Area Map & Attractions
ARIZONA WHITE MOUNTAIN FUN AND ADVENTURE
Welcome to Arizona’s White Mountains – where rugged beauty is the perfect backdrop for those who want to play as hard as they work…Or for those who just need a little “R and R” amid acres of cool pines and peaceful mountain streams.
Surrounded by National Forest, the area boasts more than 600 miles of streams, 40 lakes and a 200 mile trail system. In the summer, temperatures are typically 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the desert regions. Which means a day of outdoor recreation – like mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, playing golf, trout fishing or horseback riding – is a pleasure.
In the winter, 11,000 foot Mt. Baldy invites skiers and snowboarders alike to try its fresh powder at Sunrise Park Resort, Arizona’s largest ski area. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, guided snowmobiling and sleigh rides are also favorite cold weather pastimes.
Summer or winter – spring or fall – the quiet beauty of Arizona’s White Mountains and the rich cultures of our communities offer something for everyone.
WHITE MOUNTAIN TOWNS OF CHARACTER
Show Low
Just minutes from Torreon, Show Low is one of the commercial and tourism hubs of the White Mountains. Established in 1879 and named for the turn of a card, “Show Low” greets visitors with clean air and friendly people. It is located in southern Navajo County at an elevation of 6,350 feet.
Pinetop/Lakeside
Approximately 17 miles east of Torreon on Highway 260 is Pinetop-Lakeside. Founded in the early 1880’s by Mormon pioneers, Lakeside derived its name from the area’s lakes and Pinetop got its name from the nickname of the saloon keeper who served the Fort Apache soldiers. At an elevation of 7,300 feet, and a population of 3,875 it’s known for tourism and recreational activities.
Heber/Overgaard
Located approximately 35 miles west of Torreon, Heber-Overgaard is within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. At 6,500 feet, the community provides opportunities for a full range of outdoor adventures.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
1. Renee Cushman Art Museum A gift to the Mormon community of Springerville, this museum features an engraving attributed to Rembrandt, three pen drawings by Tiepolo and dozens of works dating from the Renaissance. By appointment only.
2. Hon-Dah Resort & Casino The Hon-Dah Resort & Casino has 600 slot machines, plus blackjack and poker tables. Visitors can enjoy live music and dancing nightly and comedy shows on Monday nights in the Timbers Lounge.
3. Silver Creek Performing Arts Association (SCPAA) SCPAA was founded in 1979 and includes the Silver Creek Little Theatre and the Silver Creek Community Choir in Snowflake-Taylor. Both provide quality, family-oriented entertainment throughout the year.
4. The Arts Alliance of the White Mountains This group works closely with the region’s communities to encourage quality artistic endeavors. They produce a variety of art shows, poetry readings and film showings.
RECREATIONAL AREAS
5. Woodland Lake Park Located in Pinetop-Lakeside, Woodland Park has tennis, softball fields, hiking and equestrian trails. It’s an ideal place for mountain biking, fishing, picnics, boating, volleyball or just an informal get together.
6. Williams Creek Fish Hatchery South of Hon-Dah, the Williams Creek Fish Hatchery is an educational facility for the whole family. Picnic areas nearby.
7. Lyman Lake State Park The first recreational state park in Arizona, Lyman Lake is located 10 miles south of St. Johns. A great place for boating, fishing and all types of water sports. 8. Big Lake Recreational Area Located 23 miles south of Eager in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Big Lake is stocked each fall and spring with approximately 300,000 trout. The area boasts three of the best campgrounds in the state, a store, boat rentals and guided nature walks.
8. Big Lake Recreational Area Located 23 miles south of Eager in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Big Lake is stocked each fall and spring with approximately 300,000 trout. The area boasts three of the best campgrounds in the state, a store, boat rentals and guided nature walks.
HIKING
9. White Mountain Trail System Ranked third in the nation by the American Hiking Society, the ?White Mountain Trail System accommodates hikers, bikers and equestrians. Created to preserve the region’s scenery, no motorized vehicles are allowed. Trails start in Pinetop-Lakeside.
FISHING
10. Show Low Lake County Park If you are a trout fisherman, early spring is the preferred season at Show Low Lake County Park. Other species at the 100 acre park includes walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish.
11. Fool Hollow State Recreation Park Three miles northwest of Show Low, this 140 acre lake is nestled amid some of the tallest stands of Ponderosa pine in the nation. Favorites include large and smallmouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, black crappies, bluegills and brown trout. Excellent camping sites for RV’s and tents, boat ramps and docks, fishing piers and cleaning stations.
12. Rim Lakes Some of the best trout fishing lakes in the state can be found ?30 minutes east of Heber-Overgaard. These include Willow Springs, Black Canyon, Woods Canyon, Chevelon Canyon and Bear Canyon. All are stocked with rainbow trout during the summer months, and some offer bass and brown trout. For fly fishing, try Canyon Creek near the fish hatchery.
SKIING
13. Sunrise Park Resort In the heart of the White Mountains, Sunrise Park Resort is a winter sports paradise. Its 65 runs promise adventure for skiers of any level, and features separate snowboard runs, cross-country trails and a children’s “ski-wee” area.
WILDLIFE WATCHING
14. Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area A few miles southwest of Eager and Springerville, the Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area is inhabited year ‘round by eagles, antelope, osprey, mule deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Hiking trails, wildlife viewing sites, and a day use picnic area allow visitors to learn more about Arizona’s unique wildlife and habitat needs.
15. Jacques Marsh Wildlife Area With 130 acres of national forest, the Jacques Marsh Wildlife Area is just north of Pinetop-Lakeside. Common visitors include ducks, geese, shorebirds, rabbits, coyote, fox, bobcat and elk.
16. Big Springs Environment Study Area Off Woodland Road in Pinetop-Lakeside, the Big Springs Environment Study Area is a natural half-mile trail with mountain streams, a pond, a bench, and self-guided signs.
SIGHTSEEING
17. Petrified Forest National Park The park features one of the world’s largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood, the multi-hued Painted Desert, archaeological sites and 225 million-year-old fossils.
18. Little Painted Desert Colorful formations laid down by an ancient ocean and carved by the wind can be enjoyed in the 660 acre Little Painted Desert.
19. Coronado Trail Scenic Byway State Route 191 – from Morenci to Springerville – is known as the Coronado Trail. It is said to be the route taken by Francisco Casques de Coronado four centuries ago in his search for the Seven Cities of Cibola.
20. The Snowflake Arizona Temple Located atop a hill and surrounded by a 27 hole golf course, the Latter Day Saints temple is pure granite with two waterfalls and a statue of the Angel Moroni.