High Country Activities
From alpine skiing and world-class trout fishing to championship golf courses and peaceful lakeside picnics, there's always something to do in the White Mountains.
Choose an adventure category to explore outdoor recreation, community events, pine-shaded golf, family attractions, and mountain culture.
Pristine alpine lakes, 200+ miles of multi-use trails, and Arizona's premier ski and downhill bike resort.
Spanning 3 high-country peaks with 65 ski runs in winter, a terrain park, tubing hill, and night skiing. In summer, ride the scenic lift, downhill mountain bike flow trails, dual zip-lines, and 3D archery course.
A tranquil 116-acre mountain lake with a public boat launch, fishing docks, and quiet bays ideal for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and casting for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and catfish.
Renowned as Arizona's record-holding walleye hotspot, stocked frequently with rainbow trout. Enjoy lakeside fishing and picnic areas; check with the lake operator for current boat rental options.
A beloved town park featuring paved and natural hiking loops, fishing docks, kids' playgrounds, shaded ramadas, tennis/pickleball courts, and scenic wetland wildlife platforms.
A host-favorite loop wandering alongside bubbling mountain spring creeks, crossing rustic wooden footbridges, and winding through shady pine corridors. Gentle elevation gain makes it wonderful for all ages.
More than 60 miles of designated motorized multi-use trails winding through Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Perfect for side-by-sides, ATVs, dirt bikes, and mountain bikes seeking backcountry vistas.
The White Mountains' premier family entertainment center featuring high-speed go-karts, a landscaped 18-hole adventure mini-golf course, arcade games, and laser tag arena.
Experience the national forest from horseback. Guided trail rides wander through pristine ponderosa pines, mountain meadows, and scenic wilderness trails suitable for all skill levels.
A tranquil wetland preserve attracting magnificent Rocky Mountain elk, bald eagles, osprey, and dozens of waterfowl species. Excellent viewing platforms and walking trails for morning or dusk wildlife watching.
Explore the Pinetop-Lakeside backcountry with local UTV tours and rentals. Contact SAFERIDE ADVENTURES to choose an outing that fits your group.
Saddle up with Peterson’s Porter Mountain Stables for guided rides through pine forest, meadows, and the Scotts Reservoir area.
From colorful hot-air balloons rising above the pines to autumn craft fairs, parades, and farmers markets.
Dozens of vibrant hot-air balloons launch into the crisp morning skies over Pinetop-Lakeside. Includes evening balloon glows, live music on the lawn, food trucks, and craft vendors.
A beloved mountain tradition featuring an old-fashioned hometown parade along White Mountain Boulevard, an artisan craft fair, chili cook-off, and live folk music among golden fall foliage.
Browse fresh mountain honey, local organic produce, homemade sourdough, artisanal jams, and handcrafted woodwork every weekend from Memorial Day through early October.
Tee off at 7,000 feet where your ball carries further in the crisp, thin mountain air.
Designed by PGA legend Billy Casper, this premier semi-private 18-hole championship layout winds through tall ponderosas, elevation changes, and panoramic high-desert vistas. Features a clubhouse restaurant and driving range.
One of Arizona's top-rated mountain disc golf courses. 18 Innova baskets weave through towering pine forest corridors, rock outcroppings, and scenic meadow edges. Free and open daily to the public.
Challenging wooded 18-basket layout set inside Show Low City Park, featuring technical tunnel shots through the pines, elevation changes, and shaded tee pads.
Unwind after trail hikes or ski sessions with deep tissue massage, organic facials, and mountain pine relaxation.
Revitalize tired hiking legs and soothe sore ski muscles with hot stone massages, therapeutic bodywork, aromatherapy, and restorative facials from experienced local massage therapists and wellness practitioners.
After sunset, gather around outdoor fire pits for local craft brews, live acoustic guitars, and legendary steak dinners.
The heart of Pinetop night life. Dine indoors on mesquite-broiled prime rib and steaks, then step outside to "The Orchard" outdoor beer garden for live country & rock bands, outdoor fire pits, and horseshoes.
Belgian-inspired and West Coast craft ales brewed at 7,200 feet. Enjoy artisan wood-fired pizzas, hearty pub fare, and casual dog-friendly outdoor patio seating with fresh mountain breezes.
Sprawling outdoor venue featuring gourmet burgers, expansive lawn games (cornhole, ping pong, giant Jenga), rotating craft beer taps, outdoor heaters, and regular live weekend music sets.
Explore centuries of Native Apache culture, prehistoric Ancestral Puebloan ruins, and fossilized ancient forests.
Located at historic Fort Apache, the Nohwike' Bágai Cultural Center showcases authentic Apache beadwork, basketry, historical exhibits, and ceremonial artifacts preserving the heritage of the Ndee people.
A National Historic Landmark built atop an ancient volcanic basalt flow around 1260 AD. Guided tours reveal a subterranean Great Kiva, catacombs, solar calendar alignments, and an ancient rock art trail.
An easy scenic day trip north of Pinetop. Walk among ancient rainbow-hued fossilized logs from 225 million years ago, historic Route 66 monuments, and dramatic striped badlands overlooking the Painted Desert.
Everything you need for gear rentals, trail maps, lake permits, and official White Mountain information.