Forest valley with dark clouds, green and grey trees, and a distant mountain range.

A Trip To Arizona’s White Mountains: The Best Things To Do And See

Have you ever heard of the White Mountains in Arizona? If not, you’re not alone. Stretching across the Apache, Navajo, and Greenlee counties, these mountain ranges might just be the best-kept secret in Arizona. It’s most known for its high-altitude forests, cool summers, and snowy winters (believe it or not, parts of Arizona do, in fact, receive snow). So if you’re looking to trade cactus-lined trails for alpine lakes and dense pine forests, look no further; the White Mountains are calling your name.

Panoramic view of lush green mountains and a winding road beneath a blue sky.

What Are the White Mountains?

The White Mountains are a part of the larger Colorado Plateau, rising to elevations over 11,000 feet. Here you can find Mount Baldy, the second-highest peak in all of Arizona. Unlike the desert landscape the state is known for, this area is covered head-to-toe in ponderosa pine, aspen groves, and meadows. Dozens of lakes and rivers run throughout, making it a playground you can access year-round.

With a name like “White Mountains”, you’ve got to believe there’s a story behind it. The Apache people have long called this area home, with their traditions tied deeply to the land. The range was named by early settlers for the light-colored volcanic rock and snow-capped peaks that stood out compared to the darker desert terrain below. 


Today, the area still carries a strong sense of heritage, with tribal lands, historic sites, and traditions helping to shape its identity.

How the Mountains Got Their Name

Woman hikes on a sunlit forest trail, wearing shorts and a backpack.

Outdoor Activities in the White Mountains

So, what’s there to do in this little slice of Eastern Arizona? Here are some of the most popular activities for visitors:


1. Hiking the Forested Trails

The White Mountains are covered in trails, winding through the forests and up along their ridges. Hikers can take on shorter family-friendly routes around lakes like Big Lake or Woodland Lake, or head into some real backcountry adventures near Mount Baldy Wilderness. 


2. Fishing in Lakes and Rivers

Nothing is better than some good ol’ fishing in Fool Hollow Lake, Sunrise Lake, or really any streams near Greer. With over 50 lakes and 800 miles of streams, it’s a true fishing paradise in the White Mountains. Whether you’re looking for rainbow, brook, or brown trout, your chances of catching the next trophy fish are high here.


3. Skiing and Snowboarding in Winter

Arizona isn’t the first place one would think to ski, but with the winter weather in the White Mountains, you can do just that. Sunrise Park Resort is the largest ski area in the state, drawing in skiers and snowboarders alike from December through March. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular on nearby trails.


4. Horseback Riding Through the Meadows

Exploring the White Mountains on horseback should be on everyone’s bucket list. This unique view of the land takes you back in time to the ranching and Native traditions that belonged to this area. Several outfitters in the area offer guided rides across meadows, through pine forests, or even along ridgelines. 


5. More Adventures to Consider

Beyond the draws of hiking, fishing, skiing, and riding, the White Mountains are packed with other opportunities. Mountain biking is popular here in Arizona, and the White Mountains are no exception. Camping, kayaking, and wildlife viewing are other reasons visitors keep coming back each year. Elk, deer, bald eagles, and even black bears call this region home, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

The White Mountains carry quite the legacy of myth and storytelling. For the Apache people, Mount Baldy is considered sacred, with legends tying the mountain to their creation stories and spiritual practices. Early settlers told tales of hidden gold mines and ghostly lights that would flicker through the night. Whether you choose to believe those stories is up to you, but be prepared when you enter the mountain range; you never know when you might just see a ghost or two.

Legends and Lore of the White Mountains

Plan Your Visit With a Stay at Silver Creek Luxury RV Resort

Taylor, AZ, is in the heart of the adventure-filled region, making it the ideal spot to set up camp. During your time here, stay at Silver Creek Luxury RV Resort. Our spacious RV lots are perfect for your RV, vehicle, and anything else needed for your outdoor lifestyle. Plus, with our off-leash dog park, you can bring your furry friend along with you on your next trip.


That’s not all, because we are underway on Phase 2 of our development, with things like a clubhouse, swimming pool, laundry, and even a fishing pond coming in the near future. You won’t want to miss out on this up-and-coming RV resort! Book your stay today and see Arizona’s wild beauty come to life.