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.

Beautiful nature, but the facilities were unacceptable. No toilet paper, the restroom was in a…read moredisastrous condition, and garbage was scattered around the area, clearly attracting animals. Extremely poor maintenance and hygiene.

This visit was before the covid-19 pandemic. The lake is…read moreclosed to all. Call for information before going out to the lake. Reservation Lake is about 11 miles south from Hwy 273 located between Sunrise Park Resort and Big Lake. The lake is on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation with maintained campgrounds. It is not quite as accessible as the other lakes in the area. There is an earthen dam across Reservation Creek at the south end of the lake. Reservation Lake is a 280 acre lake. The topo map shows its V-shaped but I've never heard the depth in the middle. The lake is stocked with Rainbow, Brown and Brook trout. They are reported to have some large trophy sized fish. There are no reservations, most campgrounds on the reservation are first come first serve. You need a permit for camping, fishing, boating, recreation and hunting. You can't purchase permits at the campground. Permits can be purchased at the Hon Dah store or Sunrise General Store. Pick up a free visitors guide for all rules where you buy permits. Reservation Lake is a nicer lake, in my opinion because it is not as easy to reach. Hopefully, the lake will be opened again soon.

I like how this trail was so well maintained and had markers making it easy to navigate. The…read morescenery is stunning as your surrounded by towering pines and oaks and there's even water on the trail. It's about 2 miles to get to the Ice Cave which was cool (pun intended) to check out, but it was a little underwhelming. Still awesome to see an entrance of a collapsed lava tube where cool air creates a natural refrigerator even if it didn't have that wow factor. There's pretty wildflowers alongside cactus which is cool to see. We didn't see much wildlife but there are horseback riders that use the trail that you may come across. Overall, it was a good easy to moderate trail good for families and with some really beautiful scenery and I enjoyed the trail.

Don't expect too much for the ice cave. It's a hole in the ground with cold air, which is nice once…read moreyou've sweated in the sun for 2 miles. Use sunscreen, as it's not shaded. There is a geocache in the area if you geocache.

Went for the morning and it was relatively quiet, towards the lunch hour became very busy…read more Lots of places to camp and have a picnic. Some great waterside hiking trails and views of the lake. Apparently a great place to go fishing or boating as well. Didn't see too much wildlife, but maybe that's a good thing. Great views, worth the visit, but keep in mind here is an admission fee.

1st time visitor Nice little walk around the lake…read moreUnfortunately the water was really low to the point where you could walk on the area Worth visiting I am sure with the water at full level, it is a beautiful view. Look forward to visiting again

There are 2 extremes to this hike. You can choose to explore the lower canyon to a beautiful…read morewaterfall at the end surrounded by cliffs and call it a day for a total of 3 miles out and back OR you can hire a guide and canyoneer the upper canyon and spend around 5-7 hours while rappelling, climbing, and wading through endless pools and more waterfalls for a total of over 5 miles. On this adventure, my hiking group decided to take the easy route and enjoy the lower canyon. It kind of reminded me of West Fork hike in Sedona, because you cross the creek bed repeatedly, and you cannot help but stop and stare in awe of how beautiful the surroundings are. The hike is peaceful and you feel kid-like once more since you are forced to climb over small boulders, get knee deep or sometimes even waist deep in water, and brush past tree branches of various foliage. The life is teeming with so many different plant species present and with the Salt River connecting nearby, you just know the place is great for fishing as well. Permits are $15 per person for day hikes. Cibecue is on sacred land so remember to enjoy the hike in all its glory but be respectful and pack out everything you bring in.

One of my favorite hikes in AZ! How can you beat stunning canyon views, creek crossings, and a…read morebeautiful waterfall at the end!? Not to mention it's in the middle of nowhere away from all civilization--a great day trip getaway to relieve yourself after a stressful workweek! A few things to note before trekking out here: -You're going to want to be driving a 4x4 or high clearance vehicle as the road from the 60 turnoff is nothing but dirt and rocks. I've seen a Prius do it but it looked painful and damaging lol. -Permits are now $30 per person and you pay with cash into a box so come prepared. I'm not a huge fan of the price hike *no pun intended* but I can see why the reservation did it reduces the crowd. -Bring sturdy water shoes or prepare to get your hiking shoes wet/muddy. I have some pretty flimsy Walmart water shoes so I opted for the latter. There are multiple creek crossings and it's not like Seven Falls or Oak Creek--there are not enough stones to hop across and you will need to walk in the water.By the end of the day, my hiking shoes were completely soaked with muddy water. They will need some deep cleaning. -Piggy-backing off the point above, if you go following a monsoon storm, expect the creek and falls to be saturated with thick mud. Grand Falls style. -PLEASE pack in what you pack out. Do not litter or leave anything behind in this beautiful place.

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!

We have rented from Ted & Nancy for years and there is definitely a reason why. They are super nice…read more& accommodating every year. Cabins are super clean and cozy. So many fun family memories at these cabins. We have rented all of the Big 10 cabins and the Little Ponderosa as well over the years. Each have something unique.

What a great place to relax for a few days. It's tough to get a rental in Greer this time of year…read moreif you do not book in advance. Cabin was clean and well appointed. Note, there are only two resaurants in town. One open for breakfast and lunch called Rendevous Diner. Molly Butler's Lodge is open part of the week for lunch and every night for dinner. The cabin has a propane grill if you decide to stay in. There is one small market in town called Lazy Trout Market if you need anything. Lots of places to fish or hike. We relaxed at the cabin and played cards. There was hand sanitizer inside. Soap and shampoo provided. The check in process was smooth. They email you a code for the front door. There's a TV with Dish Network. It's very quiet here. Nice front porch to relax. Bedrooms and bathroom were on the small side, but it is a cabin and they were adequate for a couple of nights. We enjoyed our short stay.

The pictures don't do this park justice. Super clean and peaceful, with plenty of wildlife. This…read morepark is great for a morning or afternoon stroll with a loop that goes right around the lake. Plenty of parking and places for a picnic. This is actually one of my favorite parks in the Pinetop area.

July 2026 Great trails and activities...no lake…read more Need tons of rain to bring the lake back

Every step in nature brings a new discovery…read more I am not a seasoned hiker nor do I hanker after difficult trails. I simply wanted to be with nature, so I planned out this hike a day before. Thompson Trail 629, located in Greer, Arizona, was at the top of my list. I have been to Greer many times, but I had never reached nor explored that area before. The drive to the trailhead is long and bumpy on the dirt road, yet it is scenic and tranquil. Once you reach the destination, you will be welcomed with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, rolling meadows, and forests. The hike is approximately 6 miles out and back, making it a moderate and enjoyable trek. During the hike, you'll be immersed in the beauty of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, with the trail winding through towering Ponderosa pines. Be prepared with water, snacks, and proper hiking gear. The trail is well-maintained but can be rocky and steep in some sections, so sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. One of the things I enjoyed most was that the path leads through picturesque meadows and alongside babbling creeks. I couldn't help but stop, reconnect with nature, enjoy the solitude and capture the beauty with my camera lenses. I am truly appreciating more the majestic landscapes of the White Mountains and the many breathtaking scenes you will discover, providing opportunities to pause and refresh your soul. If you're seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Thompson Trail offers a serene environment for you.