White Mountain Lake Airport

White Mountain Lake Airpark occupies a strip of pavement and gravel on the northeastern edge of Show Low, Arizona, sitting between the White Mountains and the lake that gives it its address. The airpark is a small domestic facility used primarily by private pilots, recreational flyers, and locals who understand that an airstrip can also serve as a launch point for camping trips, fishing expeditions, and a Saturday afternoon of drag racing. It is not a commercial airport in the usual sense — there are no jet bridges, no departure boards, no rental car counters. What it offers is space, light traffic, and a direct connection to the outdoors.

The airpark is also a community gathering spot. On weekends, the drag strip draws spectators and participants alike. During the week, the airstrip sees light aircraft traffic from residents and tourists who keep planes in the hangars lining the runway. The lake itself shapes the character of the place: quiet, calm, and dotted with boats on warm afternoons. For anyone arriving by air, the approach across the lake provides a clear view of what to expect — a modest strip with no pretensions, set in a landscape of pine and juniper.

Getting There

White Mountain Lake Airpark sits about eight miles east of downtown Show Low, just off Arizona State Route 260. From the center of Show Low, take State Route 260 east toward Springerville for roughly seven miles, then turn south onto County Road 7378 (often signed for White Mountain Lake). Follow this paved road for about a mile until you reach the airpark entrance on your left. The drive takes approximately 15 minutes from the Show Low Regional Airport (SOW), making it an easy side trip for pilots flying into the area.

If you are driving from Phoenix, expect a three-hour journey via US-60 and SR-260. The route climbs steadily into the mountains, and snow or ice can affect travel between November and March. For those arriving by commercial flight, renting a car at Show Low Regional Airport is the most practical option — there is no public transit connecting the city to the airpark. Taxis and rideshares operate in Show Low but may require advance booking for trips this far east.

The airpark itself is not serviced by any bus route or shuttle. Most visitors arrive by private vehicle or aircraft. The parking area near the main entrance is unpaved but well-packed, with space for perhaps two dozen cars. During events like the drag races, parking spills onto nearby roads, so arriving early is wise.

Inside the Terminal

Calling it a "terminal" overstates what is actually there. White Mountain Lake Airpark has no enclosed passenger building — just a small office and a basic toilet facility. The office is staffed intermittently, primarily during events or when the owner is on site. For routine visits, plan to be self-sufficient.

The airstrip itself is a single paved runway oriented roughly east-west, about 3,600 feet long. That length is adequate for most single-engine piston aircraft, but it limits operations for larger aircraft. Tie-downs are available, and there are a few hangars for long-term storage. The airpark offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance to the office area and a wheelchair-accessible car park near the runway. If you have mobility concerns, the compact layout makes navigation straightforward.

Facilities are minimal: one unisex toilet, a small picnic area, and a patch of grass that doubles as a camping zone. There is no food or drink for sale — stock up in Show Low before you come. The atmosphere is relaxed, with aircraft noise only intermittent. On a quiet Tuesday morning, you might share the space with just one other plane and a few anglers walking down to the lake. On event days, the place fills with cars, trailers, and the smell of BBQ.

The airpark also serves as a base for off-roading. Trails lead from the property into the adjacent national forest land. ATVs and dirt bikes are common, and the drag strip occasionally hosts small informal races. Watch for kids and pets near the runway — there are no barriers separating the airstrip from other activity areas.

White Mountain Lake Airpark and Show Low

Show Low sits at about 6,300 feet elevation on the Mogollon Rim, a geological escarpment that marks the transition from the low Sonoran Desert to the high Colorado Plateau. The city’s name comes from an 1870s poker game in which the winner declared “show low” to claim the pot — a story the locals still tell with evident pride. Today, Show Low is a regional hub for outdoor recreation and a summer escape from Phoenix’s heat, drawing thousands of visitors each year to its nearby lakes, forests, and ski slopes.

White Mountain Lake is one of several lakes in the area, but it is notably quieter than the larger and more commercialized Fool Hollow Lake or Rainbow Lake. Homes around White Mountain Lake are less expensive, and the atmosphere is more laid back. Fishing is a primary draw — the lake is stocked with trout, bass, and catfish. Jet skiing and kayaking are popular in warmer months. The lake is also a stopover for migratory birds, and birdwatchers occasionally spot herons and ospreys.

The airpark itself contributes to the local character. It hosts community events, including the drag races and periodic fly-ins that bring in pilots from across Arizona. The sound of engines — both aircraft and automotive — is part of the normal rhythm. For visitors staying in nearby rentals, the airpark offers a unique vantage point. Watching planes take off while standing at the water’s edge is an experience not available at most lakes.

Beyond the immediate area, Show Low provides services and attractions: grocery stores, medical care, motels, and restaurants serving American and Mexican food. In winter, the Sunrise Park Resort, about 30 miles east, offers skiing and snowboarding on runs that descend through ponderosa pine forests. The hiking trails of the White Mountains, including the popular Rim Country trail system, start within an hour’s drive. For anyone arriving by air, having a plane at the airpark means easy access to these attractions without the traffic of Phoenix’s busy airspace.

The relationship between the airpark and the surrounding community is symbiotic. Local pilots store planes here. Families camp on weekends. Off-roaders stage trips from the parking lot. The airpark is not a major economic driver on its own, but it enriches the area’s identity as a place where recreation and aviation coexist informally.

Practical Information

White Mountain Lake Airpark is not open every day. According to operational schedules, it sees heaviest use on Monday mornings at 6 am, Tuesday mornings at 9 am, Wednesday afternoons at 4 pm, and Thursday afternoons at 3 pm. These times are likely when the owner or staff are present; at other hours, the airpark may be accessible but unstaffed. Visitors should call ahead or check the website (http://wmlairpark.com/) to confirm access.

Amenities are limited to a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible car park, toilet, and camping facilities. The airstrip, fishing spots, off-roading trails, jet skiing areas, and drag strip are all available on site. No fuel is available — fill up at Show Low Regional Airport or bring your own. Camping is basic: no hookups, no showers, just a flat area near the runway. Pack out all trash, as there are no dumpsters.

One concrete piece of advice: If you plan to fish, bring your own gear and a valid Arizona fishing license. The lake is easy to access from the airpark, but there is no bait shop or rental service on site. Similarly, if you intend to participate in drag racing or off-roading, contact the airpark in advance — events are sometimes organized informally, and dates may not be publicized widely. The best times to experience the airpark at its liveliest are during these events, but for a peaceful day by the lake, a weekday morning is ideal.