For those of us living in Arizona’s “Valley of the Sun”, are aware that a few hour drive “up the hill” and our HOT desert surroundings are transformed to towering pine trees and cool mountain views. When most Arizonan’s think of heading up north to escape the valley heat or play in the snow, they usually think of Flagstaff. Yes, “Flag” is a popular and ah-maz-ing mountain town which hosts a university and ski resort. However, did you know that Arizona’s best kept secret and “other” ski resort are located in the White Mountains.
My family has been visiting the White Mountains since moving to Arizona in 2005. Our first summer, we took a trip to Pinetop, AZ to watch my father play in a Senior Softball tournament. I’d be lying if I also didn’t admit a desire to escape the 115 degree July heat! New to the state, we were amazed by the change of cactus desert landscape to spectacular pine tree lined mountain plateau views. In route, the winding road through the Salt River Canyon, also known as “the little Grand Canyon” was one of the most beautiful roads I’ve traveled. Encouraged by both the scenery and fact that as we ascended into the mountains, our car temperature reading was descending.
The White Mountains, 220 miles east of Phoenix are located in the eastern part of the state. Nearby communities include; Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Greer, Springerville, Eagar & McNary. It is part of the Colorado Plateau, Mogollon Rim and surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The highest summit is Mount Baldy, elevation of 11,400 feet . So what does that mean for the vacation traveler to the area? Breathtaking mountain views, fishing lakes, hike & bike trails, camping , horseback riding, golf, skiing, snowboarding, sledding & more! Did I mention COOLER temperatures in the summer & SNOW in the winter! We enjoyed our time in Pinetop so much, that in 2006 we purchased our vacation cabin. Aside from the wonderful views, and cooler mountain temperatures, what fun family activities draws us back to the White Mountains again and again?
Winter Fun: Sunrise Ski Park, Arizona’s “other” ski resort, is located near Greer, AZ. It hosts three mountains named Sunrise Peak, Cyclone Peak & Apache Peak. Base of 9,200 feet, over 800 acres and highest, Apache Peak, which tops out at 11,100 feet. Located on the Apache Indian Reservation, Sunrise offers year round activities including; skiing, snowboard, sledding, horseback & bike trails, camping & fishing. Typically less crowed lift lines and larger resort area. For over forty years, Sunrise has been in operation and offering Arizona’s best skiing. Visit in October to get a FREE Season Junior Ski Pass for skiers age 12 and under. See their website for promotion and rules. http://sunriseskiparkaz.com/
Summer Fun: With summertime average high temperature of 80 degrees, leaving the valley heat to spend some time in the White Mountains is an easy choice! Pinetop’s Spring Carnival kicks off the summer season Memorial Day weekend. Twenty different fishing lakes, over 180 miles of developed trails for biking, hiking or horseback riding can be found within the White Mountains. Everyone knows that Arizona is known for many champion golf courses. The White Mountains offer both public and private golf courses located in/around the area. With so many hiking, biking & horse trails, fishing lakes, golf courses, antique / craft fair options, surrounding mountain towns offers summer fun for everyone!
Spring/Fall Fun: The drive to the White Mountains allows you to “Experience the Seasons”. Take a hike or bike ride to enjoy fall colors. Collect falling leaves, pinecones and acorns. October, 2013 Epic Rides http://www.epicrides.com/ will host their 18th annual “Tour of the White Mountains”. Bike riders can choose between 50, 30 & 9 mile trail routes for this event. Spring time means melting snow, blooming trees and flower blossoms. Wildflowers scatter the mountainside each spring. Golfers… valley wide tee times are priced at their higher rates. Not in the White Mountains! Most mountain public/private golf courses are open through late October, early November and offer special savings on golf tee times. For those of you that miss changing seasons, Spring or Fall, a visit to the White Mountains won’t disappoint!
The White Mountain area hosts several hotel chains and vacation cabin rentals for folks to stay for weekend or extend length stays. Pinetop and surrounding towns offer “small town” feel, but with all the attractions one would find in the valley. Excellent unique restaurants, boutique/antique shopping, grocery, banking, cinemas and family fun entertainment are all offered. Before you plan your next trip, please visit my gogbot site: http://www.gogobot.com/homeaway/guides/5330000000000012968.
for an “insider’s guide” to all MY favorite places within the White Mountain / Pinetop area.
About Kim Allen
Kim is a full time wife and mother of four children. She owns and runs a Chandler home based Trophy/Engraving business and is also the property manager of their family owned vacation rental cabin located in Pinetop, AZ. You can see more photos of her vacation property at http://www.pinetoprentalllc.com/
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This post is sponsored by:
The Brett Saks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, hopes to make our Arizona communities safer for bicyclists by teaching adults and children about road safety and mutual respect between drivers and cyclists in fun and engaging ways. We are “Shifting Gears to Saves Lives,” as more than 600 cyclists are lost each year to car-bike accidents. Learn more at gearupaz.org.
