11+ Best Things to Do in Pinetop, AZ (2026 Local Guide)
Pinetop, Arizona is a small mountain town (population 4,000) tucked in the White Mountains at 7,000 ft elevation — yes, higher than Denver. It’s one of my favorite year-round weekend getaways from Phoenix, and I’ve been visiting regularly since 2023. Heading up for the weekend, a Christmas tree run, or a summer escape? Here’s my updated 2026 list of the best things to do in Pinetop, AZ — including a few dog-friendly favorites.
***updated 6/21/26
Quick Guide to Pinetop-Lakeside
Pinetop-Lakeside is one of the best summer escapes in Arizona, offering cool mountain temperatures, pine forests, scenic lakes, and outdoor adventures just a few hours from Phoenix. Whether you’re looking for hiking, fishing, cabin rentals, or simply a relaxing weekend surrounded by nature, this White Mountains town has something for every season.
Distance from Phoenix: 3.5 hours
Elevation: 7,200 feet
Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall
Known For: Cabin getaways, fishing, hiking, lakes, and cooler temperatures
Nearest Airport: Show Low Regional Airport (20 minutes)
Why I Love Pinetop: As someone who visits the White Mountains every summer, Pinetop is one of my favorite places to escape the Phoenix heat. Between mornings at local coffee shops, afternoons spent hiking or fishing, and evenings relaxing at a cabin under the pines, it’s the perfect weekend getaway for outdoor lovers.
Hi, I’m Danielle — an Arizona-based outdoor creator who has personally explored every destination I write about. I’ve been hiking and adventuring across the Southwest since 2020 and started this blog to share honest, firsthand guides so you can skip the guesswork!
I also just wanted to say thank you for supporting a real creator’s work over just an AI summary.
Outdoor Activities in Pinetop-Lakeside
If you’re visiting Pinetop-Lakeside, chances are you’re coming for the fresh mountain air and endless outdoor recreation. From scenic lakes and hiking trails to fishing and horseback riding, the White Mountains offer plenty of ways to spend time outside year-round.
Go Hiking in the White Mountains
With miles of trails winding through towering ponderosa pine forests, hiking is one of the best things to do in Pinetop-Lakeside. Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk or a more challenging climb with panoramic views, there are plenty of options nearby.
Some of the best hikes in Pinetop-Lakeside include:
- Thompson Trail – A local favorite that winds through beautiful pine forests and can be completed as a shorter out-and-back hike or longer trail adventure.
- Government Springs Trail – An easy, family-friendly trail featuring a boardwalk, interpretive signs, and a peaceful forest setting.
- Panorama Trail – A scenic trail that lives up to its name with sweeping views of the surrounding White Mountains.
- Blue Ridge Mountain Trail – A moderately challenging hike with rewarding views of the surrounding forest and mountains.
- Los Burros Trail System – Popular with both hikers and mountain bikers, featuring several interconnected routes through the pines.
No matter which trail you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water and keep an eye out for wildlife including elk, deer, and a variety of bird species.
Go For a Walk at Woodland Lake Park
Woodland Lake Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Pinetop-Lakeside. This easy, family-friendly destination features a paved walking trail that loops around the lake, making it a great spot for a morning stroll or sunset walk.
Visitors can enjoy fishing, birdwatching, kayaking, and picnic areas throughout the park. The trail is mostly flat and suitable for all ages, making it one of the best outdoor activities in Pinetop for families. There’s also sports courts, including pickleball, if you’re into that!
Tip: Visit early in the morning for cooler temperatures and the best chance of spotting wildlife around the lake.
THINGS TO DO IN PINETOP, AZ
1. VISIT A LOCAL COFFEE SHOP
My husband and I LOVE checking out cute, local coffee shops. They’re so homey and cozy. Every time we visit, we check out Cyclelogical Coffee- it’s our favorite. The decor is on point, the vibes are chill, and the drinks are BOMB. Last time, we checked out Pinetop Coffee House and also enjoyed it. We watched people walk up to the counter and order “their usual” which is just adorable. I love the wholesome small town vibes. Even if you don’t like coffee (like me)- these shops are fun to hang out in, and you can get non-coffee drinks too!
MY RECOMMENDATIONS
CYCLELOGICAL COFFEE: 2012 E White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ 85935– Open 6:15am-3pm M-F, 6:15am-4pm Sat-Sun **new location as of summer 2024
PINETOP COFFEE HOUSE: 1684 E White Mountain Blvd Suite 1, Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ 85935- Open 6-3 M-F, 6-5 Sat-Sun
ARIZONA MOUNTAIN COFFEE CO: 1450 E White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ 85935- Open 6-4 M-Sat, Sun 7-2
YO SIPPITY: 19 E White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ 85929- Open 630-530 M-F, 7-5 Sat, 7-6 Sun
2. CHECK OUT SUNRISE SKI RESORT
Sunrise Ski Resort is located 35 minutes from Pinetop in the White Mountains. It is FULL of fun activities and perfect for families. This was my first time checking it out. I wasn’t able to do much because we had our pup with, but here’s some recommendations for activities if you are able.
You can also visit the area in winter to ski. Yes you can ski in Arizona. Sunrise is one of the three ski resorts in Arizona, along with Mt. Lemmon in Tucson and Snowbowl in Flagstaff.
SCENIC SKI LIFT: Ride the lift from 9,200′ to Sunrise peak, at 10,700′. 7 minute ride. $15 for youth, $19 for adults, Thursday-Sunday 9-4
ALPINE COASTER (NEW in SUMMER 2024): Super fun roller coaster ride through the trees. $19 per ride, $5 for a second rider. Buy 2, get 1 free.
ZIP LINE: Sunday-Thursday 9-4, $45-49 pp
DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKE: Arizona’s Only Lift-Served downhill mountain biking. $42 day pass. Can rent bikes and gear as well
SKI: Rates released each season HERE.
OTHERS: Rock Climbing, Balloon Jump, Tube Slide, etc
3. WALK AROUND WOODLAND LAKE PARK
Woodland Lake Park is located in the heart of Pinetop. There’s a paved trail for walking, which I loved. You can also rent kayaks, play pickleball, baseball, and more. It has dreamy small town vibes- check it out!
4. HIKE THOMPSON TRAIL #629
The Thompson Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the White Mountains, and for a good reason! You walk along the river and hear the sound of water rushing over the rocks, the wind whistling through the tall grass and the trees. August is the most LUSH AND GREEN, which makes it a good time of year to visit. This trail is <1 hour from Pinetop, which seems long, but it’s such a pretty drive that it goes fast! This is a can’t miss. Make a half-day out of it by also visiting Sunrise Ski Resort.
More Hikes in the White Mountains
Government Springs, West Baldy Trail, East Baldy Trail, West Fork Colorado River, Sheep Crossing, and more!
5. EAT AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT
Obviously, when you visit a new place, you have to try out the local food. There’s so many fun places in Pinetop-Lakeside. I usually have my dog, so I opt for outdoor patio spaces or take out. On my first trip, we tried Pinetop Brewing Company. On our second trip, we got take out from Red Devil Pizza and went back to our hotel- honestly it was even more fun than being at the restaurant. They also have the Lion’s Den- a local restaurant that has concerts and live music. For breakfast, you have to try Darbi’s Cafe- it’s the BOMB. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong. Eating yummy food is one of the best things to do in Pinetop.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS
PINETOP BREWING COMPANY: 159 W White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ 85929
LION’S DEN: 2408 E White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop, AZ 85935
RED DEVIL PIZZA: 1774 E White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ 85935
THE SPAGHETTI SHACK: 592 W White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ 85929
DARBI’S CAFE: 235 E White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop, AZ 85935
6. GO GOLFING
Golf is big in Arizona. When it’s too hot to golf in Scottsdale (probably the most popular city in the state to golf), people flock up north. There are multiple beautiful golf courses in the White Mountains. Consider playing a course!
GOLF COURSES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS
TORREON GOLF CLUB: 2732, 651 Torreon Loop- Show Low, AZ 85901
SILVER CREEK GOLF CLUB: 2051 Silver Lake Boulevard- Show Low, AZ 85901
BISON GOLF CLUB: 1 N Bison Preserve Drive- Show Low, AZ 85901
PINETOP COUNTRY CLUB: 6734 Country Club Drive- Pinetop, AZ 85935
PINETOP LAKES AND COUNTRY CLUB: 4643 Buck Springs Road- Pinetop, AZ 85935
WHITE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB: 3644 Country Club Circle- Pinetop, AZ 85935
7. CAMP NEAR ONE OF THE LAKES
One of the nice things about the Show Low, Pinetop, Lakeside, Greer area is a of the lakes nearby. I highly suggest camping near one of them. Enjoy sunsets at the lake, read a book, go fishing, paddle boarding, etc. Sitting by the lake is one of the best things to do in Pinetop.
WHITE MOUNTAIN LAKES
Hawley Lake: Within 20 minutes of Pinetop-Lakeside, can be crowded, but beautiful
Fools Hollow Lake State Park: In Show Low, has amenities, close to town
Big Lake: 45 minutes from Pinetop, close to Thompson Trail, popular fishing area, multiple campgrounds
Reservation Lake: 1.5 hours from Pinetop, past Thompson Trail, remote area, requires White Mountain Tribe Camping Permit (grab it at Sportman’s Warehouse in Show Low).
8. CUT DOWN A CHRISTMAS TREE
You can also get away to the White Mountains in the winter. Last year (2022), my husband and I got Christmas Tree Permits (HERE) to cut down a tree. It was such a good memory. If you do it, get a truck.
9. Visit the Mogollon Rim
The Mogollon Rim crosses the state of Arizona (end of the Colorado Plateau), but my favorite place to see it is between Pinetop-Lakeside and Payson. This is a great stop (as quick or long as you want), on your way to Pinetop-Lakeside, or on your way home. You can stop for a bathroom break and see epic views like the photo above, or spend more time to visit a lake or go for a short hike.
10. Stay in a Local Hotel/ AirBNB
Whatever time of year you visit the Pinetop-Lakeside area, you can find numerous options of places to stay, if you are not camping. I love supporting both the local hotels, and airbnbs/cabins. Depends on how many people you are bringing, and how you want to spend your day. If you’re with 1 other payson and maybe a dog and you plan to make your meals outdoors or get food, do a local hotel. If you’re going for a holiday, or with a larger group, and want to cook meas, book a cabin!
Recommended Says
The Nook Pinetop: I love this cozy, dog-friendly hotel with an awesome outdoor space.
Corduroy Lodge: Cute hotel and airstream stays in a great location, my favorite cofffee shop is now right outside of it (Cycleogical Coffee), and other restaurants are walkable.
VRBO: A Frame Cabin in Pinetop-Lakeside
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT PINETOP-LAKESIDE
Pinetop is a great year-round weekend trip from Phoenix. It’s fun, homey, and cozy. There’s so much to do, from hiking to fishing to camping to eating good food. You won’t regret it!
