Sunrise Park Resort: Skiing, Mountain Biking & High-Country Thrills
Everything you need to know about Arizona's largest ski and outdoor recreation hub across Sunrise, Apache, and Cyclone peaks—from winter powder to summer downhill gravity biking.
Just 40 minutes east of Pinetop-Lakeside along scenic AZ-260, Sunrise Park Resort stands as Arizona's undisputed alpine recreation crown. Owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, this four-season mountain playground rises to a summit elevation of 11,100 feet and offers genuine high-altitude adventure.
Whether you're visiting in mid-winter to carve through fresh powder or escaping July temperatures for lift-served mountain biking, here is how to get the most from Sunrise Park Resort.
Three Mountains, 65+ Runs & Family Snow Play
Sunrise spans three interconnected peaks, each offering a distinct mountain personality:
- Sunrise Peak (10,700'): The central hub featuring the main day lodge, ski school, high-speed quad lifts, and wide-open cruisers perfect for intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
- Apache Peak (11,100'): Arizona's highest lift-served skiing, featuring expansive beginner meadows, intermediate tree glades, and dramatic views across the White Mountain Apache Reservation.
- Cyclone Peak (10,700'): For thrill-seekers and advanced riders, Cyclone offers steep black-diamond bumps, technical chutes, and deep powder bowls.
For non-skiers and younger kids, the resort operates a dedicated multi-lane snow tubing hill with a convenient conveyor lift, allowing hours of effortless downhill sledding fun.
Downhill Mountain Biking, Ziplines & Scenic Lifts
When spring thaws the peaks, Sunrise transforms into Arizona's premier downhill mountain bike park. High-speed chairlifts fitted with custom bike carriers haul riders and downhill rigs to the summit.
Bike Trails: Over 15 downhill trails range from rolling green flow trails with banked berms to double-black diamond technical rock drops and tabletop jumps. Full rental fleets of downhill and enduro bikes (plus full-face helmets and armor) are available at the base lodge.
Other Summer Activities: Take a scenic round-trip chairlift ride to the 11,000-foot summit for breathtaking 360-degree views, soar on the dual tandem zipline, tackle the outdoor climbing wall, or try archery and disc golf on the lower slopes.
How to Plan Your Day Trip from Pinetop
The Drive: Take AZ-260 East from Pinetop through Hon-Dah, then continue east past the Greer turnoff onto AZ-273 South. The scenic drive takes approximately 40 minutes on well-maintained state highways. (During winter storms, 4WD/AWD or tire chains are frequently required).
Passes & Rentals: Book lift tickets and rental gear online in advance to skip the morning lines and save up to 20% compared to walk-up ticket window pricing.
🏡 The Perfect Home Base for Sunrise Skiers
Staying in Pinetop-Lakeside rather than at the resort base gives you access to grocery stores, dozens of restaurants, and cozy private cabins. After a full day on the slopes, thaw out on the porch or in the chef's kitchen at Terrones Hilltop Hideaway on Hilltop Lane.