Twinned with neighbouring Lakeside, Pinetop is a summer resort town in Arizona that lies on the doorstep of the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest. It provides a natural playground for Phoenix’s desert-dwelling residents, with everything from fishing and hiking to skiing on offer.
Things to do in Pinetop-Lakeside
In the heart of Pinetop is Woodland Lake Park, a scenic recreational area that offers an ideal setting for kayaking and boating. Not only is it surrounded by hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, but there are also volleyball courts, softball diamonds and children’s play areas. Anglers can cast a fishing line to see what’s biting while birdwatchers should keep their eyes peeled for the resident water birds.
Sprawling on the western edge of Lakeside is Rainbow Lake, which was created in 1903 by Mormon settlers to provide irrigation for the nearby fields. It’s well-stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish and bluegill, as well as rainbow trout and black bullhead. Boat rentals are available from Rainbow’s End and walking trails ring the lakeshore.
Keen golfers can test their skills on the large greens of the Pinetop Country Club or enjoy the 18-hole executive course at the Pinetop Lakes Country Club. If you’re travelling with kids, spend a day at the White Mountain Family Fun Park, which features a mini-golf course, go-karts and a laser maze. A series of interconnected trails for hiking and biking known as the White Mountains Trail System traverses the surrounding forest.
Getting around Pinetop-Lakeside
Pinetop is around 3.5 hours’ drive from Phoenix and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America. Buses connect to Pinetop from nearby Show Low while renting a car is the most convenient way of accessing the area’s attractions.