The town of Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, is nestled in the scenic White Mountains. Both Lakeside and Pinetop are named for ponderosa pines and were originally separate towns. After the two merged in 1984, they became one city. Today, Pinetop-Lakeside is recognized for its extensive tourism, proximity to the world’s largest stand of ponderosa pines, and excellent quality of life. Cabin Life Magazine recently named Pinetop-Lakeside the “Best Cabin Region in the U.S.”
If you are an avid fly-fisher, then you will want to visit Pinetop-Lakeside. The area features more than 50 lakes and dozens of small streams and rivers that make fishing and other water sports easy. You can also try ice fishing or paddleboarding on the waters of Rainbow Lake. Rainbow Lake is a popular fishing spot with trout of both rainbow and brown species. Boaters should be aware of the local laws as many lakes have a 10-horsepower limit and are not allowed to swim.
If you prefer a more mellow atmosphere, you might want to check out the White Mountain family fun park in Pinetop. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of fun games with the entire family. You can also relax at one of the many cabin rentals available. There are a number of other activities in the area, including mountain biking. The town also boasts numerous shops and galleries. Whether you are visiting with your family or friends, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
Located in Navajo County, Pinetop-Lakeside has some great things to offer its visitors. There’s a beautiful lake nearby and many other recreational opportunities. Its quaint downtown area is lined with attractions and restaurants. The Lakeside Chamber of Commerce serves as the town’s visitor center. If you’d like to hike the nearby mountain, you can try the half-mile-long Pat Mullen Mountain trail.
Near the town of Pinetop-Lakeside is the Jacques Marsh Wildlife Area. Here, you’ll find great waterfowl hunting. Aside from Jacques Marsh Wildlife Area, you can also enjoy the White Mountain Trail System. It features miles of interconnected trails. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy the outdoors at the Jacques Marsh Wildlife Area. If you’re not a hunter, you can enjoy a spa treatment at Spa Estique.
In addition to natural resources, the town is located near one of the world’s largest contiguous ponderosa pine forests. This area sits at the base of the White Mountains and was the site of two historic wildfires that destroyed more than one million acres. The Wallow Fire in 2011 destroyed more than 500 structures and forced the town to evacuate. The residents of Pinetop-Lakeside are acutely aware of the need to protect their town from future wildfires. Public education and homeowner outreach are important aspects of this community’s conservation efforts.