What is There to Do in Alpine?

When visiting or living in Alpine you can choose to enjoy activities such as boating, kayaking, fly and bait fishing, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife and bird watching or just relax sitting on the shore of one of our lakes and streams or sitting in a chair on the porch. Visitors and residents enjoy a slower pace of life in the Alpine area; it’s a place to reflect and rejuvenate. We also have a winter season in which to enjoy snow sports and experience the quiet after a snowfall. There are many activity choices as you can see below:


  • Horseback Riding

    Many popular trails allow horseback riding such as Escudilla National Recreation Trail & the East Baldy Trail. The Alpine NF Ranger District office offers trail maps that indicate the trails suitable for horses. Horses are available to rent at Sprucedale Guest Ranch.

  • Motorcycling

    Have you ridden the Coronado Trail lately? The 120 miles of US 191 between Clifton and Springerville rank in the top 10 scenic byways in the country; the 90 miles south of Alpine are probably in the top 3 for motorcyclists. Easily exceeding 500 curves, and with rarely a straight stretch of road longer than a quarter mile, the Trail is known for its narrow mountain-grade that snakes along the sides of a mountain range. Once numbered US 666, the Coronado Trail retains its earlier nickname “The Devil’s Highway.”

    Other motorcycling roads nearby include – US Highway 261, US Highway 180 from Alpine to New Mexico, SR 78 , and SR 15 in New Mexico.

  • Mountain Biking

    Phone the Alpine Ranger District Office (Mon-Fri) (928) 339-5000 to ask about conditions and recommendations for mountain bike trails.

  • Scenic Drives

    Coronado Trail
    Everyone’s favorite drive is along the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway – US Highway 191. Driving south from Alpine you gain in elevation until you reach Hannagan Meadow Lodge at 9100 feet. Even though Hannagan Meadow is 22 miles south of Alpine, the driving time doubles due to the beautiful scenery and winding road. You can continue south towards Morenci, known for its large copper mine.

    Blue River Road
    This is a well-maintained, gravel road that travels to the small ranching town of Blue, Arizona.

    Big Lake Road (FR 249)
    A paved road from Alpine via of US Hwy 191 to the Big Lake Recreation Area. A stunning drive along which wildlife is often spotted.

    Hulsey Lake Rd (FR 56)
    A graveled road towards Terry Flats Loop. Take a detour to see Hulsey Lake (short walk). Continue driving along the Terry Flats Loop then drive back down towards US Hwy 191.

    Black River Road (FR 276)
    A graveled road that takes you along the East Fork of the Black River past many National Forest campgrounds.

    State Route 261
    This is a paved road from Eagar to State Route 273. Follow SR 273 as long as you wish.

    Fall Colors Scenic Drives (early October)

    • North on US 191 Coronado Trail Scenic Byway – near the small town of Nutrioso, AZ. Shrubs along the road turn pink and orange colors.
    • Big Lake Road (FR 249) is a graveled road to Williams Valley. Aspen trees turning yellow.
    • Escudilla Mountain Trailhead parking lot. Aspen trees turning yellow. Nearby is Terry Flats Loop ( graveled road) & hiking to Escudilla Mountain peak to take in a vista of color.
    • FR 403 (off of US Hwy 191) Aspen stands turning golden.

  • Snowmobiling

    Williams Valley Winter Sports Area is located six miles northwest of Alpine at an altitude of 8,700 feet. Drive 1.5 miles north from Alpine on US Highway 191 and turn west for 4.5 miles on paved FR 249. FR 249 is plowed reasonably soon after a storm. The Alpine Ranger District has set aside an area for snowmobiling. There is a sign along the road designating that you are “Leaving a Motorized Restricted Area.” There is a parking area next to a vault toilet; this is where the snowmobile area begins.

  • Wildlife Viewing

    This activity is the favorite of all Alpine visitors and residents. Our forests, lakes, streams, and mountain meadows host a variety of wildlife. It’s an excellent way to understand all four seasons as we witness the changing wildlife life cycle. Some of our resident mammals are: elk, deer, bear, mountain lion, bobcat, fox, coyote, reintroduced Mexican Gray wolf, raccoons, skunks, Abert squirrel, and chipmunks. Large groups of elk often congregate in the open meadows around Alpine. Be very cautious driving at dusk and at night due to the elk that are often grazing along the roadways.