Alpine, Arizona – Small Town of the Week

Alpine, Arizona

Where mountain lakes and swift running streams dot the countryside. Where Ponderosa Pine, aspen, and fir dominate the landscape. Where four distinct seasons offer something for everyone in our outdoor paradise from quiet relaxation to a myriad of recreational activities.

Alpine is located at an elevation of 8,050 feet (2,450 m) above sea level in the eastern end of the White Mountains and surrounded by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Alpine is near the headwaters of the San Francisco River and six miles from the New Mexico border. Alpine is a popular destination for hunting, fishing, and camping. As of 1960, it was the highest place in the United States where farming was successfully conducted.

Luna Lake is a natural body of water that covers approximately 75 acres of land. It is located about three miles southeast of Alpine, Arizona, at the elevation of 7,890 ft, and is the centerpiece of the Luna Lake Wildlife Area.

Alpine is near the headwaters of the San Francisco River, in the shadow of Arizona’s third tallest mountain and astride the devil’s own highway. This is a land of eagles and wolves, and plenty of water. Within a 30-mile radius of the town are more than 200 miles of trout streams and 11 lakes.

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.

No one seeks out this remote corner of Arizona for the luxurious amenities. This is where you come to tumble off the grid for a while, to breathe cool mountain air, to hike, fish and marvel at a glittering canopy of nighttime stars.

Where to camp near Alpine
Alpine Divide Campground nestles at the foot of Escudilla Mountain. Soaring to a height of 10,877 feet, this is Arizona’s third highest mountain. A dozen campsites are scattered through a grove of ponderosa pines. First come, first served. No hookups available. $10 per vehicle. 928-339-5000, http://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf.

Sitting alongside a bend on the East Fork of the Black River, the six small sites of Aspen Campground are shaded by a stand of mixed timber. It’s an easy walk to the water. First come, first served. No hookups available. $14 per vehicle. 928-339-5000, http://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf.

Alpine sits at the junction of U.S. 191 and U.S. 180. This is the heart of the Coronado Trail National Scenic Byway. For 123 miles the Coronado Trail twists and turns between Clifton to the south and Springerville in the north.

Foxfire at Alpine occupies a historic home beautifully redesigned as a restaurant specializing in innovative and flavorful dishes. It currently offers take-out daily and limited hours for dine-in Thursday through Saturday. 928-3394344, https://foxfireatalpineaz.com.