Came here around 5p on a weeknight to do some fishing with my son. We didn't end up catching…read moreanything, but the location and surround scenery is beautiful. We saw a water snake, from a safe distance and heard the fishing can be amazing here. The water level was low and this was our first time fishing here, but I'd definitely recommend coming here, even if it's just for a walk. Make sure to check which fishing regulations are enforced because they change seasonally.

Went up to the White Mountains a month ago for some outdoor therapy (aka fishing and 4-wheeling)…read more We shot over to Silver Creek for a half day to try our luck hooking into some trophy size trout. It worked! If you go, read up on the regulations for fishing there. Barbless hooks, no lures, no live or scented bait, and possibly catch-and-release only. There are public restrooms when you enter the creek, but be ready to hike a bit as you will want to hit all of the hot spots! On a scale of 1 to 10, monster trout here! (shhhhhh....don't tell anyone. This secret spot is just between us) ;)

This 260 acre lake is located on the White Mountains Apache Indian Reservation near Pinetop…read moreLakeside. It is in Arizona's White Mountains at a high altitude of about 8,200 feet. The lake is 300 acres with and average depth of 40 feet and a maximum depth of 100 feet. White Mountain Apache Permit is required to fish, as well as, a tribe boat stamp if you plan to fish from a boat. You also need a regular fishing license from the Game and Fish Department. Thanks to Phoenix area Community Ambassador Joyce W., who recommended Hawley Lake! So my husband and I went on a reconnaissance mission to see the lake and check out the facilities. Hawley Lake is simply beautiful. It is surrounded by high mountain peaks covered with thick forests of spruce, pine and aspen. The lake has Brown, Brook, Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout. You will see wildlife at Hawley Lake and likely hear squirrels running around, owls and possibly wolves howling, roaming the distant, closed areas of the reservation. On the drive in we passed cattle grazing and we even passed a bear on our drive in to the lake. I love Hawley lake. It is rustic and natural and beautiful. They do not allow swimming or gas motors on the lake-electric only-keeping the lake pristine, as possible. Fishing and boating is more expensive because if the special permits. Camping is basic, no hookups; picnic tables are at most campsites, potable water faucets, and vault toilets are what you get. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Facilities like a store or marina are not available here. You have quiet, beautiful sights and dark skies at night.

The water level is up from years past so kayaking is good . Start early in the morning before the…read morewind picks up.

Apparently the campground is closed since Covid began and they intend to shut down the camping and…read moremake it a day use only site. That's sad but there is still fishing and the Porter Mountain Stables nearby actually have horseback trails and tours around the lake. The lake consists of Rainbow & Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Large Mouth Bass, Green Sunfish, Blue Gill, Black Bull Head and Carp.

Just FYI, using GPS location from this does not lead you to a trail. It just lads you to a general…read moreresidential area that happens to be within the white mountains area.

I went to an immaculately maintained trail along a creek and meadow of horses and cows that backed…read moreup to the mountains. Beautiful, beautiful and the small town charm of it is amazing! I loved the rocks people paint and leave behind as well. I have done that in the past with my 3 boys. Love the idea and charm of it! Reminds me to do it again. I felt refreshed and enjoyed my 3 mile run!! The trails were marked with little white signs and I didn't feel unsafe. It got tight a couple times with some kind folks walking dogs and I'm a huge dog person- so doesn't bother me and I was able to squeeze past them without them needing them to move much in the skinny portion of the trail we happened to be crossing at the same time. I think they appreciated. Anyway, beautiful hike and is do it again! Looking for another trail to do today before we leave back to the Valley in the AM. I don't want to leave!

This visit was during the covid-19 pandemic…read more We saw a sign for Pintail Lake and had to take a look. Pintail Lake is more of a wetland than a lake. It is known as the Allen Severson Wildlife Area. It's located on the east side of AZ State Highway 77 aka Penrod Road. It is about 3.5 miles north of Deuce of Clubs on the right as you leave Show Low. There is a decent gravel road in about 1/2 mile to a parking area. Admission is free. The wetland was created by Forest Service, City of Show Low and the Az. Department of Game and Fish. The Show Low wastewater management uses treated affluent to create it. The marshes help treat and purify the water, and serving as a wetland that attracts birds and wildlife. I gave it 5 stars because the city created a really great place for wildlife as well as cleaning the affluent. Allen Severson consists of two small artificial marshes including Pintail Lake and South Marsh. Pintail consists of 3 ponds with 14 nesting islands, while South Marsh is a resting and feeding area. Pintail Lake contains 50 acres of water within a fenced area of 250 acres, which South Marsh fluctuates from 15 to 50 acres of flooded meadow. On the wetlands, we saw a couple kinds of ducks and a blue heron. A nice wide trail leads to a viewing deck and a sort of concrete 'blind' where you can watch the waterfowl without being seen. Its about a half mile walk and there are interpretive signs and benches to sit and enjoy the scenery. There is wheelchair access on the trail. There is a porta-potty. I definitely recommend this place for birders, though, you can see most of the same birds on Show Low Lake or at Fool Hollow. It is another place to get out where fewer people go and you can relax during the covid-19 pandemic. Next time, I will bring my Birds of Az book and binoculars. I suggest going early or later in the day because there isn't a lot of shade. It was getting warm when we went out and couldn't stay long.

This place is a hidden little gem located just outside Show Low on the 77 heading toward Snowflake-…read moreTaylor. I haven't been here in a while but I'm feeling I might be due because it's a lovely little secluded duck habitat that's a nice place to go out in the woods into one of the blinds, sit and watch & even feed the ducks and just relax and take in the forest. Yeah, I could definitely do with another visit here.

I was in town for a few days and decides to take one of my dogs for a quick walk one morning. I…read moreliked that the trail has ample parking spaces. It also has flat and easy trails along a small water stream (and I think some more challenging one up some smaller wooded hills). The walk was relatively easy..you can for sure finish the all back ad forth within 30-60 minutes depending on how fast you can walk. When I was there on a weekday late morning, many residents were walking along the path with their dogs enjoying that cool morning as well. Finally, the trail is free and very well maintained. It is also accessible so people with any abilities can enjoy it for sure.

This is a really interesting hiking trail and park. There is a steam that goes along the normal…read morehiking path which is an easy walk. I believe there are some more difficult paths that go along the woods. Apparently on the one side of the park sometimes you can see cattle grazing, but they were not out during my visit. There were some horses in the other field which got all of the attention. Having the horses present just made the park that much more enjoyable. There is a small parking lot and no bathrooms at this trail.

I came here to take photographs because it just snowed a few days earlier. You can't really go to…read morethe lake as it's fenced off on the Indian reservation. Regardless it's beautiful! The other side of the road is fenced off as well but there is an opening to walk through. Wear accommodating shoes as it's forest and open land. Restrooms are available here.

Rachel and her son were fabulous their kindness was infectious the riding stables were well…read moreorganized and offered 1 or 2 hour horseback riding through the wooded forest challenging trail rides horses were very well maintained and healthy I rode Jon my husband rode Jack we had 2 hours of fun I highly recommend Pinetop lakes equestrian

Rachel was a great guide, she made the ride fun, was very professional and explained everything. I…read morewould do it again and I recommend the stable.