Pinetop-Lakeside is an incorporated community located in the scenic White Mountains of Arizona. Founded in the early 1880s by Mormon pioneers, Lakeside derived its name from the area's lakes, and Pinetop derived its name from the nickname of a saloon keeper who served the Fort Apache soldiers. The two communities incorporated as one town in 1984. Pinetop-Lakeside, at an elevation of 7,200 feet, is known for its extensive tourism and recreational activities, proximity to the world's largest stand of ponderosa pine, and for an outstanding quality of life. From Phoenix, U.S. 60 through the scenic Salt River Canyon or state Highway 260 through Payson will lead to Pinetop-Lakeside.

Pinetop-Lakeside is surrounded by the natural beauty of the White Mountains, the Apache/Sitgreaves National Forest and the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are popular recreational activities on the over 180 miles of developed multi-use trails, which are part of the White Mountain Trailsystem. The area was ranked third best Trail Town in 1996 by the American Hiking Association.

Hunting and fishing are also popular recreational activities, and picnic and camping facilities are provided throughout the area. The reservation alone has more than 300 miles of streams and 26 major lakes. (A special use permit is needed on the reservation.) Rainbow, brown and brook trout are the primary fish caught in the numerous public, and one private, fishing lakes in the area.

A winter sports complex, Sunrise Park Resort, located 30 miles east of Pinetop-Lakeside on the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation, attracts skiers from around the southwest as well as internationally with its well-developed slopes and facilities.

Pinetop-Lakeside is noted for its golf courses and Woodland Lake Park with its excellent recreational facilities. Cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling and ice fishing can be enjoyed during the winter.

Immediately south of Pinetop-Lakeside is the Mogollon Rim. The Rim is a steep escarpment ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 feet in height, which separates Arizona's northern plateau region from the lower deserts of central and southern Arizona.

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The resort community of Pinetop-Lakeside, surrounded by the largest stand of Ponderosa pines in the world, is a fabulous year round retreat. The pristine lakes and streams, 180 miles of developed multi-use Trail System and clean clear mountain air creates a refreshing and invigorating environment. The mountain town offers unique shops and antique treasures, a variety of restaurants and lodges and family fun for all. Seasonal events include; White Mountain Bluegrass Music Festival, the Pinetop-Lakeside Fall Festival, the White Mountain Native American Festival and Run to the Pines Car Show, just to name a few.

For golf enthusiasts, Pinetop-Lakeside has three championship golf courses which offer variety as well as spectacular scenery. The summer climate is excellent for fishing, hiking, picnicking, relaxing in the warm sun and letting the day go by. The winter months invite cross-country skiers to enjoy the Town's Trail System or discover the peaceful solitude of cross-country skiing on miles of back country trails through the White Mountains. For the thrill seeker enjoy a ride on a snowmobile across miles of glistening winter wonderland. When the day is done and you're exhausted from fun, retire to a modern hotel, rustic lodge or quaint bed and breakfast and snuggle up to the warmth of the fire.

Pinetop-Lakeside is an incorporated community located in the scenic White Mountains of Arizona. Founded in the early 1880's by Mormon pioneers, Lakeside derived its name from the area's lakes, and Pinetop derived it name from the nickname of a saloon keeper who served the Fort Apache soldiers. The two communities incorporated as one town in 1984. Pinetop-Lakeside, at an elevation of 7,200 feet, is known for its extensive tourism and recreational activities, proximity to the world's largest stand of Ponderosa pine, and for an outstanding quality of life. From Phoenix, US 60 through the scenic Salt River Canyon or State Highway 260 through Payson will lead to Pinetop-Lakeside.

Principal Economic Activities

Pinetop-Lakeside is a part of the dynamic economic development of Arizona. It offers many resources: pollution-free air, plentiful clean water, forest products, abundant recreational activities, access to major metropolitan areas, a refreshing four-season climate, and a well-planned rural business atmosphere to serve the needs of the people in its region.

The economy of Pinetop-Lakeside is heavily oriented toward trade and services for tourists and recreational-seekers, as well as residents. A winter sports complex, Sunrise Ski Resort, located 30 miles east of Pinetop-Lakeside on the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation, attracts skiers from around the southwest as well as internationally with its well developed slopes and facilities. Pinetop-Lakeside provides much of the available lodging, and local businesses have taken advantage of this new market.

The Town of Pinetop-Lakeside facilitates the operation of a new commerce park located on Porter Mountain Road that has all underground utilities, paved streets and easy access for transportation needs.

The Pinetop-Lakeside area offers a broad range of community facilities including a health center, a library, three golf courses, a swimming pool, a drive-in theater, an indoor theater, several tennis and racquetball courts, and a recreation area at Woodland Lake Park.

Communication: In addition to communication resources from the rest of the State, Pinetop-Lakeside has bi-weekly and weekly area newspapers, radio stations from Show Low, 32 television channels via cable from Phoenix, and four channels via antenna from Tucson.

Educational: There is one public elementary school, one public middle school, one public junior high school and one public high school. School enrollment is more than 2,200 students. Northland Pioneer College, a nationally accredited community college, serves Pinetop-Lakeside and 17 other communities. Area of study include occupational, academic and vocational programs. Private elementary schools are available in the area. In partnership with the college, Northern Arizona University offers undergraduate and graduate programs. For information call (928) 537-9601.

Medical: Care is provided by Navapache Regional Medical Center with 57 beds, physicians (22 active staff, 18 consulting), six dentists, two optometrists, two orthodontists and two podiatrists, as well as two chiropractic and dental clinics.

Financial: There are five financial institution branch offices in the community, with four additional branches in the area. The Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) located in Flagstaff services this area with a Revolving Loan Program for new and existing businesses. Inquiries can be made through WMRDC, 1201 E. Cooley, Suite F, Show Low, AZ 85901. The Navajo County Industrial Development Authority handles information related to industrial development bonds. Inquiries can be made through the Navajo County IDBA, 819 E. Florida, Holbrook, AZ 86025. Additionally, Navajo County businesses are eligible for assistance in financing fixed assets through the Finance and Administration Division of the Arizona Department of Commerce.

Governmental: The community is governed by a mayor, six council members, a town manager and is served by a police department and a sheriff's department. The fire departments have both full-time and volunteer personnel.

Airport: Residents of Pinetop-Lakeside have access to the Show Low Municipal Airport which has two lighted, paved runways (4,000 feet and 6,500 feet). A commuter airline provides two daily flights.

Utilities

Pinetop-Lakeside is a part of the dynamic economic development of Arizona. It offers many resources: pollution free air, plentiful clean water, forest products, abundant recreational activities, access to major metropolitan areas, a refreshing four-season climate, and a well planned rural business atmosphere to serve the needs of the people in its region.

The economy of Pinetop-Lakeside is heavily oriented toward trade and services for tourists and recreation seekers, as well as residents. A winter sports complex, Sunrise Ski Resort, located 30 miles east of Pinetop-Lakeside on the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation, attracts skiers from around the southwest as well as internationally with its well developed slopes and facilities. Pinetop-Lakeside provides much of the available lodging, and local businesses have taken advantage of this new market.

Manufacturing in Navajo County is based largely on forest products. Raw materials for this industry are provided by the world's largest stand of Ponderosa pine.

Pinetop-Lakeside Weather