FOOL HOLLOW LAKE
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE
In 1885, Thomas Jefferson Adair moved into the area with the intention of farming. The locals joked that only a fool would try and farm the place. The name stuck! The tiny town of Adair has long since been covered by the lake, but it was Adair who was responsible for the name Fool Hollow.
The park along the lake, located in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, opened in 1994 as a result of cooperation between the U.S. Forest Service, Arizona State Parks, Arizona Game and Fish and the city of Show Low in partnership with Arizona Public Service and McCarty Construction Company.
Today, visitors can camp among the tall pines and hike along the lake at a cool 6,300 feet in elevation. Year-round camping, fishing, picnicking, boating and wildlife viewing opportunities make Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area a popular place.
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SHOW LOW LAKE
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE
Imagine the crisp smell of pine trees, the breeze coming off the lake, the excitement on their faces as they reel in their first catch, the glowing warmth from the campfire as you bring an end to the perfect day...
Nothing is better than seeing children’s smiles by firelight.
Show Low Lake is located in Show Low, Arizona and has the best Walleye fishing in Arizona. It has yielded the last five state records including the existing state record of 16 pounds, 2 ounces. The lake is located adjacent to Show Low Lake Road, about 1 mile from Highway 260. Show Low Lake is open all year. See the Show Low Weather Chart.
Lake Size. The lake features 100 water surface acres at an average depth of about 33 feet with a maximum depth of approximately 50 feet. It sits at an elevation of 6,500 feet.
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RAINBOW LAKE
Mormon settlers created Rainbow Lake in 1903 by damming Walnut Creek which spawned the town of Lakeside, Arizona. The land surrounding the lake is privately owned limiting public access to a small parcel of land next to the dam. The lake is open to the public at that spot. The elevation of the lake is about 6,760 feet creating great, cool refreshing weather during the spring, summer and early fall. See the Pinteop Lakeside AZ Weather Chart. Lake Size. The water surface of Rainbow Lake is about 116 acres with an average depth of 7 feet and a maximum depth of 14 feet.
The public landing, which is managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, is located on in Navajo County near Lakeside at 6,760 feet. The land surrounding the lake is privately owned and not generally accessible to the public; however, the Department owns a small parcel of land on the lake used as a Public Landing and maintains it for public fishing and recreational boating
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SCOTT RESERVOIR
SCOTT RESERVOIR
Built in 1928, Scott Reservoir is an irrigation impoundment on Porter Creek near Pinetop-Lakeside. The least developed of the “in town” lakes, trees surround Scott Reservoir, giving it a secluded feel. Locals know you can catch big catfish at Scott Reservoir in the fall.
Scott Reservoir has 80 surface acres with an average depth of 10 feet, and lies at 6,720 feet. It is usually somewhat turbid, which helps control algae blooms and aquatic weeds. This, coupled with a good perennial stream flowing in, means there are no real water quality problems. The lake is stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout in spring, early summer and fall, and occasionally stocked with channel catfish. There are a few largemouth bass.
Fish for trout in spring and early summer using a boat or float tube at the upper end of the lake where fish tend to congregate. Troll spinners or fish with night crawlers off the bottom. For stocked trout, try night crawlers or Power Bait. For catfish in the summer, try chicken liver or water dogs. Catch large catfish in the fall using waterdogs. Bass fishing is slow to average at this lake. - Arizona Game and Fish.
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WOODLAND LAKE
SCOTT RESERVOIR
WOODLAND LAKE
Located in the heart of Pinetop-Lakeside, Woodland Lake Park is the shining centerpiece of our community. In the developed areas of the park, you’ll find volleyball courts, softball fields, walking paths, and play areas, while the wilder sections are crisscrossed with hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. It’s also home to a number of different fish and bird species, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars and a fishing pole!
Woodland Lake is a great place to go kayaking or boating. There are also public Ramadas overlooking the lake, which can be reserved for a family barbecue, or used during your work day for a peaceful lunch break. You may not be alone for long, though – the park is a great place to run into old friends, and maybe even make some new ones.
RESERVE AMENITIES
Group gatherings are welcome! If you’d like to reserve a Ramada, field, or court for your group or event, please use our Facility Reservation/League Registration program CivicRec.
WEBSITE LINK:
https://www.pinetoplakesideaz.gov/facilities/facility/details/Woodland-Lake-Park-3
CONCHO LAKE
SCOTT RESERVOIR
WOODLAND LAKE
Concho Lake is an irrigation reservoir situated in the town of Concho, in the eastern Arizona grasslands at 6,300 feet (1,900 m). Much of the surrounding land is privately owned; the rest is owned by the Bureau of Land Management, but is managed for sport fisheries and wildlife resources by the Arizona Game and Fish.
Concho Lake is a small, shallow, weedy lake. It has 60 acres (24 ha) with a maximum depth of 16 feet (4.9 m) and an average depth of 6 feet (1.8 m). A small watershed and nearby spring feed the lake. Following current management plans, the Arizona Game and Fish stocks catchable-sized rainbow trout during spring months. Green sunfish and an occasional largemouth bass also occur at this lake. The lake gets drawn down considerably in the summer for irrigation.
Concho Lake is located 10 miles west of St. Johns and about 30 miles northeast of Show Low. There is a store, restaurant, picnic area and restrooms at the lake.
The lake holds Rainbow, Brook, and Cutthroat trout, Largemouth Bass and Sunfish. Only electric motors may be used and live bait fish are prohibited.
WEBSITE LINK:
WHITE MOUNTAINS LAKES
LAKES INFO
By Tony Subia at Arizona Leisure
The White Mountains in Arizona is high mountain country setting at elevations from 6,500 to over 9,000 feet. Sky-blue mountain lakes are surrounded by pineforests and lush grassy meadows. Bounding wildlife and Springtime wildflowers.It is pure tranquil solitude. Lakes in the White Mountains are the perfect respite getaway from the hot desert region to the south. Temperatures in the Arizona White Mountains average 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the Phoenix area. See our Climate Chart showing average monthly and current temperatures.
MEADOW TRAIL
WHITE MOUNTAIN TRAIL SYSTEM
SEVERNSON WILDLIFE TRAIL
About a mile south of the SR260 junction with White Mountain Road is the Meadow Trail Trailhead. This natural hike is about 1.5 miles long currently (paved) and will eventually loop back around on the east side of Show Low Creek. A partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks trout in the creek at several places near the trail during certain times of year! There are restrooms at the trailhead of this historically significant area of Show Low!
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SEVERNSON WILDLIFE TRAIL
WHITE MOUNTAIN TRAIL SYSTEM
SEVERNSON WILDLIFE TRAIL
The Severnson Wildlife Trail is located 2 and a 1/2 miles north of Show Low on State Route 77. The handicapped-accessible trail includes a riparian environmental area and the Pintail Lake Wildlife Viewing Area. The viewing area provides outdoor classroom opportunities for students from nearby schools.
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WHITE MOUNTAIN TRAIL SYSTEM
WHITE MOUNTAIN TRAIL SYSTEM
WHITE MOUNTAIN TRAIL SYSTEM
The White Mountains area is home to the White Mountain Trail System. The system was designed as a way to increase recreational opportunities for everyone who enjoys the forest through hiking, biking, and horseback riding. A series of loop trails and connectors, such as the 12-mile Buena Vista Trail located on the southwest border of Show Low, was constructed through a partnership with the US Forest Service, Pinetop-Lakeside TRACKS, and the Arizona State Parks Heritage Trails Fund.
WEBSITE LINK:
https://www.wmonline.com/hiking-trails-in-the-white-mountains-az/
INDIAN SPRINGS TRAIL
WOODS CANYON LAKE LOOP
WHITE MOUNTAIN TRAIL SYSTEM
The Indian Springs Trail is a wide, gravel path that loops through a portion of the Apache and Sitgreaves National Forests. Beginning in a meadow, the trail quickly enters a dense forest of pine and fir trees. Portions of the trail run on a former roadbed, while others use the Apache Railway Company's former Maverick Line, which hauled logs to a mill in McNary in the mid-20th century.
Unlike other trails in the Apache and Sitgreaves National Forests, the Indian Springs Trail is limited to mountain bikers and hikers only. The trail is a moderate challenge, as there are a few steep climbs along the way.
WEBSITE LINK:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/asnf/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=45143&actid=50
RAILROAD GRADE TRAIL
WOODS CANYON LAKE LOOP
WOODS CANYON LAKE LOOP
The entire route of the Railroad Grade Trail follows a historic railroad corridor, offering gentle climbs and stunning views. The railroad formerly hauled logs from various parts of the Apache National Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation and later hauled tourists from McNary on a tour of the White Mountains.
A unique feature of the trail is an 80-foot-long trestle bridge that was reconstructed in 1998. The trail also features trailheads at 4 locations, giving users the option to enjoy the entire trail or separate the visit into more manageable portions.
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WOODS CANYON LAKE LOOP
WOODS CANYON LAKE LOOP
WOODS CANYON LAKE LOOP
Experience this 3.5-mile loop trail near Forest Lakes, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 8 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
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WHITE MOUNTAINS TRAILS
TRAILS INFO
Written by Nadia Podrabiinek
The breathtaking White Mountains of Arizona, ideal for hikers, nature lovers, and adrenaline junkies alike, are located in the eastern part of the state and stretch across three different areas: Apache, Gila, and Navajo.
If you are into the outdoors, these mountains are like a big playground for you, not to mention access to Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests!
The best part is, there’s so much you can do in the White Mountains! If you love action and adventure, you can go hiking, fishing, camping, or even skiing. But if you like to take it slow, you can just chill and enjoy the beautiful views.
The mountains are filled with forests, calm lakes, and high peaks that will take your breath away. So, the White Mountains in Arizona aren’t just regular mountains; they’re a whole lot of fun waiting to happen!
