Last Updated April 3, 2024
Nestled in the heart of Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ, the Tour of the White Mountains is more than just a mountain bike event – it’s an experience and one that is considered one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in the Southwest. The courses are set at a challenging 7,000 ft.; riders get a taste of brilliant single-track trails amidst a picturesque pine forest. The real treat is the unending beauty of the White Mountains, the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, and the Fort Apache Reservation. The organizer, Epic Rides, treats participants to an array of activities, from live music at the onsite amphitheater to a robust communal campfire, and the event benefits TRACKS. The Tour is capped at 1,250 participants, so it’s important to register early.
Event & Course Info
There are four-course options to choose from at Tour of the White Mountains:
- 9-Mile Singletrack Challenge Fun Ride: A delightful beginner’s choice.
- 30-Mile Gravel Grinder Fun Ride: For those wanting to mix it up with some gravel action.
- 35-Mile Singletrack Challenge: Stretching 37.19 miles with an elevation gain of 2,341 ft.
- 50-Mile Singletrack Challenge: A hefty 53.15 miles demanding riders conquer 3,916 ft. in elevation.
Each aid station is spaced about 10 miles apart, ensuring riders are well-hydrated and fueled. Riders embarking on the 9-mile challenge can find support at the Country Club Aid Station. Those on the 30-mile grind have the Four Springs Aid Station. The 35-mile challenge offers assistance at Los Burros Aid Station twice, while the 50-mile challenge spans three stations: Los Burros (twice), Land of the Pioneers, and Four Springs.
To ensure optimum rider safety and a smooth experience, distances with 250+ participants will be broken into wave starts, with only the 35-mile event having this in 2023. A special mention to the event’s “Fast Pass” system, which acknowledges riders who’ve finished within an hour of the first-place rider in the past two years. Those on the list are placed at the front corral of the first wave, ensuring they have an edge.
For spectators keen on cheering on the participants, there are three primary locations: Los Burros AID Station, Pioneer AID Station, and Four Springs AID Station. But don’t forget your cowbell!
Lastly, the younger lot isn’t forgotten. Epic Rides and Shimano host a Free Kids Event, welcoming children of all ages and skill levels. Starting at 9:15 am on Saturday, it’s a mini-adventure not to be missed.
Adding to the charm, once riders cross the finish line, they’re greeted with custom awards showcasing their accomplished distance. To celebrate, there’s an after-party boasting live music, a mouth-watering BBQ, and refreshing beverages from Pinetop Brewing Co. And, if you’re looking to explore the locale, the small mountain town allure of Pinetop-Lakeside, complete with top-tier restaurants, awaits.
Epic Rides will have on-site coffee and food vendors, and its recommended to head to Downtown Pinetop-Lakeside (2.5 miles from the venue) for a post-ride dinner.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
The communities of Pinetop-Lakeside will please any visitor with their quintessential small mountain town charm. Typically it’s recommended that riders of Tour of the White Mountains stay at Buck Springs Resort, however it appears to be temporarily closed. However, other hotels nearby include: Round House Resort .3 Miles from venue, Worldmark 1.5 Miles from venue, Quality Hill Resort Villas 1.5 Miles from venue, Timberlodge Inn Pinetop 3.3 Miles from venue.
There is also on-site camping available at Pinetop Lakes Activity Center & Stables, which can be purchased with registration, or there are other camping options in the area: Hon-Dah RV Park, located 4.1 miles from the venue, Show Low Lake Campground, located 10.3 miles from the venue, and Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, located 18.9 miles from the venue.
Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, offers a quaint culinary scene that reflects its mountain town charm, featuring a mix of local eateries, cozy cafes, and restaurants that serve both classic American and diverse international cuisines. Visitors can enjoy a range of dining experiences, from rustic barbecue joints to upscale bistros, all set against the backdrop of the picturesque White Mountains. Local favorites like The Bistro at Annie’s, Darbi’s Cafe, and Arizona Mountain Coffee Co. are perfect to enjoy after a long day on the trails.
Nestled at in the White Mountains, this charming area is not just about its scenic beauty; it’s a treasure trove of outdoor pursuits. The Mogollon Rim, often referred to as simply “The Rim,” is a dramatic escarpment that marks the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau and is a popular hiking destination. With its limestone and sandstone cliffs, it offers some of the most breathtaking views in Arizona. There are numerous trails that snake along The Rim, but for a truly spectacular autumn experience, consider the Horton Creek Trail or the Woods Canyon Lake Loop.
If you’re looking to retrace some of your steps of the Tour of the White Mountains, head back to Los Burros trail for some more mountain biking. It’s an old forest service trail which has now become a biking favorite as it’s a moderately challenging 14-mile loop trail that has a perfect mix of smooth trail, roots and rocks.
Rainbow Lake, covering 116 acres, is one of Pinetop-Lakeside’s primary attractions. Known for its diverse fish population, it’s a haven for anglers. Species you might encounter include rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Located within the town limits of Lakeside, the lake has multiple shoreline spots perfect for casting a line. For those looking for a more immersive experience, boat rentals are also available.
Related Events
Epic Rides is a group dedicated to promoting the joy of biking outdoors, emphasizing its benefits for the soul, and hosting events that celebrate the vibrant mountain biking community, from world champions to enthusiastic newcomers. Their events are more than just rides; they’re a celebration of the bicycle, the outdoors, and the unique community that surrounds it. In addition to Tour of the White Mountains, other events in that they produce that Strambecco profiles are 24 Hours of Old Pueblo and The Whiskey Off Road.
For the multi-sport athletes out there, check out some of our best-rated Road Cycling, Gravel Cycling, and Trail Running events that are held in Arizona and the broader Southwest. Some of them include the El Tour Series road cycling events – El Tour de Zona, Mesa, Tucson, and the infamous gravel race Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) Scottsdale from Monuments of Cycling, which is part of its Quadrupel Crown of Gravel Series. The Xterra Black Canyon Trail Run, part of the Xterra Trail Run World Series, and the Old Pueblo Endurance Runs are recommended in-state trail running events to add to your calendar.
