Wyndham Pinetop

Located less than 200 miles from Phoenix, the Pinetop area in western Arizona’s White Mountains offers a refreshing break from the desert heat. At 7,200 feet, the altitude and ever-present breezes keep the temperatures comfortable in the summer months. From Wyndham Pinetop, nature lovers can enjoy numerous opportunities to take it all in. Hiking, horseback riding and fishing are all popular activities. Golfers can check out one of the picturesque golf courses nearby. During the winter, skiing, snowboarding and ice fishing are exhilarating experiences. Plus, for a little razzle-dazzle, the Hon-Dah Resort Casino is only 3 miles down the road from the resort.

Be sure to pack comfortable hiking shoes, because to enjoy the Pinetop area you have to get out and walk a little. Surrounded by lakes, streams and ponderosa pine in the world, you’ll have endless opportunities for communing with nature. A fairly easy hike is the Mogollon Rim Nature Trail, a one-mile loop along a rim that basically divides two climates and offers spectacular views, especially at sunset. Golfers will also find plenty of places to enjoy their favorite sport with six public courses nearby. And because the air is thin, you might hit the longest drives you’ve ever seen. Finally, take advantage of several unique day trips within a couple hours’ drive, like the Anasazi petroglyphs dating back to 300 B.C. at Lyman Lake State Park. You can examine the world’s largest collection of petrified wood, as well as the stunning formations of the Painted Desert, at the Petrified Forest National Park, just an hour and a half away.