Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona
Places we'd actually send our friends. Breakfast, dinner, and stuff to do outside.
You're on vacation. Eat a real breakfast.
The giant cinnamon rolls are famous for a reason. Eggs benedict, pancakes, and lunch too. Expect a wait on weekends because everybody knows about it.
Good coffee, pastries, and light breakfast. Gluten-free options if you need them. Nice spot to grab something before a hike.
Breakfast, burgers, Italian, a little bit of everything. One of those places where the menu is huge and somehow it's all good.
Actual good food, not just "good for a small town."
Been around since 1938. Steaks, prime rib, and a full bar. It's the kind of place where the locals celebrate anniversaries.
Full bar, good food, mountain lodge vibe. One of those spots that just feels right after a long day outside. They do burgers and comfort food well.
German beer garden in the pines. Brats, schnitzel, and a solid beer selection. There's outdoor seating when the weather's right, which up here is most of the year.
Italian spot with handmade pasta. Small place, so it fills up. Worth going early or calling ahead.
200+ miles of trails through ponderosa pines, starting right from the resort.
Over 200 miles of volunteer-built trails maintained by a 400+ member nonprofit. The trail system connects throughout Pinetop-Lakeside with loops from 3 miles to 15+ miles. Every quarter mile has a reflective marker with GPS coordinates. Download free maps from their website.
Trailheads throughout Pinetop-Lakeside
trackswhitemountains.org
One of the most popular loops in the TRACKS system. About 6 miles through ponderosa pines with rolling terrain. Good for families and anyone wanting a real hike without anything technical. Connects to other trails if you want to extend it.
Near Pinetop Country Club
Easy out-and-back hike off Highway 260 at Porter Mountain Road. Winds past Scott Reservoir to an ancient lava tube cave. Good for kids who want to see something interesting at the end. About 2.5 miles round trip.
Porter Mountain Rd off Hwy 260
Easy 3.6 mile loop through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Popular for hiking and horseback riding. Trailhead at Forest Road 182 with a large sign marking the start. Shaded and pleasant most of the year.
Forest Road 182
Super easy 1-mile paved out-and-back trail right in town. Flat, kid-friendly, and the views of the 2,000-foot Mogollon Rim escarpment are worth the short walk. Good sunset spot.
Pinetop-Lakeside
One of Arizona's best hikes. 7 miles one-way to the second-highest peak in the state at 11,400 feet. Alpine meadows, aspens, and views that look like Colorado. Challenging but worth it for serious hikers. About 45 minutes from the resort to the trailhead.
Greer, AZ (45 min drive)
Ride directly from the resort onto 200+ miles of single-track trails.
The TRACKS trail system connects directly to areas near Round House Resort. You can literally ride out and access over 200 miles of volunteer-built single-track. Major loops include Panorama, Los Burros, Land of Pioneers, Country Club, Timber Mesa, and Los Caballos. Trails range from mellow fire roads to technical single-track.
Access from resort area
trackswhitemountains.org
One of the shorter loops in the system at 7.5 miles, just north of Pinetop-Lakeside. Good mix of terrain without being overwhelming. Popular with intermediate riders who want a solid morning ride.
North of Pinetop-Lakeside
The longer option at nearly 15 miles. Varied terrain through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. At 7,000+ feet elevation, the air is thin—bring plenty of water. Connectors let you bail early if needed.
TRACKS System
Winds through ponderosa pine forests and meadows with scenic views from the summit. Elevation changes keep it interesting. Connects to other trails so you can extend your ride.
Blue Ridge area
Local shop that rents mountain bikes if you didn't bring yours. They know the trails and can point you in the right direction based on your skill level. Also sells gear and accessories.
More than 20 lakes and streams within 45 minutes. Trout, bass, and trophy walleye.
Right in town. 18-acre lake in Woodland Lake Park. Stocked with rainbow trout. Has a floating fishing dock, playground, volleyball, and picnic areas. Closes at 8pm. No camping, but great for a family afternoon.
1600 Woodland Lake Rd, Pinetop
(928) 368-8885
Inside town limits but with a wider range of fish. Rainbow trout, tiger trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish. Shallow lake averaging 7 feet. Limited public access near the dam.
Pinetop-Lakeside
Private lake resort right on Route 260. Stocked with rainbow trout, plus bluegill, catfish, and largemouth bass. No fishing license required here. Day use available even if you're not staying there.
Route 260, Pinetop-Lakeside
lakeofthewoodsaz.com
100-acre lake known for trophy walleye. The last 5 Arizona state records were caught here, including a 16 lb 2 oz fish. Also has rainbow trout and largemouth bass. Deep lake averaging 33 feet. Full campground with 75+ sites and a store with boat rentals.
Show Low, AZ
One of the larger White Mountain lakes at 532 acres. Plenty of trout. Has a store with boat rentals and four campgrounds with tent and RV spaces. In the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Worth the drive for serious fishing.
26 miles SW of Eagar, AZ
High elevation lake at 9,000 feet, about two miles north of Big Lake. Known for excellent fly fishing when the wind is calm. Trout is the target. Has a concession store with boat rentals (10 HP limit). No camping.
2 miles N of Big Lake
Catch-and-release trophy trout lake near Springerville with special regulations. Rainbow and tiger trout. At 6,910 feet elevation and just two miles from Springerville, it's easily accessible year-round.
Springerville, AZ
Stream fishing near Lakeside. Rainbow and brown trout. Good option when you want moving water instead of a lake. Multiple access points along its length.
Near Lakeside, AZ
Required for all public lakes and streams in the White Mountains (except private waters like Lake of the Woods).
Most places can print your license on the spot. Bring ID.
Separate permit required for tribal waters (some of the best fishing in the area).
Buy at wmatoutdoor.org or at Hon-Dah Casino, Sunrise Ski Resort, and local sporting goods stores.
Prices are approximate and subject to change. Combination licenses and trout stamps also available. Check azgfd.com for current rates.
Skiing, golf, horseback riding, and more.
About 35 minutes from the resort. Three peaks, 65 runs, snow tubing for the kids. It's Arizona's biggest ski mountain, which surprises people who think Arizona is only desert.
Nonprofit wildlife center with a raptor show, animal ambassadors, and trails. Good for kids, and adults learn something too. They do events throughout the year.
Right next door to the resort. 18 holes through the pines at elevation. The ball carries farther up here, so you'll feel like a better golfer than you are.
Self-guided walking tour through nearly 30 buildings from the 1870s-1930s. There are trails out to the Apache cemetery and the east fork of the White River. Worth the drive.
Trail rides from one hour to half-day. They go through creeks, meadows, and forest. Sunset rides too if the timing works out.
A 2,000-foot cliff edge that runs across the state. Drive up for the views, or hike along the rim. It's on the way if you're coming from Payson. Stop and look.
Back at the Resort
You don't have to leave the property to stay busy.
Indoor pool, hot tub, and locker rooms with showers
Lounge seating, umbrellas, and fire pit
Cardio and weights with vaulted beam ceilings
18-hole course tucked into the pines
Green lawns, BBQ grills, and tall pines everywhere
Life-size chess and bocce ball courts
Pool tables, ping pong, and more
Indoor court for pickup games
Stone fireplace, couches, and a good place to sit
Check availability and book your stay at Round House Resort.