If by late June you're ready for a weekend away from the hot Valley of the Sun, we have two hikes for you in the Pinetop-Lakeside area, led by our hike leader Lisa who has a summer home there. You can choose either of these hikes or both. Since it's about 3 hours driving from Phoenix, you'll probably want to drive up the day before in order to make it to the trailhead well-rested and on time. There are lots of lodging options in the Pinetop-Lakeside & Show Low area - see info below.
We'll be hiking the Timber Mesa Trail on Saturday 27 and the Panorama Trail on Sunday 28 (8:00 AM start time both days). Both are loops - see the photos for trail maps, or Google them for details.
Timber Mesa Trail is 7.5 miles, Panorama is 9.5 miles, we'll walk both counterclockwise. They have 700-900 ft elevation gain on woodsy trails through pine tree forest with great valley views. Trails are marked with white diamonds on trees every 1/4 mile, making it easy to navigate. There are some connectors/shortcuts to make it back to the trailhead quicker, if necessary. Note that this area is at about 7000 ft elevation, which you'll probably feel during climbs.
For descriptions of these hiking trails, see a great article in the AZ Republic here.
For excellent maps and other useful info, see the Tracks website here.
Weather on the Mogollon Rim can be unpredictable, with summer rains not unusual, so monitor the forecast and prepare accordingly.
ATTENDEES
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DETAILS
Directions
AZ-87 North to Payson
AZ-260 East to Show Low (87 mi)
Turn right (South) on N Penrod Rd (6.1 mi)
Turn left on Porter Mtn Rd (0.5 mi)
Turn left on Timber Mesa Fire Rd (0.2 mi)
Arrive at Timber Mesa Trailhead
NO restrooms or water available at the Trailheads!
About Your Hike Leader
Lisa walked the Camino Frances in 2024 from
St. Jean Pied du Port to Santiago. She also walked the Camino Portuguese
from Porto to Santiago in 2025. She hikes at a medium pace and enjoys
connecting with others along the trail; and finds peace in the solitude when
it’s available.
What to Bring
- Water, electrolytes and snack
- Hat and/or sunscreen
- Raingear (depending on forecast)
- Personal first aid kit
- Poles recommended
- Cash for the Donativo jar (optional)
Facilities
There are NO restrooms or water available at the Timber Mesa and Panorama Trailheads.
Guidelines
Please stay home if you are feeling sick. Make sure this hike length and elevation are within your capabilities.
Call or text Steven at 480-465-9732 if you are unable to make it or are running late.
No dogs allowed due to chapter liability.
We will share the trail with other hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, so despite our engaging conversations we will be aware of our surroundings and courteous by stepping off the trail or walking single file when necessary.
Reminders: Our chapter activities are led by volunteers. Donativo contributions (cash only) are greatly appreciated and are used to support future activities. Look for the orange donativo jar by the signup at the beginning of each hike.
We always gather in the spirit of the Camino. However, hikers/walkers are differently abled and may not finish at the same time. Be sure to let the hike Leader or Sweep know if you want to hike ahead, stay back, or leave the group.
Local Lodging & Other Info
For overnighters there is ample lodging in Pinetop and Show Low, e.g. Hampton Inn, Fairfield by Marriott, TownePlace Suites (all in Show Low). Also cabins like Hidden Rest Cabins which are rustic but nice. Booking.com and Airbnb show many other options in either Show Low, Lakeside, or Pinetop.
There are many camping options in the area. Some recommend Fool Hollow Lake Campground in Show Low.
Other stuff to do in the area:
Porter
Mountain for horseback riding — Sunset rides are great. Fishing on Rainbow
Lake. Ski Lift and Picnic at Sunrise. White Mountain Nature Center. Golfing at
Pinetop Country Club. Picnic at Hawley Lake. Mount Baldy. Hondah Casino (pretty basic).
If you're interested, we can have lunch/dinner together. Lots of options in the area, we can discuss during/after the hikes.