Hiking the White Mountain Trail System: 5 Must-Do TRACKS Trails
Discover over 200 miles of multi-use single-track maintained by the volunteer organization TRACKS. From gentle family loops crossing babbling mountain springs to dramatic volcanic viewpoints.
One of the greatest achievements of Pinetop-Lakeside is its interconnected trail network. Thanks to an extraordinary partnership between the U.S. Forest Service (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests) and TRACKS, a dedicated local volunteer non-profit, hikers have access to over 200 miles of immaculately maintained, clearly blazed multi-use trails.
Whether you want a flat 1-mile morning stroll with your dog or an all-day 9-mile wilderness trek, here are the 5 must-do TRACKS trails every visitor should experience.
1. Springs Trail (#618)
Distance: 3.5-mile loop · Difficulty: Easy · Elevation Change: ~120 ft
The Springs Trail is widely regarded as one of Arizona's most delightful easy hikes. Starting from the trailhead off Forest Road 182 / Rainbow Lake area, this trail loops through lush fern groves, crosses perennial springs on sturdy wooden footbridges, and winds through open pine parklands. In early summer, the riparian draws fill with purple and yellow wildflowers, and wild turkeys frequently scamper along the banks.
2. Timber Mesa Trail (#620)
Distance: 7.5-mile loop · Difficulty: Moderate · Elevation Change: ~450 ft
Climbing steadily to the rim of Timber Mesa, this trail rewards hikers and mountain bikers with expansive vistas extending across Porter Mountain, Show Low Creek, and the vast volcanic plateau of east-central Arizona. The trail surface alternates between soft pine duff and volcanic basalt rock, framed by alligator junipers and tall pines.
3. Woodland Lake Trail (#615)
Distance: 2.5 miles (or shorter loops) · Difficulty: Easy · Elevation Change: Flat
Centrally located in Woodland Lake Park, this paved and crushed-gravel trail circumnavigates the lake and adjoining wetlands. It is accessible for strollers, dog walkers, and casual strollers. Bring binoculars: osprey dive for trout in the morning, while bald eagles and migrating herons roost along the quiet western shoreline.
4. Panorama Trail (#622)
Distance: 9.0-mile loop · Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous · Elevation Change: ~800 ft
A crown jewel for serious hikers and cross-country mountain bikers, the Panorama Trail ascends scenic volcanic cinder knolls east of town. At its apex, you'll enjoy 360-degree views stretching south toward Mount Baldy (11,421 ft) and north across the Mogollon Rim.
5. Country Club Trail (#619)
Distance: 3.5-mile loop · Difficulty: Easy-Moderate · Elevation Change: ~200 ft
Weaving through the dense ponderosa forest adjacent to Pinetop Lakes Country Club, this rolling loop offers soft, pine-needle-covered trails with minimal obstacles. It is the premier morning trail run in town and an exceptional route for walking well-behaved dogs on leash.
🌲 Leave No Trace & Trail Etiquette
TRACKS trails are multi-use: mountain bikers yield to hikers and equestrians, and hikers yield to horses. Pack out all trash, carry at least 1–2 liters of water per person even on cool days, and download offline maps before setting out.