The 15 Best Things to Do in Pinetop-Lakeside: An Insider's Guide

Nestled at 7,200 feet in east-central Arizona, Pinetop-Lakeside is surrounded by the natural grandeur of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and the White Mountain Apache Reservation. With summer temperatures averaging in the mid-70s and winter bringing crisp alpine snowfalls, this high-country retreat is Arizona’s premier year-round playground.

As longstanding visitors turned mountain hosts, we have spent countless seasons exploring the lakes, backroads, and trailheads. If you are planning a trip, here are the 15 absolute best things to do in Pinetop-Lakeside.

1. Walk & Picnic at Woodland Lake Park

The crown jewel of Pinetop-Lakeside, Woodland Lake Park offers scenic paved and natural walking loops around a picturesque mountain reservoir. It features fishing piers, ball fields, picnic ramadas, and wildlife observation stations where osprey, bald eagles, and waterfowl are frequently spotted in the morning mist.

2. Hike the Acclaimed TRACKS Trail System

Maintained by the dedicated volunteer organization TRACKS, the White Mountain Trail System spans over 200 miles of multi-use single-track. Top beginner and family trails include the Springs Trail #633 (a 3.6-mile loop along spring-fed meadows with wooden bridges) and the panoramic Timber Mesa Trail.

3. Drop a Line at Rainbow Lake & Show Low Lake

Anglers flock to the White Mountains for cold-water rainbow trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and state-record walleye. Rainbow Lake has pontoon and kayak rental options through local operators; reserve ahead and confirm availability. Nearby Show Low Lake is another fishing destination; check directly with its operator for current boat rental options.

4. Ski & Downhill Mountain Bike at Sunrise Park Resort

Located just 45 minutes east of Pinetop, Sunrise Park Resort is Arizona's premier alpine recreation hub. In winter, three mountains (Sunrise, Apache, and Cyclone) deliver 65+ ski and snowboard runs, terrain parks, and ski school lessons. In summer, the resort converts into Arizona's largest downhill lift-served mountain bike park alongside scenic chairlift rides, ziplines, and climbing walls.

5. Savor Mountain Breweries & Pine-Shaded Patios

Pinetop's dining scene punches far above its weight. Visit Pinetop Brewing Company for Belgian-style dubbels and wood-fired pizzas, The House Yard Bar for slow-smoked brisket and outdoor lawn games under tall trees, or Charlie Clark's Steakhouse—the area's historic dining institution since 1938 with an expansive Orchard patio and live weekend music.

6. Play 18 Holes of Championship Golf & Disc Golf

Golfers can play stunning courses framed by ponderosa pines at Bison Golf Club (an 18-hole championship public layout designed by Billy Mayfair) and Pinetop Lakes Country Club. For disc golfers, both the 18-hole course at Woodland Lake Park and the championship layout at Show Low City Park offer world-class mountain throwing under pine canopies.

7. Family Fun at White Mountain Family Fun Park

Traveling with kids or teens? The White Mountain Family Fun Park on White Mountain Boulevard features exhilarating outdoor go-kart tracks, an 18-hole adventure mini-golf course, and a full indoor arcade.

8. Spot Wild Elk & High-Country Wildlife

The White Mountains boast one of the healthiest Rocky Mountain elk herds in North America. In late summer and autumn, take an early-evening drive along Porter Mountain Road or through the meadows near Greer to witness bull elk bugling at dusk. You'll also encounter wild turkeys, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and dozens of migratory bird species.

9. Mountain Bike 200+ Miles of Forest Single-Track

The White Mountain Trail System is recognized nationally for mountain biking. Flow along beginner-friendly routes like Country Club Trail or challenge yourself on intermediate loops like Los Burros Trail and Panorama Trail, all shaded by aromatic pine canopies with minimal summer heat.

10. Stand-Up Paddleboard Glass-Calm Mountain Waters

Plan your paddle at Rainbow Lake, checking wind, water levels, and access before you launch. Pack or rent an inflatable SUP or kayak, glide through morning mountain mists, and soak in 360-degree views of pine-rimmed shores.

11. Ride with Porter Mountain Stables

Explore forest trails on horseback with Porter Mountain Stables. Reserve your guided ride ahead and ask which route and ride length suit your group.

12. Rejuvenate at a Mountain Day Spa

Unwind tired hiking muscles with a deep-tissue hot stone massage, rejuvenating facial, or herbal body wrap at local wellness retreats and day spas like The Spa at Hon-Dah or local boutique holistic practitioners in town.

13. Ride Horses Through Ponderosa Forests

Experience the White Mountains western style. Pinetop Lakes Stables and Porter Mountain Stables provide guided trail rides suitable for all skill levels, meandering through creeks, wildflower meadows, and scenic mountain ridges.

14. Explore the Maverick Motorized ATV/UTV Trail

Off-road enthusiasts can ride the Maverick Motorized Trail, an interconnected 60+ mile route linking forested lands, volcanic cinder cones, and scenic viewpoints specifically designed for ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes.

15. Dark-Sky Stargazing on a Mountain Porch

Thanks to high elevation and minimal light pollution, the night skies in Pinetop-Lakeside are breathtaking. Whether you're resting on the expansive 700+ square foot covered porch at Terrones Hilltop Hideaway on Hilltop Lane or gathered around a lodge fire pit, step outside after dark to see the radiant band of the Milky Way spanning horizon to horizon.