Pinetop-Lakeside Golf Trip Planning Guide
When the desert hits 110, Phoenix golfers escape up to the White Mountains. Pinetop-Lakeside and neighboring Show Low sit at 7,000 feet in tall ponderosa pines, with a cluster of strong public courses led by Silver Creek. It's a cool, green, low-key summer buddy trip.
Quick Facts
Summer, Fall
PHX (180 min drive)
$40–$130
$200/night
2 of 4
~$275/person
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Here's a realistic 3-day itinerary for a group golf trip to Pinetop-Lakeside. Every venue below is real and pulled from our curated database — no filler.
Day 1
Silver Creek Golf Club — mountain, $50–$95 · 4.6★
Gary Panks design in Show Low routinely rated among Arizona's best public values — pines and high-desert holes
Charlie Clark's Steakhouse — steakhouse, $$$ · 4.5★
White Mountains institution since 1938 — steaks and prime rib that handle a big crew
Mor Mor Bistro & Bar — cocktail
Pinetop's upscale bar-and-bistro for cocktails and a relaxed night
Day 2
Torreon Golf Club (Cabin) — mountain, $70–$130 · 4.6★
Upscale Show Low mountain layout through tall pines and meadows — the splurge round
White Mountains UTV / ATV Tour — half day, $120–$220/pp
Ride hundreds of miles of forest roads and trails through the high pines
Darbi's Café — casual, $$ · 4.6★
Beloved breakfast-and-lunch spot for fueling before the round
Lazy Y Bar — dive · Open late
Classic mountain-town dive — pool, cheap beer, and locals
Day 3
Pinetop Lakes Golf & Country Club — mountain, $40–$70 · 4.4★
Top-rated executive/short course tucked in the pines — a fun, walkable round for the crew
Trout Fishing the Mountain Lakes — half day, $40–$150/pp
Stocked-trout lakes (Rainbow, Woodland, Show Low) right in town
The Cabin (Pinetop) — bbq, $$ · 4.4★
Smoked meats and a roadhouse vibe — easy group dinner
THAT Brewery (Pinetop) — brewpub
Local brewery taproom with house beer and a patio in the pines
Course-by-Course Guide
Pinetop-Lakeside has 4 courses worth playing. 2 are walkable if you want to save on cart fees.
Where to Stay
Pinetop-Lakeside has 2 group-friendly lodging options in our database, starting at $200/night for the whole house. Several options include hot tubs — a non-negotiable for most groups.
$300–$900 /night
Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low cabins set in the ponderosa pines
$200–$450 /night
Mountain lodges and the Torreon community in Show Low
Group Dining Guide
4 restaurants vetted for group golf trips. Several can handle large parties without a reservation headache.
Charlie Clark's Steakhouse
$$$White Mountains institution since 1938 — steaks and prime rib that handle a big crew
Darbi's Café
$$Beloved breakfast-and-lunch spot for fueling before the round
The Cabin (Pinetop)
$$Smoked meats and a roadhouse vibe — easy group dinner
Lotus Garden Asian Bistro
$$Surprisingly good mountain-town sushi and Asian fare for a change of pace
Nightlife
3 bars curated for groups. 1 stay open past midnight.
Mor Mor Bistro & Bar
Pinetop's upscale bar-and-bistro for cocktails and a relaxed night
Lazy Y Bar
Late nightClassic mountain-town dive — pool, cheap beer, and locals
THAT Brewery (Pinetop)
Local brewery taproom with house beer and a patio in the pines
Activities Beyond Golf
3 off-course activities for rest days or afternoons.
White Mountains UTV / ATV Tour
Ride hundreds of miles of forest roads and trails through the high pines
Trout Fishing the Mountain Lakes
Stocked-trout lakes (Rainbow, Woodland, Show Low) right in town
Hon-Dah Casino
White Mountain Apache casino for slots, tables, and live music
Getting There
Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) — it's a 180-minute drive to Pinetop-Lakeside. For groups of 8+, consider booking a shuttle or party bus from the airport (local providers include White Mountain Shuttle and Phoenix Party Bus). Renting two SUVs usually works for groups of 4-8.