Snowshoeing Northern Arizona
Continue one mile to join the top of the West Fork Trail, your summit. The actual peak is visible through the trees, but it would be best to get permission from the Apache tribe before heading any further. Try contacting the Hon-Dah Casino before you go (see toll-free number below).
Sunrise Area
Sunrise Ski Resort: In the winter the place comes alive with skiers and boarders staying at the resort, which is owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe. There are three mountains, ten lifts (including a high-speed lift, the only one in Arizona), 65 trails and 800 acres of ski-able (or snowshoe-able) terrain. It's the largest ski resort in the state.
Call the resort at 1-800-772-7669, or click on http://www.sunriseskipark.com/
Sunrise Lake: Drive past the Sunrise Ski Resort and don't look back. There are other places to showshoe, for free. A left turn will dump you at Sunrise Lake, offering a wide alpine plain ringed by spruce in the near distance, with Mt. Baldy and enigmatic Escudilla Mountain in the farther view. Flat with some rolling terrain, the meadow surrounding the lake offers miles of easy access and free exploration. Sunrise campground is located closeby with primitive, secluded sites under the pines.
For more information
The White Mountains are just a two-hour drive from Phoenix or Tucson, or a longer 2 ½ hour trip from Flagstaff. The following White Mountain towns each offer their own brand of charm.
Pinetop and Lakeside:
http://www.plcofc@cybertrails.com/ Showlow: http://www.slrcofc@showlow.com/ Snowflake: http://www.stchamb@whitemtns.com/ White Mountain Apache Office of Tourism: 928-338-1230 Hon-Dah Casino: 1-800-369-0299 Road and Weather Information: 928-537-ROAD Sunrise Airlines: 1-888-394-1851 Bus Service (White Mt. Passenger Lines): 928-537-4539
Flagstaff
This artsy, outdoorsy ski town has a Nordic Center, for fun on tamed, groomed cross-country ski trails, but I bet that's not what you bought the paw-like snowshoes for. Try these trails, instead, for scenery and adventure.
Buffalo Park and the Lower Oldham Loop:
A fine beginner's loop takes off at Buffalo Park, a two-mile excursion in full view of Flag's looming, nearly-13,000' Peaks. Tends to have crowds on sunny snowy days, and many folks bring their families and dogs. In spite of little solitude, the access and scenery can't be beat. A great option if you're short on time.
Head north from downtown on San Francisco Street to Forest Avenue. Turn right and make a left on top of the hill at Gemini St. Park
Latest Articles