Guidebook: Glowing Pines Lodge in Pine, AZ
Food scene
Calling all foodies: Michelin-star rated chef, wood fired pizzas, craft beers and wine, entertainment, great vibe, great value. 1 mile from Glowing Pines Lodge. Great vibe for families and couples alike. During the day, games such as corn hole and giant connect 4 are fun to play in the fresh air and sunshine. In the evening, pop into the Taproom for a whiskey and weekend acoustic performances. Closed Monday Tuesday.
Clam pizza, beer cheese, and music in the Tap Room are just a few of our favorite things about Old County Inn.
87 locals recommend
Old County Inn
3502 AZ-87Calling all foodies: Michelin-star rated chef, wood fired pizzas, craft beers and wine, entertainment, great vibe, great value. 1 mile from Glowing Pines Lodge. Great vibe for families and couples alike. During the day, games such as corn hole and giant connect 4 are fun to play in the fresh air and sunshine. In the evening, pop into the Taproom for a whiskey and weekend acoustic performances. Closed Monday Tuesday.
Clam pizza, beer cheese, and music in the Tap Room are just a few of our favorite things about Old County Inn.
Hiking
Tonto Natural Bridge is a must-do, and the turnoff is just 5 miles South on 87 from Glowing Pines Lodge. It's the largest natural travertine bridge in the world, and it's beautiful! There is something for all ages and fitness levels. Seeing the view from the top is spectacular and it's an easy walk to get to numerous viewing points. However, if you are a good hiker you must see the view from the river below. Check with https://azstateparks.com/tonto/ for local conditions and trail access. Be sure to browse around the historic Lodge. Also, if you have never seen a Javelina before, there is a really good chance for spotting one in the park grasslands.
164 locals recommend
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Nf-583ATonto Natural Bridge is a must-do, and the turnoff is just 5 miles South on 87 from Glowing Pines Lodge. It's the largest natural travertine bridge in the world, and it's beautiful! There is something for all ages and fitness levels. Seeing the view from the top is spectacular and it's an easy walk to get to numerous viewing points. However, if you are a good hiker you must see the view from the river below. Check with https://azstateparks.com/tonto/ for local conditions and trail access. Be sure to browse around the historic Lodge. Also, if you have never seen a Javelina before, there is a really good chance for spotting one in the park grasslands.
The Pine Trailhead is 1.3 miles from Glowing Pines Lodge. Parking is ample, and there a few choices for hikes presented on a clear map at the trail head. We recommend starting with the "Pine Loop Trail" which is 2.7 miles. The path is well marked and easy to moderate. Mountain bikes are also allowed on this trail. There are some nice views from the upper section, and you will pass through lots of different vegetation. We went with a 10 year old and two active 70 year-olds and it was the perfect length for the group.
30 locals recommend
Pine Trailhead
Highline TrailThe Pine Trailhead is 1.3 miles from Glowing Pines Lodge. Parking is ample, and there a few choices for hikes presented on a clear map at the trail head. We recommend starting with the "Pine Loop Trail" which is 2.7 miles. The path is well marked and easy to moderate. Mountain bikes are also allowed on this trail. There are some nice views from the upper section, and you will pass through lots of different vegetation. We went with a 10 year old and two active 70 year-olds and it was the perfect length for the group.
Waterwheel falls is a beautiful section of the East Verde River that can be hiked from the parking area up along falls and swimming holes. Because of the cool water and beautiful scenery the spot is becoming a bit loved to death, and can become very crowded on the weekends and holidays. Go early in the morning on weekdays to avoid the crowds and please help to pick up trash that others have left behind. It’s extremely important to check the weather conditions, especially rain from miles away that can create deadly flash flooding in this narrow canyon!
48 locals recommend
Water Wheel Falls Hiking trail
Waterwheel falls is a beautiful section of the East Verde River that can be hiked from the parking area up along falls and swimming holes. Because of the cool water and beautiful scenery the spot is becoming a bit loved to death, and can become very crowded on the weekends and holidays. Go early in the morning on weekdays to avoid the crowds and please help to pick up trash that others have left behind. It’s extremely important to check the weather conditions, especially rain from miles away that can create deadly flash flooding in this narrow canyon!
Scenic Drives and Off-Roading
One of the most scenic drives in Arizona! This 45 mile dirt road takes you along the top edge of the Mogollon Rim, through forests, and to Knoll and Potato Lakes. From Pine, head North on highway 87 through Strawberry, and continue approximately 10 miles. The turnoff will be marked on the right side of 87. If you go the entire distance, you will end up on highway 260, right by the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center. We recommend a 4 wheel drive, but we noticed many 2 wheel sedans out there holding their own. Given the remoteness of this drive, check area conditions, take plenty of water/snacks, and an emergency kit.
Forest Service Road 300
Forest Service Road 300One of the most scenic drives in Arizona! This 45 mile dirt road takes you along the top edge of the Mogollon Rim, through forests, and to Knoll and Potato Lakes. From Pine, head North on highway 87 through Strawberry, and continue approximately 10 miles. The turnoff will be marked on the right side of 87. If you go the entire distance, you will end up on highway 260, right by the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center. We recommend a 4 wheel drive, but we noticed many 2 wheel sedans out there holding their own. Given the remoteness of this drive, check area conditions, take plenty of water/snacks, and an emergency kit.
Local Groceries
Ponderosa Market:
Friendly neighborhood market that has all of the basics and many specialty items. You will pay slightly more on certain items, but it beats driving 13 miles into Payson. They have a fantastic bakery that produces different breads daily, our favorites including banana bread and pumpernickel. Great fried chicken counter and look out for the locally made varieties of salsa.
38 locals recommend
Ponderosa Market
6112 Hardscrabble Mesa RdPonderosa Market:
Friendly neighborhood market that has all of the basics and many specialty items. You will pay slightly more on certain items, but it beats driving 13 miles into Payson. They have a fantastic bakery that produces different breads daily, our favorites including banana bread and pumpernickel. Great fried chicken counter and look out for the locally made varieties of salsa.
Antiquing
For antique-ers, thrift store lovers, vintage enthusiasts, and treasure hunters! MANY rooms of glassware, boots, aloha shirts, framed art, jewelry, books, jeans, and southwestern finds to shop til you drop. It's the kind of place chockablock with knickknacks to explore if you know what I mean... The owners are lovely- the lady of the shop is all business, however, the gentleman will go out of his way to help you find that unique item you are hunting for. We like how well everything is organized at Moose Mountain Antiques.
12 locals recommend
Moose Mountain Gifts & Antqs
6264 Hardscrabble Mesa RdFor antique-ers, thrift store lovers, vintage enthusiasts, and treasure hunters! MANY rooms of glassware, boots, aloha shirts, framed art, jewelry, books, jeans, and southwestern finds to shop til you drop. It's the kind of place chockablock with knickknacks to explore if you know what I mean... The owners are lovely- the lady of the shop is all business, however, the gentleman will go out of his way to help you find that unique item you are hunting for. We like how well everything is organized at Moose Mountain Antiques.
City advice
Getting around
Check Driving and Weather Conditions
Winter in the high country is magical! Please drive safely, look out for wildlife, and always check local road conditions in the case of snow or rain. Drive with the proper vehicle and tires, and always take an emergency road kit.
Also, summertime brings many people to Rim Country as there are thousands of acres for camping, exploring, hiking, and recreating away from the heat of the flat lands. Especially coming from Phoenix, expect heavy traffic coming in on the Beeline (87) on Fridays and leaving on Sundays.
Customs and culture
Restrictions to Prevent Forest Fires
During the summer, there are often local restrictions to prevent forest fires. This is serious and following the rules will prevent the loss of life and property.
Most restrictions will include:
- no wood burning campfires
- no wood burning fireplaces or wood stoves
- no charcoal grills
- no shooting (hunting, target, or otherwise)
Upon driving into the Glowing Pines Lodge neighborhood, into national forests, and elsewhere you will see bright yellow signs listing the restrictions.
GPL has all gas fire features (fireplace, fire pit, grill) which are legal during the restrictions.