The White Mountains are set among the beautiful Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest on the south, and the majestic high desert plateau region to the north. Hundreds of miles of trails, dozens of lakes, and the diversity of the geography in this part of the state make for some of the best locations to camp, boat, fish, hunt, ski, hike, horseback ride, or bike.
Whatever your pleasure, you're sure to find that the clean air, crisp cool nights, and wonderful four seasons offer something for everyone in the family!
Hiking, Trekking and BikingSurrounding the White Mountain communities of Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low, over 180 miles of multi-use trails make hiking and picnicking favorite past times. Woodland Lake Park, the center of the White Mountain Trail System, features a 4-mile loop trail through the woods, starting at the lake. Visitors can enjoy such improvements as picnic tables, grills, restrooms, playgrounds, volleyball, tennis courts, ball fields, and a boat dock.
FishingHundreds of miles of crystal clear streams are home to wild trout; dozens of high mountain lakes are stocked with trout and pike; and even the high desert reservoirs are abundant with bass and crappie. All are within minutes of each of the communities in the White Mountains. Native Apache trout, rainbow, brook, German brown, and cutthroat, along with bluegill, catfish, northern pike, perch, walleye and Arctic Graylings can be landed.
Many of the lakes include improvements such as paved boat launch ramps, restrooms, fish cleaning facilities, and handicap accessible fishing areas. To preserve the pristine nature of the lakes, many limit powered boats to electric or trolling motors only. Click here for a summary listing of public fishing lakes in the White Mountains.
Most of the popular lakes in the region provide boat rental facilities and tackle stores, where you can find everything from snacks and bait to the latest tips on what the "big ones" are biting on!
Whatever your skill level--from the recreational fisherman to the serious angler, you'll find the babbling brooks, crisp, fresh mountain air, and cool waters of the White Mountains the perfect setting for an afternoon or week of fishing.
The majority of the lakes can be found within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. For additional information, contact the Forest Supervisor's office at (928) 333-3401, or visit them online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf.
Arizona fishing regulations require licenses for individuals 14 years of age and older. A resident fishing license with trout stamp is required, and can be obtained at most sporting goods and some hardware stores. Special use licenses for urban areas and one-day licenses are also available. Many of the more popular lakes and streams are stocked regularly by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
GolfingThe communities of Arizona's White Mountains - Alpine, Eagar, Greer, Pinetop-Lakeside, Show Low, Snowflake, Springerville, St. Johns, Taylor and the White Mountain Apache Reservation - are home to some of the Southwest's most affordable and challenging golf courses, in temperatures that average 20 to 30 degrees cooler than in the desert regions.
There are eight public courses in the region. Each course has its own guidelines regarding reservations and dress code. Golfers should call to confirm availability and check on greens fees as they may vary slightly by season. Many of the courses include separate putting greens, driving ranges, pro shops, snack bars, and full service restaurants.
CampingArizona's White Mountains are the place to be for families that want to escape the summer heat of the desert, relax in the cool mountain air, and enjoy our National Forests. With an abundance of developed campgrounds ranging from high desert lakes, to pinyon pine, aspens, and ponderosa pines, you're always sure to find the "perfect spot" to pitch your tent.
Besides the National Forests, State Parks and developed campgrounds on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation offer additional choices for campers.
Many of the developed sites operated by a concessionaire under a contract with the USDA Forest Service. Almost all of the concession-operated areas are included in the national reservation system (Toll Free @ 1-877-444-6777) for your convenience. You can check for site availability and make reservations for those sites on the reservation system by visiting www.RESERVEUSA.com
The Forest Service policy is to allow camper to stay up to 15 days in a 30 day period in a campground. This rule is intended to keep some of the more popular sites from being occupied by one person/group for an extended time and to prevent "homesteading."
For additional details on any of the National Forest campgrounds, visit the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/.
While the majority of the campgrounds in the White Mountains lie on National Forests, additional camping areas can be found operated by the state and Fort Apache Indian Reservation.
SkiingDownhill and cross-country skiing, Tubing and Sledding, Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing, Snowmobiling are all available.
FestivalsFestivals and special entertainment events are happening all year throughout the White Mountains.
