums, ancient ruins, and cultural attractions near Springerville.

Fishing Near Springerville Arizona

• Lyman Lake: Popular for walleye, catfish, largemouth bass, sunfish, and channel catfish fishing.
• Big Lake: One of Arizona’s best-known trout fishing lakes with rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, and Arctic grayling.
• Becker Lake: Well known for large trout and quality still-water fishing in the White Mountains.
• Crescent Lake: A scenic mountain lake popular for trout fishing and quiet forest surroundings.
• Little Colorado River: Seasonal fishing opportunities and scenic river access in nearby mountain areas.
• Spring Through Fall: The best fishing season usually runs from spring through early fall depending on weather and lake conditions.

Boating Nearby Springerville Arizona

• Lyman Lake State Park: One of the few larger White Mountains lakes allowing speed boats, water skiing, and personal watercraft.
• Kayaking and Canoeing: Quiet coves and calm water areas are good for paddle sports and wildlife viewing.
• Fishing Boats: Many nearby lakes provide boat ramps and access for fishing boats and small recreational watercraft.
• Camping and Marina Access: Lyman Lake offers campgrounds, boat ramps, showers, hookups, and day-use recreation areas.
• Summer Water Recreation: Warm-weather months are best for boating, tubing, kayaking, and lakeside activities.

Best Times To Visit Springerville Arizona

• Spring: Wildflowers, mild temperatures, hiking, fishing, and scenic mountain drives make spring a beautiful season to visit.
• Summer: One of the most popular times to enjoy cooler mountain temperatures, lakes, camping, boating, and outdoor recreation.
• Fall: Crisp weather, colorful foliage, scenic drives, and excellent hiking conditions attract visitors throughout autumn.
• Winter: Snow-covered scenery, nearby skiing, wildlife viewing, and peaceful mountain landscapes create a relaxing winter getaway.

Springerville Attractions & Recreation

As part of the White Mountains region, Springerville features four seasons of outdoor recreation and gorgeous scenery. Particularly during the summer months, Springerville is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts from both Arizona and New Mexico. During the winter, the best snow-skiing can be found at the Sunrise Park Resort and there are plenty of cross-country ski trails in the area.

With the arrival of spring, new leaves on the aspens and colorful meadows of wildflowers signal a time for hiking and getting in touch with nature. The summers bring cool, refreshing temperatures perfect for fishing the many lakes and streams, horseback riding, hiking, golfing the area courses or just kicking-back and absorbing the getaway serenity.

When the gambling urge hits, you'll find the Hon-Dah Resort Casino just a short drive away. There are also three archaeological sites and ancient Indian ruins within a 20 minute drive from Springerville.

Lyman Lake State Park

Lyman Lake is just minutes north of Springerville and is one of the largest lakes in the White Mountains region. The lake is especially popular for boating, fishing, camping, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and family outdoor recreation. Unlike many smaller White Mountains lakes, Lyman Lake permits speed boats and personal watercraft, making it a favorite destination for summer boating trips. Visitors will find campgrounds with hookups, lakeside camping areas, ramadas, paved boat ramps, picnic areas, showers, restrooms, and convenient lake access for fishing boats and recreational watercraft. Cabins are also available for rent, and wildlife sightings including elk, birds, and a small herd of buffalo are common around the park.

Lyman Lake Coordinates:
Latitude: 34.3560
Longitude: -109.3863

Northernmost Boundary of the Coronado Trail

South from Springerville is the Coronado Trail (Highway 191) making its way for about 123 miles to Morenci, Arizona. This scenic drive follows the path of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado's 1540 expedition into the area seeking the riches of the legendary "Seven Cities of Cibola".

Today, the riches to be discovered are the endless spectacular views along with an abundance of outdoor recreation. The Coronado Trail is a very slow drive as it navigates steep canyon cliffs with over 400 switchbacks. Although the trip along the Coronado Trail takes 4 to 5 hours, it is a scenic drive that should not be missed.

Nearby Attractions Around Springerville Arizona

• Sunrise Park Resort: Eastern Arizona ski resort offering winter sports and summer recreation.
• Big Lake: A favorite White Mountains destination for fishing, camping, boating, and scenic forest views.
• Greer Arizona: Mountain community known for cabins, trout streams, hiking, and cool summer weather.
• Show Low Arizona: Shopping, restaurants, lodging, lakes, and outdoor recreation gateway to the White Mountains.
• Coronado Trail Scenic Byway: One of Arizona’s most scenic mountain drives with forests, overlooks, and canyon scenery.

Directions To Springerville

Getting to Springerville through Show Low, Arizona is the most accessible route. Springerville AZ is about 28 miles east of Show Low which is about a 175 mile drive from Phoenix via Payson AZ.

Springerville Arizona Coordinates:
Latitude: 34.1334
Longitude: -109.2859

Springerville Area Map

FAQ

Where is Springerville Arizona located?
Springerville is located in eastern Arizona in the White Mountains region near the New Mexico border and about 28 miles east of Show Low.

What is Springerville Arizona known for?
Springerville is known for White Mountains scenery, outdoor recreation, fishing lakes, camping, wildlife viewing, and access to the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway.

Is there boating near Springerville Arizona?
Yes. Lyman Lake State Park offers boating, water skiing, fishing boats, kayaking, and other lake recreation activities.

What are the best fishing lakes near Springerville?
Popular fishing lakes near Springerville include Lyman Lake, Big Lake, Becker Lake, Crescent Lake, and other White Mountains fishing destinations.

When is the best time to visit Springerville Arizona?
Summer and fall are especially popular for cooler mountain weather, fishing, hiking, camping, and scenic drives.

Is Springerville near Sunrise Park Resort?
Yes. Springerville is within driving distance of Sunrise Park Resort, a popular Arizona ski and summer recreation destination.

Lodging Choices

Most hotels in the White Mountains region are convenient to Springerville including hotels in Springerville, Show Low hotels and hotels in Pinetop. You'll also find White Mountains Bed and Breakfast Inns like home away from home and there are Cabins for Rent and RV Park Campgrounds in the White Mountains area.

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