Golfing: Alpine Country Club
(928) 339-4944 - Located two miles east of the junction of U.S. 190 and U.S. 180 in Alpine, this area is known as the "Alps" of Arizona. The golf course is the highest in the Southwest at 8,500 feet above sea level. Seasonal golfers meander down fairways that are surrounded by dense groves of aspen trees, blue spruce and ponderosa pines. It is a magnificent setting and the coolest summer golf course in the West. Fees range from $10 weekdays to $30 weekends including a cart.
Fishing: Apache Indian Reservation
Some of the best fishing in Arizona can be found in the pristine waters of the Reservation. Located minutes from the Hon-Dah casino along State Route 260, fishermen can find native Apache Trout in such popular destinations as Hawley Lake, A-1 Lake, and Sunrise Lake. Visitors or residents wishing to fish in the mountain lakes of the Apache Indian Reservation require special fishing licenses, available for sale on the reservation. Click here for a complete listing of Reservation Lakes in the White Mountains.
For more information on fishing on the reservation, please visit the White Mountain Apache Tribe at http://www.wmatoutdoors.com/fishingtips.shtml
Skiing: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Cross Country Skiing
The National Forest includes four areas designated for cross country skiing: Hannagan Meadow south of Alpine (approximately 45 minute's drive from Springerville/Eagar), Williams Valley west of Alpine, Pole Knoll and Greer (about 20 minutes west of Springerville/Eager), and Forest Lakes, just west of Heber-Overgaard.
Snowmobiling
Although there are few designated snowmobile trails, roads that are inaccessible to other vehicles at this time of year offer many miles of ready-made trails. One recommended snowmobile route, however, is from the Sunrise Park Ski Area to Big Lake along State Route 273, which is not plowed in the winter.
Tubing and Sledding
There are numerous downhill meadows and small pastures surrounding the communities of the White Mountains for tubing and sledding, although the area in Williams Valley west of Alpine that is very popular for tubing. This site offers opportunities to sled, tobaggon, or tube down the slope.
Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing
Snowshoeing opportunities exist throughout the Forest but can be particularly fun when combined with ice fishing at Woods Canyon, Willow Springs, or Luna lakes. It will take snowmobiles to access the other good ice fishing lakes such as Big Lake, Crescent Lake, Chevelon Canyon Lake, and Bear Canyon Lake. Ice fishing is most convenient at Nelson Reservoir since its accessible by automobile.
For additional information on facilities, accessibility, and general forest information, please visit the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/.
Fishing: Big Lake Recreation Area/Apache-Sitgreaves Forest
The Big Lake Recreation Area is home to one of the largest newly developed recreation facilities, featuring improved campgrounds, hookups, fish cleaning area, and shower facilities. Located a half-hour drive from Springerville/Eager, special handicap facilities are available, as well as a general store where supplies and boat rentals can be found. For a complete listing of the facilities and other recreation areas, please visit the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf.
Golfing: Bison Golf and Country Club
(928) 537-4564 - This 18-hole, par-70 course is located on the west side of Show Low at the intersection of 260 and Old Linden Road. The course features grass fairways, bentgrass greens and a challenge for all golfers. Fees range from $12 for nine holes walking to $32 for 18 holes with a cart.
Hiking, Trekking and Biking: Casa Malpais Ruins
Overlooking the Town of Springerville, the 17-acre ruins were occupied in the 13th century, and have been carefully preserved. Unusual features such as the Great Kiva, a catacomb burial area, stairways, astronomically aligned shrines, and petroglyphs provide visitors with a distinct view into the regions ancient past. Considered as one of the finest archeological parks in the southwest, a museum and gift shop displaying artifacts from the time period welcomes visitors in Springerville. Guided tours are also available.
Golfing: Concho Valley Country Club
(928) 337-4644/(800) 658-8071 - Located off S.R. 61 northeast of Show Low. This year round, 18-hole, par-72 course has several tricky water hazards as a crystal-clear, spring-fed stream meanders through the entire course. Jack Snyder was the architect for this course built in 1963. Fees range from $20 to $33 depending upon the season.
Camping: Fort Apache Indian Reservation
Mixed Conifer-Central White Mountains
The Fort Apache Indian Reservation invites visitors to be their guests in over 1.6 million acres of pristine land. Please note, however, that state and federal permits for outdoor recreation activities do not apply on Reservation lands. Special Reservation Permits are required for all outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, river rafting, sightseeing, picnicking, biking, and cross country skiing. The camping areas on tribal land have been designed for a more secluded experience than can be found in the more popular federal campgrounds.
For additional information on obtaining permits, please visit the White Mountain Apache Tribe online at http://www.wmatoutdoors.com/, the Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Division.
Fishing: Greer and Alpine
A short drive south of Springerville/Eagar, you'll find the mountainside communities of Greer and Alpine. At elevations in excess of 8,000 feet, many residents of the urban communities of Phoenix and Tucson find the destination of the White Mountains as an escape from the summer heat. Fishing spots along the Little Colorado river in Greer can be found alongside trails that wind up into the mountains, or out the back porch of the lodges and cabins in the mountain town.
Alpine, located 30 miles south of Eagar, is home to Luna Lake, a high mountain body of water filled with trout and pike.
Camping: Lyman Lake State Park
High Desert-Northeastern White Mountains
One of the most popular outdoor attractions in northeastern Arizona, this park lies between the communities of St. Johns and Springerville along US 191. 61 camping units with 38 hookup sites, a camping beach, restrooms and showers make up the camping facilities at the park. In addition, a group camping area and group use ramada provides a large private area for camping, with 11 full hookup sites. A camper supply and boat rental store is also in the park. Day use fees range from $3-10, and camping fees from $10-22. Reservations are taken for the group use areas only. For more information, contact the Park Staff at (928) 337-4441, or visit them online at http://www.pr.state.az.us/parkhtml/lyman.html
Fishing: Lyman Lake State Park
Located just minutes between St. Johns and Springerville, this 1,180-acre park encompasses the shoreline of the man-made reservoir. As one of the largest lakes in northeastern Arizona, there are no size restrictions on boats, thus allowing for speed boats and water skiing. Walleye, channel catfish, and largemouth bass can be caught in the lake. The park features improved campgrounds and hookups, and its group ramadas are popular locations for local residents. Paved boat ramps, restrooms, showers, and a small herd of buffalo that reside in the park make the park a unique destination for residents and visitors. The west end of the lake is buoyed off and restricted as a no wake area (5 mph). This allows the angler a chance at a variety of fish without the proximity of speedboats and water-skiers. Special interpretive programs, tournaments, and fireworks are available throughout the summer months. http://www.pr.state.az.us/parkhtml/lyman.html.
Hiking, Trekking and Biking: Mt Baldy
Walk in the high country woods. The trail starts just out of the parking area and through the gate. The trail crosses meadows and winds through a thick forest setting dominated by spruce, fir and aspen. Beaver dams dot the stream, and fishing on the West Fork is generally good. As you work your way up, the trail becomes a series of switchbacks. The West Baldy Trail merges with the East Baldy Trail in a saddle near the Reservation boundary below Mt. Thomas. At this point you can see some new country and continue down the other side, or turn around and see the trail you just came up from a different angle. Each is a 7 mile hike from this point.
The summit of Mt. Baldy is on the White Mountain Apache Reservation and is closed to all non-tribal members. Please respect their customs and laws and do not travel to the top.
Mt. Baldy is located 225 miles northeast of Phoenix. From the junction of AZ 260 and AZ 273 (east of McNary), the trailhead is 10 miles southeast on AZ 273, which becomes Forest Road 113. For more information, contact the Springerville Ranger District at (928) 333-4372.
Golfing: Pinetop Lakes Golf & Country Club
(928) 369-4531 - Located 1/4 mile east of S.R. 260 on Buck Springs Road in Pinetop-Lakeside, this 18-hole executive course has a clubhouse with full restaurant and lounge. Fees range from $22 for nine holes walking to $49 for 18 holes with a cart.
Hiking, Trekking and Biking: Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low
The White Mountain Trail System (WMTS) offers a variety of trail opportunities for both scenic beauty and trail skills levels. It is a series of 11 loop trails on the Lakeside Ranger District. The Lakeside Ranger District is central to the White Mountains, with the District office located in the town of Pinetop-Lakeside. Several of the loop trails connect to each other. The system is designed for non-motorized travel: hiking, mountain bike, and equestrian use. The natural terrain and slope of the WMTS may limit use by visitors with physical or visual limitations, although trails with a variety of difficulty levels are also available. Visit http://www.ci.pinetop-lakeside.az.us/trailsystem.shtml for details on the White Mountains Trail System.
The White Mountain Trail System is open year-round, but on occasion some of the loop trails may be closed due to maintenance or safety reasons. The natural terrain and slope may limit use by visitors with physical or visual limitations, although trails with a variety of difficulty levels are also available. For additional information, contact the Lakeside Ranger Station at (928) 368-5111.
Fishing: Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low
Within the communities of Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low, you'll find popular lakes that boast a multitude of amenities. These improvements allow the family to enjoy fishing in a mountain lake while having such facilities as picnic areas, children's playgrounds, grills, ramadas, restrooms, and hiking trails on site. Fools Hollow Lake, located just minutes outside Show Low, and Rainbow Lake, Woodland Lake, and Cooley Lake, all located along State Route 73 connecting Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low, are literally minutes from the lodging, dining, shopping, and other facilities in these towns.
Festivals: RACE IN THE PARK... Great Races visits St. Johns
The City of St. Johns will be hosting a lunch stop for the Great American Race on July 11, 2007. The Great Race is an annual two-week, 4,000 mile, COAST-TO-COAST race across America featuring classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, and the first ever endurance competition for alternative fuel-powered vehicles. 2007 celebrates the 25th Anniversary for the Great Race. This is the first time that this event has come to the City and we are very excited to host this stop.
The Great Race racers will be at the Park from 11:30 am to 1:45 pm for public enjoyment. There will be other specialty cars on display and we are looking for anyone else who has this sort of car and would like to display it for public view. There will be food and handcraft vendors set up for public to enjoy. A Pinewood Derby will be open to the public for all ages. The City is presenting the opportunity to businesses and families that would like to Host-A-Space.
Host-A-Space is an inexpensive opportunity for local sponsorship of a Great race car/team during the event stop. The sponsor is able to display signage at the space during the event, visits with the team by hosting them during their lunch. This allows the Host the opportunity to get up close and personal with the team and the car.
If you are interested in displaying your vehicle, obtaining a vendor booth, assisting or racing in the Pinewood Derby, or hosting a space, please contact Amy Bigelow at City of St. Johns City Hall (928) 337-4517 ext. 224
Fishing: Rim Lakes Rec Area/Apache-Sitgreaves Forests
These 6 lakes along the western edge of the White Mountains are some of the most popular areas for visitors from the Phoenix/Tucson area, due to their proximity to these major urban areas, developed campgrounds, and easy accessibility. Stocked regularly during the summer months with trout, these lakes in the tall ponderosa pines are ideal for a quick escape to the mountains.
Camping: Rim Lakes Recreation Area
Ponderosa Pine-Western White Mountains
7 developed camping areas, some having over a hundred or more individual sites, are available on the western portion of the White Mountains. As the camping areas closest to the Phoenix urban area, these campsites can fill up quickly, especially during the peak seasons, so visitors wishing to use these campgrounds are encouraged to make reservations early. The reservation system for the National Forests can be reached online by visiting www.RESERVEUSA.com or by contacting the national reservation system toll free at 877-444-6777. The fees range from approximately $5 to $16 per night, depending upon the campground, facilities, and "premium" sites. Many of the campgrounds include group facilities and seasonal interpretive educational programs.
Golfing: River Run Golf Course
(928) 333-3379 - Located in the town of Eagar, is one of the few courses in Arizona that exists next to a natural flowing stream, the Little Colorado River. Its 18 holes, par 71, 6400 yards, include special attractions such as petroglyphs along the course and the original mill site of the grist mill used by the founders of the community.
Camping: Show Low & Pinetop-Lakeside Campgrounds
Ponderosa, Juniper and Pinyon Pine-Central White Mountains
These campgrounds, literally minutes from the downtown areas of the communities of Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside, offer some of the most highly developed campsites in the National Forest System. These campgrounds offer over 200 campsites, (92 with RV hookup at the Fool Hollow Campground), and are among the most popular, due to their proximity to gas, groceries, and restaurants in the nearby communities.
Golfing: Silver Creek Golf Club
(928) 537-2744 - Located 5 miles east of Show Low and 7.5 miles north of S.R. 60 on Bourdon Ranch Road, this 18-hole championship golf course is noted as the 2nd best affordable golf course in Arizona. Silver Creek also features one of the finest practice facilities in the Southwest including a unique 19th hole for warm-up practice or playoffs. They offer group discounts, Stay and Play Packages, Senior Specials, Twilight Specials and PGA golf instruction. Fees range from $20 to $58 and credit cards are accepted.
Hiking, Trekking and Biking: Snowflake and Taylor
The walls of Silver Creek Canyon just north of town are dotted with petroglyphs etched into the walls by American Indians who inhabited the area long before the region was settled. The petroglyphs include religious symbols and stories from the lives of the first residents in this region. To the east of the towns, visitors can visit Black Mesa, an unusual flat top mountain overlooking the town, covered with ancient Indian ruins. Northeast of Snowflake, about 15 minute's drive, visitors have marveled at the geologic formation known as "The Sinks", where erosion by groundwater deep beneath the surface, and subterranean faults created huge craters.
Golfing: Snowflake Golf Course
(928) 536-7233 - Located in the high desert in the community of Snowflake at 90 N. Country Club Drive, this unique par-72, 18-hole course is open year-round. A second, 9-hole course has recently opened. Fees range from $18 to $20 including a cart rental. Senior and resident discounts are available. The Snowflake Community Golf Course honors the "Golf Cardﾮ" membership program, which entitles card holders to play the course twice per year for the cart fee only. A 7-day advance tee time reservation can be made at no charge by calling (800) 600-9033.
Hiking, Trekking and Biking: Springerville and Eagar
The Springerville Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is home to some of the most spectacular hiking and mountain biking trails in the state. Although some of the trails are steep and located at high elevations, the beautiful scenery of the lakes and streams they traverse. For a complete listing of the trails, please visit the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf.
Camping: Springerville/Eagar Campgrounds
Mixed Conifer and Aspen-Eastern White Mountains
In the high mountains (7,000-9,000 ft. elevation), hundreds of campsites await the visitor, many nestled along the banks of crystal blue lakes and clear streams that populate this portion of the White Mountains. Like most of the developed campgrounds, a majority of the campsites are available by passenger vehicle. The larger campgrounds (such as those in the Big Lake Recreation Area) include boat launch ramps, hiking trails, seasonal programs, showers, and even full service stores operated by concessionaires under contract to the USDA Forest Service.
Hiking, Trekking and Biking: St. Johns
Located just minutes from St. Johns and Springerville, Lyman Lake State Park is a 1,180-acre park that encompasses the shoreline of this man-made reservoir. Several trails lead back into the area surrounding the reservoir, where ancient petroglyphs of the Hopi people can be seen, as well as the ruins of the Rattlesnake Point Pueblo, a medium-sized village of 80 to 90 rooms from the 14th century. For additional information, see the Lyman Lake site at http://www.pr.state.az.us/parkhtml/lyman.html.
Skiing: Sunrise Ski Resort
65 runs over three mountains, separate snowboarding area, cross country ski trails, and a special children's area make Sunrise one of the premiere ski areas in the southwest. Owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, the high speed quad chairlifts, with a capacity in excess of 16,000 skiers per hour, are also open during the spring months for scenic viewing.
During the winter months, the park is open from 9:00AM to 4:00PM, and closes at 12:30PM on Sundays. Lift tickets range from $15 (seniors) to $37 for adults, children age 12 and under from $16 to $21.
During the summer months, chairlift rides are available for $4 children, $8 for adults, and $15 for mountain bikers. During this season, the chair lift runs every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00AM to 4:00PM from mid-May to mid-October. For additional information, click here to visit the Sunrise Ski Park, or contact them toll free at 800-772-7669.
The Sunrise Lodge, and nearby communities of Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Springerville, and Eagar offer a variety of dining and entertainment options to fit any budget. Many of the hotel/motels in the area offer rooms with jacuzzis or hot tubs. Whether a romantic weekend getaway, or a fun-filled time for the whole family, you'll find the winters in the White Mountains offer something for everyone.
Golfing: Torreon Golf Club
(928) 532-4653 - Lcoated west of Show Low on S.R. 60/77 - the area that was most in danger from the fire, Torreon is one of the area's most magnificent golf courses. Designed by Von Hagge, Smelek and Baril, the club also features a full-service clubhouse, golf shop, locker room and fitness center. Public hours are Monday through Thursday afternoons on a space available basis and fees range from $60 to $100. Reciprocity is available seven days a week for most private club members.
There are also two private courses in the White Mountain Region. Pinetop Country Club and White Mountain Country Club. Both are 18-hole championship golf courses and may offer reciprocity to other country club members. Pinetop Country Club can be reached at (928) 369-2461. For information on the White Mountain Country Club, call (928) 367-4357.
