Summer Information For The White Mountains In Arizona






Jul 4, 08

The White Mountains
Arizona

History and Beauty

The White Mountains of eastern Arizona encompass the Fort Apache Indian Reservation and the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest and the towns of Pinetop-Lakeside, Show Low, and Greer.

Most of the White Mountains lay inside the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Many of the peaks exceed 11,000 ft in elevation and attract skiers and snowboarders in the winter and fishermen and hunters much of the rest of the year. Sunrise Park Resort, owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, offers downhill and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and guided snowmobile tours in the winter. Fishing, horseback riding and boating are popular activities most of the rest of the year.

Pinetop-Lakeside sits outside the reservation, and is gateway to the White Mountains. An extensive trail system with breathtaking views attracts hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Golfers have three public courses to challenge them amidst the pine trees.

The town of Greer, at an elevation of 8,500 ft, sits at the headwaters of the Little Colorado River, offering excellent fly-fishing, and miles of hiking trails. During the fall, visitors flock to the area to enjoy the colors of the Aspens and willows.

Nearby is the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway (US Hwy. 191), named after Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, who in 1540 sought the fabled Seven Cities of Cibola. The trail commemorates the route he followed more than 450 years ago. Much of the terrain it goes through remains the same as it was then.

The Apache Sitgreaves National Forest also offers opportunities for trout fishing, camping, boating, picnicking and off-road driving.

Deer Valley Resort