Woodland Lake Park | Show Low

Woodland Lake Park is a prominent recreational area located in Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, nestled in the scenic White Mountains region. It is widely regarded as the "Crown Jewel" of the town, combining natural beauty, outdoor activities, and community facilities into an inviting destination for locals and visitors alike.

The park encompasses approximately 18 acres of water surface, with the lake itself created by damming Walnut Creek. Surrounding the lake is about 40 acres of well-maintained parkland featuring a mix of ponderosa pine forests, Gambel oak, and juniper trees. This lush setting provides a cool, refreshing environment at an elevation of nearly 6,900 feet, making it particularly appealing during Arizona’s warmer months.

Woodland Lake supports a diverse ecosystem, including wetland vegetation like cattails along its edges. This habitat attracts a variety of wildlife, especially bird species such as Lewis’s Woodpeckers, making it a favored spot for birdwatchers. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, channel catfish, and largemouth bass, offering anglers a prime fishing experience from the floating fishing dock or shorelines. Boating is permitted but limited to electric motors, preserving the lake’s tranquil atmosphere.

A key feature of Woodland Lake Park is its network of accessible trails. The primary loop trail encircling the lake extends roughly 1.1 miles and is paved, wheelchair-friendly, and stroller-accessible. This trail provides visitors with scenic views of the water, forests, and opportunities to observe wildlife in a peaceful setting. More rugged trails, like the Hitching Post Loop and Big Springs Trail, cater to hikers and horseback riders looking for a more immersive forest experience.

The park boasts comprehensive recreational amenities beyond natural attractions. It includes multiple sports courts for pickleball, tennis, and volleyball, as well as softball fields. Two children’s playgrounds are spread within the park to engage families and younger visitors. A walking track follows the perimeter of the park, offering a pleasant, safe route for exercise and casual strolls. For gatherings, several public ramadas are positioned near the lake’s edge, which can be reserved for private events, picnics, or community celebrations.

Conveniently situated just off White Mountain Boulevard, Woodland Lake Park can be accessed via Woodland Lake Road from Route 260, with entrances leading to different sections like the ramadas, boat dock, ball fields, and tennis courts. The park operates daily from 6:00 AM until 10:00 PM, ensuring visitors have ample time to enjoy the variety of activities and natural surroundings.

Overall, Woodland Lake Park is a harmonious blend of forested landscapes, a serene lake environment, and well-developed recreational facilities. It serves as a central social and outdoor hub in Pinetop-Lakeside, catering to diverse interests from nature observation and fishing to sports and family-friendly outings, all within the cool and refreshing setting of the Arizona White Mountains.