Seated at a 6,400-foot elevation in the two-million-acre Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest northwest of the White Mountains, the town of Show Low offers a great base to explore Arizona’s natural beauty. The Fool Hollow Lake and Show Low Bluff Trails provide accessible paths where you can observe horses grazing the landscape, and various birds and wildlife in their natural environment, including mountain lions, elk, black bears, and bald eagles. Skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels will love the city’s proximity to some of the Southwest’s best ski areas.

Downtown Show Low is a growing center of commerce and recreation. Annual events transform this small mountain paradise into a packed festival, where the sound of local musicians and the smell of delicious home-cooked food fills the air. Local steakhouses, artisan shops, and cafes line Show Low’s main street, the Deuce of Clubs Ave., which legend claims was the winning card in a historic poker game that gave the town its name.

Show Low has a relatively mild four-season climate. Given the city’s proximity to the mountains, it’s no surprise that winter is the most popular time to visit. If you’re looking to ski or snowboard, December is the best time to get Show Low cabins, because the powder is deep and fresh. Spring stays relatively cold but is a great time to go exploring, thanks to low precipitation.

The city is warmest in summer, in time for the annual Show Low Days event in June, which features children’s games and the famous Derby Down the Deuce, where competitors race homemade derby cars down a closed-off section of Highway 60. Show Low’s off season is the fall because it brings colder weather but no snowfall. However, in September, Show Low hosts its annual competition where you can listen to local music and enjoy contestants’ edible entries.

The Show Low History Museum

A visit to the free Show Low History Museum is the best way to learn about the city’s culture. The local historical society has curated a self-guided visit through 16 rooms filled with an array of exhibits that tell the history of Show Low from 1100 A.D. up until the present day. Travel back in time by looking through books, artifacts and art created by Native American and non-Native residents.

Maverick Motorized Trail

The Maverick Trail for Motorized Vehicles, a 50-mile trail between Clay Springs and nearby Pinetop-Lakeside, is a great way to take in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. You can access the five trailheads with off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and off-highway vehicles (OHVs) during the summer months. In the winter, you’ll need snowmobiles and OHVs to ride the snow-covered paths.

Fool Hollow Lake

Fool Hollow Lake is one of three lakes in Show Low proper, but it feels completely separate from the city. A beautiful mountain backdrop overlooks this wooded pine area, home to herons, beavers and bobcats. You can also take a boat out on the lake or hike along the shore, all while breathing in that crisp, piney mountain air.