The 'Alps Of Arizona' Is A Cozy Mountain Town Between Two Lakes Full Of Wildlife And Outdoor Fun

Forget everything you think you know about Arizona. While most travelers picture endless desert stretches, otherworldly red rock landmarks, and scorching summer heat, the state's best-kept secret lies tucked away in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. Here, you'll discover a charming town that offers cool mountain air, pristine lakes, and some of the Southwest's most spectacular scenery. Welcome to Alpine, Arizona, affectionately known as the "Swiss Alps of Arizona" — a cozy mountain retreat with an elevation of 8,000 feet, perched between Luna Lake and Lyman Lake. This hidden gem transforms the typical Arizona experience into something magical, where outdoor adventures and small-town charm create the perfect summer escape.

Alpine sits around 245 miles northeast of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and the drive is just over four hours long. For adventure seekers, the spectacular Coronado Trail Scenic Byway curves and swerves through dramatic White Mountains scenery.  There is no direct rail or bus route to Alpine, so renting a car in Phoenix or Show Low — located about 70 miles west and home to the Show Low Regional Airport — is best for flexibility and scenic stops along the way. Thankfully, this elevated retreat is well connected by major highways. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure, winding past cliffside vistas, pine forests, and hidden valleys. Once you're in the area, be sure to visit Eagar, a breezy and friendly town in the White Mountains less than 30 miles from Alpine. 

Nestled in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Alpine offers a cool refuge from the desert heat, with average summer temperatures between 82 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The town's mountainous setting features emerald meadows, ponderosa pine forests, and winding streams — earning Alpine its fitting nickname, the Swiss Alps. The scenic town lies between Luna Lake to the southeast and Lyman Lake to the north, each offering unique outdoor activities.

Just 3 miles outside of Alpine, Luna Lake is a popular year-round fishing hotspot, famous for rainbow and cutthroat trout. Its cool, clear waters are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife spotting. The tranquil shoreline also invites families and solitude seekers for an immersive camping experience. The campsites are available from May to September, with nightly rates starting at $20, at the time of writing. Camping reservations can be made online or in person on a first come, first served basis. Summer is ideal for water activities and fishing, but autumn brings beautiful foliage and opportunities to see local wildlife.

Less than an hour's drive from Alpine, more adventures await in Lyman Lake State Park. Lyman Lake, a reservoir on the Little Colorado River, is known for its thrilling water sports opportunities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and even sailing thanks to the valley winds. The park offers watercraft rentals, including jet skis and kayaks, as well as hiking trails if you'd prefer to explore the area on foot. Lyman Lake State Park has air-conditioned cabin rentals and lakeside campsites, making it a convenient base for families to combine lakeside fun with mountain exploration.

Alpine boasts several trails that deliver true high-country adventure. The Thompson Trail meanders along the West Fork of the Black River for roughly 5 miles, guiding hikers through dense pine, spruce, and aspen forests on gentle terrain. Be sure to check for temporary closures in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest before visiting, especially in the summer, due to the heightened risk of wildfires. Several trails, including the Escudilla National Recreation Trail, have been severely impacted by wildfires but remain open to the public with restrictions in place. The scenery is breathtaking, with soaring aspen trees, wildflower-filled meadows, and the dramatic Escudilla Mountain summit — Arizona's third-highest peak — that rewards hikers with panoramic views and possible elk or eagle sightings. For a mellow, wildlife-rich route, the Blue River Trail winds through lush riparian zones, with several river crossings and meadows teeming with birds and rare sightings of Mexican gray wolves. 

If you prefer guided fun, saddle up at Sprucedale Guest Ranch for a horseback riding tour in the forest. Explore the surrounding trails on an ATV, with rentals available at White Mountain Adventures AZ in nearby Springerville. Just outside of Alpine, Hannagan Meadow offers extraordinary views of the Milky Way blazing overhead on clear summer nights, and is one of the premier stargazing locations in the Southwest. After a day of adventure, visitors can relax at Bear Wallow Cafe, known for its hearty American and Mexican dishes in a friendly atmosphere. Though it may not be as luxurious as Arizona's Grand Canyon glamping resort, Hannagan Meadow Lodge is a quiet and cozy retreat nestled in the forest with easy access to hiking and stellar night skies.