Things To Do
in Show Low
Show Low is a small mountain town in Arizona’s White Mountains region, known for its pine forests, lakes and access to outdoor recreation. The town's name comes from a local 19th-century card game legend and the community retains a friendly, small-town Western character. Elevation gives Show Low cooler summers and snowy winters compared with much of Arizona, making it a popular escape for hikers, fishers and winter-sport visitors.
The local economy centers on tourism, outdoor recreation and services for residents of surrounding rural areas and tribal communities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Show Low and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring the flavors of the region. Take some time to relax and explore the surrounding area.
Visit the Show Low Historical Society to learn about the town's rich history. Stroll through the charming downtown area, stopping at unique shops and boutiques. Grab lunch at a popular eatery known for its Southwestern cuisine.
As the sun sets, enjoy a scenic drive along the White Mountains. Dine at a cozy restaurant offering delicious local dishes while enjoying the view. Spend your evening stargazing, as the clear skies offer a perfect setting for spotting constellations.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before venturing into the nearby Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Enjoy hiking on the scenic trails, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the pine trees and wildlife. Remember to pack a picnic lunch to savor while surrounded by nature.
Continue your hike or explore fishing spots at one of the nearby lakes such as Fool Hollow Lake. Spend the afternoon enjoying outdoor activities, whether it's kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water. Take time to appreciate the tranquility of your surroundings.
Return to Show Low and unwind with a casual dinner at a local grill. Share stories of your day's adventure over a hearty meal, perhaps opting for a classic barbecue. End the evening with a walk through the local parks, where you can enjoy the peace of the evening air.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕️Coffee (regular) | $2.50-4 |
| ⛽️Gas (per gallon) | $3.00-4.00 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-160 |
| 🎟️Park or recreation day fee / boat launch | $5-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful mountain scenery and easy access to outdoor recreation
- Cooler summers and snowy winters provide seasonal variety and relief from desert heat
- Friendly small-town atmosphere with local events and community charm
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining/amenity options compared with larger cities
- Some services and shops close early or are seasonal; limited public transportation
Places to Visit in Show Low
Visit one of these nice places.
Calm water, pine reflections and varied shorelines offer excellent sunrise and golden-hour shots; wildlife and migratory birds add interest.
Sweeping cliff-edge panoramas and layered forest ridgelines provide dramatic landscape photography, especially at dawn or sunset.
Capture the quirky local character and the iconic story of the Show Low Tree and downtown storefronts for cultural context.
Scenic backroads through pines, meadows and seasonal wildflowers—good for atmospheric shots and macro photography of flora.
Food in Show Low
Show Low Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Venison, elk or beef steaks are common on menus at local steakhouses and roadhouses; pair with mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables or Southwestern sides.
Must-Try!
Fisheries in the White Mountains supply trout that appear on menus; often pan-fried or served with lemon-butter sauce at family restaurants near lakes.
Breakfast plates with green chile, eggs, hash browns and tortillas are popular at diners and breakfast cafes throughout town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal farmers’ markets and craft fairs (check community calendars) offer baked goods, jams, local produce and artisan food items; street food is limited but food trucks appear at events or near park gatherings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents value friendliness and straightforwardness—greet people, be patient in service settings and respect private property and ranchland.
This region is near Native American communities; be respectful when discussing tribal matters, follow signage and obtain permits where required for cultural sites.
Follow Leave No Trace principles—pack out trash, keep dogs on leash where required, and be careful with campfires during dry conditions.
Safety
Tipping in Show Low
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in restaurants is 15–20% for good service; tip bartenders $1–2 per drink or 15–20% on bar tabs. Tip hotel staff and taxi drivers modestly for assistance and good service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, shops and lodgings; carry some cash for small vendors or remote trail fees. ATMs are available but can be sparse outside town, so plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool to mild days with melting snow at higher elevations; wildflowers begin to bloom and trails can be muddy—pack layers and waterproof footwear.
Warm, comfortable daytime temperatures (cool evenings); ideal for hiking, fishing and lake activities. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible—carry rain gear and check forecasts.
Crisp air and spectacular fall foliage in late September to October; popular for leaf-peeping, so book accommodations early on peak weekends.
Cold with regular snowfall at times; good for snow play, winter hiking and nearby Nordic/snowmobiling areas. Roads can be icy—carry chains or a vehicle with good winter tires.
Show Low at Night
Hiking in Show Low
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy lakeside loops and shorter wooded trails suitable for families, birdwatching and casual walks with scenic water views.
Trails along the Mogollon Rim offer dramatic vistas, ridge hikes and opportunities for photography and sunset views.
An extensive network of forest roads and trails for day hikes, longer treks and backcountry exploration; routes vary from easy to strenuous.
Short trails and picnic areas around Show Low Lake provide relaxed hikes, fishing access and family-friendly outdoor time.
Airports
How to reach Show Low by plane.
Small regional airport serving general aviation and limited commercial flights; convenient for private planes and occasional scheduled services, with ground transportation into town.
About a 1.5–2 hour drive (distance variable by route) northwest of Show Low; offers commercial service with connections to larger hubs—useful for regional flights and as an alternative to Phoenix.
Major international airport roughly a 3.5–4 hour drive southwest of Show Low; offers the most flight options and car rental services for visitors traveling from farther away.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population includes retirees and long-term residents who enjoy the slower pace and natural surroundings.
The area is culturally connected to nearby Native American communities, including Apache and Navajo peoples; cultural presence and nearby tribal lands contribute to regional heritage.
Visitors and second-home owners who come for recreation —hiking, fishing, hunting and seasonal activities—are a visible demographic, especially on weekends and holidays.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Trout and warm-water fishing in local lakes and streams is a popular pastime year-round where conditions permit.
Seasonal big-game and small-game hunting is part of local outdoor culture, regulated by state and tribal rules.
Several local golf courses take advantage of cooler mountain air and scenic fairways; golf is a common recreational activity for visitors and residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Show Low.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices exist (salads, veggie burgers, egg and cheese dishes), but menus are meat-forward; call ahead for options at smaller places and ask about seasonal vegetable plates.
Vegan options are more limited; larger cafés or grocery stores can provide ingredients, and some restaurants will accommodate substitutions if notified.
Many restaurants can prepare gluten-free entrees if requested, but cross-contact is possible at small kitchens—bring necessary snacks if you have severe sensitivity.