7 Cool Arizona Mountain Towns For A Summer Vacation

Abstract

• Arizona’s cooler mountain cities supply a peaceable respite from the scorching summer time warmth of the desert plains.
• Actions like mountain climbing, bird-watching, and off-roading draw guests to Alpine, Greer, and Prescott Valley in the summertime.
• With temperatures starting from mid-60s to excessive 70s, these cities present a serene and tranquil retreat for nature lovers.

Situated within the southwestern a part of the US and with a Saguaro (cactus) because the official state flower, it is no shock that Arizona will get scorching throughout summer time. These magnificent cacti thrive within the scorching, dry Arizona desert, significantly within the Sonoran Desert, which is also home to the rugged and stunning Saguaro National Park.

Summer time temperatures in some areas of the state can attain triple digits, and in 2023, Phoenix regularly hit 110 degrees. Locals typically beat this warmth with incredible swimming holes in Arizona state that offer much-needed summer relief, family-friendly enjoyable, and even some waterfalls. Another choice for having fun with a cool summer time trip in Arizona is choosing mountain cities which are greater up in elevation, which can supply a slight respite from the warmth.

Amid all of the cities, cities, and rugged landscapes of Arizona that scorch throughout summer time, these are cooler mountain cities within the state that aren’t solely excellent summer time trip getaways but additionally scenic in their very own proper and incredible locations to go to year-round.

7 Prescott Valley

Common day by day excessive in summer time – 82°F

Simply 8 miles from Prescott, the Fitzmaurice Ruins in Prescott Valley maintain a treasure of artifacts from the early Mountain individuals, who left their mark on this land some 1,400 years in the past. This city, as soon as generally known as Lonesome Valley, was settled by ranchers within the Eighteen Eighties, a testomony to the enduring spirit of the pioneers who raised beef to produce the miners and new settlers.

At simply above 5,000 toes, Prescott Valley is a cooler summer time vacation spot than Arizona’s scorching and dry plains, providing a peaceable respite from the warmth. Its proximity to Prescott permits residents and guests to take pleasure in fast and quick access to the extra distinguished metropolis facilities and benefits whereas nonetheless basking within the city’s rustic attraction and slower tempo of life.

The small city additionally has many actions that hold its guests and residents entertained throughout summer time.

6 Alpine

Common day by day excessive in summer time – 78°F

The picturesque mountain city of Alpine, also known as “The Alps of Arizona,” is a hidden gem. It boasts working streams, serene mountain lakes, and a lush panorama adorned with fir, aspen, and pine bushes.

Nestled at a lofty elevation of 8,050 toes, Alpine is located on the jap finish of the White Mountains. It’s cocooned by the Apache-Sitgreaves Nationwide Forest, close to the headwaters of the San Francisco River, and a mere six miles from the New Mexico border.

Though temperatures are usually snug throughout the daytime, the solar could be very intense, and at night time, frosts have occurred even in summer time. Along with the cooler climate, the outside actions draw households to Alpine. It’s a superb place for looking, bird-watching, and off-roading. With loads of campgrounds and RV parks close by, Alpine is a well-liked mountain vacation spot for a lot of Arizonians to flee the extraordinary warmth of the plains.

5 Greer

Common day by day excessive in summer time – 76°F

Situated throughout the spectacular White Mountains and surrounded by the Apache-Sitgreaves Nationwide Forest, Greer is the very best city in Arizona at an elevation of roughly 8,400 toes. It has a moist continental local weather with heat summers coupled with chilly nights and chilly, snowy winters.

As soon as generally known as Lee Valley, Greer is a hidden gem nestled in a distant mountain valley. It isn’t only a small city, however a sanctuary for nature lovers. Its excessive elevation blesses it with summer time temperatures starting from the mid-60s to excessive 70s, often touching 80°F.

The day by day monsoon storms, rain, wind, thunder, lightning, and even hail, not solely cool the world but additionally add to its attraction, making it a serene and tranquil retreat. Mountain climbing trails and scenic walks are enticing options in summer time that draw guests to this wonderful mountain city in Arizona.

4 Grand Canyon Village

Common day by day excessive in summer time – 76°F

Situated on the popular South Rim of the magnificent Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Village is a small city, wholly targeted on accommodating vacationers visiting the canyon.

There are many reasons why the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is more popular than the North Rim, and considered one of them is that within the winter, the North Rim is closed. Alternatively, the North Rim also has some hiking trails that offer stunning views of the mighty Grand Canyon with only a fraction of the crowds.

Most of the Grand Canyon’s most well-known hiking trails start at Grand Canyon Village, together with the preferred hike into the canyon: the Bright Angel Trail. With a median day by day summer time excessive of 76°F, it is usually not too scorching to benefit from the mountain climbing trails right here throughout the summer time.

3 Pinetop-Lakeside

Common day by day excessive in summer time – 75°F

In 1984, when the neighboring cities of Pinetop and Lakeside merged, they fashioned Pinetop-Lakeside, a preferred summer time resort and second-home space for a lot of Arizona desert residents. It’s identified for its in depth tourism and leisure actions, proximity to the world’s largest stand of ponderosa pines, and for an impressive high quality of life.

In summer time, with patches of gleaming snow nonetheless clinging to its summits, the White Mountains supply guests quite a lot of scenic points of interest and outside actions. Residence to more than 50 alpine lakes and 800 miles of cold, crystal-clear rivers and springs, Pinetop-Lakeside entices guests all through the season to this cool mountain playground.

2 Springerville

Common day by day excessive in summer time – 75°F

Perched at a formidable elevation of over 6,900 toes, Springerville within the White Mountains boasts a singular attraction. It is residence to among the area’s hottest points of interest, together with the Casa Malpais Archaeological Park & Museum. For these in search of a mountain retreat, Sunrise Ski Park is a premier vacation spot, providing a cool respite for each summer time and winter guests, all inside a 30-mile radius of Springerville.

Conveniently positioned close to downtown Phoenix and a mere 14 miles from the New Mexico Stateline, Springerville gives a gateway to limitless outside adventures in summer time. Its wealthy native historical past and funky mountain temperatures make it a perfect escape from Arizona’s scorching summers.

1 Kachina Village

Common day by day excessive in summer time – 73°F

Kachina Village, a singular bed room neighborhood, is simply seven miles from Flagstaff. It is identified for its heat (however not scorching) and dry summers, making it an ideal cool summer time getaway. The small, wooded neighborhood, spanning solely two sq. miles, gives a serene and peaceable surroundings. Whereas it could have comparatively few buying areas, it compensates with its pure magnificence and tranquility.

Though near Flagstaff and inside driving distance of a little bit little bit of all the pieces, there may be loads price exploring earlier than leaving city. The Pumphouse County Natural Area is a 128-acre pure space that features a spring-fed wetland. One of many rarest wildlife habitats in Arizona, it attracts a various vary of species together with waterfowl, elk, fox, deer, wintering bald eagles, songbirds, migratory birds, and extra.

Mountain climbing and wildlife watching are common actions within the Kachina Wetlands, a frivolously trafficked 2.3-mile loop path applicable for all talent ranges.