Drive Through Salt River Canyon
If you are wondering where to go to escape the summer heat in Phoenix, our answer is Pinetop-Lakeside.
And if you are wondering where to stay, we recommend Northwoods Cabins.
We have personally driven this route, and after years of traveling full time and building road trips around Arizona, it is still one of our favorite summer loops. You get the dramatic drive through Salt River Canyon, a great stop in Show Low, cooler mountain weather, hiking, fishing, and one of the wildest scenic drives in Arizona on the way home.
The Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1:
Phoenix to Pinetop
Take US 60 east from Phoenix through Globe and Salt River Canyon.
Stop at one of the canyon overlooks, continue to Show Low, and grab something fresh at Harvest Juice Co.
From there, drive to Pinetop-Lakeside and check into Northwoods Cabins.
Day 2:
Woodland Lake & Pinetop
Spend the morning walking or hiking around Woodland Lake.
Explore Pinetop-Lakeside, enjoy a local restaurant, and spend the evening relaxing at your cabin beneath the pine trees.
Day 3:
Fishing and Wildlife
Spend the morning fishing or exploring one of the nearby lakes.
Later, visit the White Mountain Nature Center for its raptor training exhibition, depending on the current schedule.
Day 4:
Route 191 Back to Phoenix
Drive east toward Springerville and Eagar, then take US 191 south through Alpine, Hannagan Meadow, Morenci, and Clifton.
Continue through Safford and Globe before returning to Phoenix.
It is a long driving day, but it is also one of the most memorable scenic loops in Arizona.
Why Pinetop Is One of the Best Places to Escape the Phoenix Heat
Pinetop-Lakeside sits at around 7,000 feet in elevation, which makes it significantly cooler than Phoenix during July and August.
While Phoenix regularly reaches 105 degrees or higher, Pinetop is often around 20 to 25 degrees cooler during the day.
You feel that difference almost immediately.
You can leave Phoenix in the morning when the heat is already building, and a few hours later you are surrounded by ponderosa pines, mountain air, and temperatures that make you want to sit outside again.
That is why Pinetop is one of our favorite summer getaways from Phoenix. Plus you get to stay in a forest that is directly connected to a great trail system!
Drive Through Salt River Canyon
The drive through Salt River Canyon is one of the best parts of the trip.
US 60 drops into a massive canyon, crosses the Salt River, and then climbs toward Show Low and Arizona’s high country.
The views are incredible, and there are several places where you can pull over and take them in.
We recommend leaving enough time to stop instead of treating this section like something you need to rush through.
This drive is a big part of what makes the trip special. You begin in the desert, wind through a canyon, and end up in pine forest.
It is a truly amazing drive, make sure to stop at the double bridges at the bottom to get some awesome pictures!
Stop at Harvest Juice Co. in Show Low
When you reach Show Low, stop at Harvest Juice Co.
We stopped there on this route and really enjoyed it. It was fresh, delicious, and exactly what we wanted after several hours on the road.
They offer smoothies, juices, bowls, salads, toast, sandwiches, and other lighter options.
It is a great place to refuel before the final drive into Pinetop.
Stay at Northwoods Cabins
Northwoods Cabins is our recommended place to stay for this road trip.
What makes it a good fit is simple. You are surrounded by tall pine trees, close to Woodland Lake, near local restaurants, and well positioned for hiking, fishing, and exploring the White Mountains.
The cabins work well for couples, families, friends, and larger groups. They include full kitchens, fireplaces, and comfortable spaces where you can settle in instead of feeling like you are just passing through.
The whole point of this trip is to slow down, cool off, and spend a few days somewhere that feels completely different from Phoenix.
Many of the cabins are pet friendly and you can often meet the cutest local resident dog, Divot.
We recommend staying at least two or three nights to allow your body to cool down. They also have solid internet that allowed us to work remotely while staying for a week.
Walk the Woodland Lake Trail
Woodland Lake is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the outdoors near Northwoods Cabins.
The trail is approachable, scenic, and works well for a relaxed morning walk. You can also fish, birdwatch, or simply spend time near the water.
Go early in the day during monsoon season, bring water, and check trail conditions after storms.
This is not a major backcountry hike. It is an easy way to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather without turning the day into a full expedition.
Go Fishing in the White Mountains
Pinetop and the surrounding White Mountains have dozens of nearby lakes, reservoirs, and streams.
You can spend a morning fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing near the water before returning to your cabin.
Check current Arizona fishing license requirements, local conditions, and stocking schedules before going.
Even if you are not a serious angler, spending a few hours beside a mountain lake is a pretty effective way to forget that Phoenix exists.
Eat, Explore, and Slow Down
Pinetop-Lakeside has plenty of local restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and casual places to eat.
One of the benefits of staying at Northwoods Cabins is that you can mix eating out with preparing meals at your cabin.
That gives you more flexibility, especially if you are traveling with family or staying for several nights.
We personally liked Mr. Zeke’s Restaurant, Neko Asian Fusion, and Darbi’s Cafe. We were actually really impressed at the quality of food in this quaint mountain town.
Why Northwoods Cabins Is the Best Basecamp for This Trip
Northwoods Cabins works so well for this road trip because it puts you close to the experiences people are coming to Pinetop for.
You have cooler weather, tall pine trees, nearby trails, lakes, fishing, restaurants, and a comfortable place to return to at the end of the day.
You are not driving long distances every time you want to do something.
You can hike, explore, eat, relax, and settle into the slower pace of the White Mountains.
That is why we recommend Northwoods Cabins as the place to stay when escaping the Phoenix summer heat.
More Arizona Road Trips from Full Time to Travel Time
This guide was written by Kim and Isaac from Full Time to Travel Time.
We have spent years traveling full time, exploring national parks and building road trips. This Phoenix to Pinetop loop is one of our favorite summer road trips in Arizona.
For more Arizona road trip ideas, explore:
Arizona Devil’s Highway Road Trip
Five-Day Arizona and Grand Canyon Road Trip
More Travel Guides from Full Time to Travel Time
If you are looking for where to escape the heat in Phoenix, head to Pinetop-Lakeside, drive through Salt River Canyon, stay at Northwoods Cabins, and take US 191 home.
Written by Full Time to Travel Time in partnership with Northwoods Cabins. We personally drove this route, and the experiences and opinions shared here are our own.