With its towering pine trees and expansive views, Pinetop, Arizona feels like a different world from the rest of the state’s spectacular deserts. Get a workout with more than 180 miles of local hiking trails, cool off in an alpine lake, or spend a day fishing in a mountain stream. In the winter, come for the fresh snow and everything it brings: ice fishing, skiing, sledding, and more. Start your search for unforgettable Pinetop vacation rentals in the following areas and neighborhoods—each one is ideally located for exploring and adventuring.
1. Pinetop Country Club
Wake up to views over the fairway in the Pinetop Country Club area. This well-maintained neighborhood features upscale condos and spacious homes, so it’s easy to find a vacation rental for a couple or a multi-family group. If you’re planning to pack your clubs, look for a rental with included golf privileges on the country club’s championship course. Start the morning with coffee on your pine tree shaded deck before loading up your mountain bikes for a tour of the local trail system; or, bring your fishing rods to try your luck in Woodland Lake Park.
2. North Pinetop
Blend in with the locals in North Pinetop. This casual, family-friendly neighborhood features a selection of modest homes that are perfectly-sized for small groups. Old-growth pines spread throughout the area, creating a distinct sense of privacy. Bring your bikes for easy exploring; local streets are out of the way of major thoroughfares, so you don’t have to worry about heavy traffic. If you like to fish, hike north through the woods to Billy Creek and Thompson Creek.
3. South Pinetop
Rent a charming mountain cabin in South Pinetop. Here, winding roads meander through hilly terrain, and Ponderosa pines provide shade during sunny summer days. For the best views, look for vacation rentals near the end of Rainbow Lane, where elegant homes surround a large pond. Explore the local mountainside on well-traveled hiking trails; if you’re visiting in the winter, pack your skis for a trip to the Sunrise Ski Resort, which lies just 30 minutes away by car.
4. Woodland Lake Park West
Bring your little ones to Woodland Lake Park West, a residential neighborhood with a family-friendly vibe. Join the neighbors in afternoon bike rides, and gather your whole group at a backyard barbecue. Vacation rentals in this area provide excellent access to Woodland Lake Park. Play a game of tennis using the onsite course, or head out into the wilderness on the carefully maintained network of trails. Horses are welcome on the park’s equestrian trails, so you can join a group ride for a true Western adventure.
5. Woodland Lake Park South
Kick back in an upscale log cabin in the area that sits south of Woodland Lake Park. The western side of the neighborhood features heavily wooded lots for maximum privacy, while the eastern side has a higher population and a community vibe. Pack your picnic basket for a day of exploring and fishing in Woodland Lake Park, or head into the mountains on the hiking trails south of Rim Road.
6. Pinetop-Lakeside
Stay amid the trees in Pinetop-Lakeside, a small town located just north of Pinetop. A short walk from your vacation rental, White Mountain Boulevard hosts the area’s best eateries, including the popular Pinetop Brewing Company and Salt Restaurant. Put on a sturdy pair of shoes to hike along the trails near Billy Creek, or head west to Rainbow Lake for swimming, boating, and fishing.
7. Rainbow Lake North
Get your boat on the water quickly in Rainbow Lake North. This neighborhood sits near the northern end of Rainbow Lake, which features the only public access point on the shoreline. Load your boat into the water using the onsite ramp, or fish from the dock. A few waterfront vacation rentals offer private access, and for a more secluded water-front retreat, look for properties on Lake of the Woods.
8. Rainbow Lake South
Spend your vacation in a sprawling waterfront home on the southern end of Rainbow Lake. Here, luxurious properties boast long docks, private shoreline, and beautiful patio areas with lake views. Start your day with coffee on your dock, or go for a morning paddle on still waters. Some vacation rentals include boat use, so you can make the most of the lake.
9. Rainbow Lake East
Indulge your love of fishing in Rainbow Lake East. With its long shoreline, this neighborhood features a high concentration of lakeside properties. Step out of your back door, and cast for trout or catfish off of your private dock. Nearby, hike or bike the Blue Ridge Trail as it winds through the hills. When you’re in the mood to eat or shop for antiques, make the drive to Highway 260.
10. Pinetop Lakes Country Club
If you’re a golfer, start your vacation rental search near the Pinetop Lakes Golf and Country Club. Just steps from your condo, an 18-hole executive golf course boasts long, winding greens surrounded by tall pine trees and immaculate homes. After a morning round of golf, make use of the onsite tennis courts or grab a meal in the club’s popular restaurant. A short drive from the club, ride horses through the mountains, try your luck at the Hon-Dah Casino, or check out the restaurants in downtown Pinetop.