These 12 Mountain Towns In Arizona Make The Perfect Summer Escape
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Monica Spencer
Author
Hello, my fellow desert dwellers. You saw the temperatures that the state is supposed to see this weekend, right? If you’re immediate reaction to that news was I need to get out of here, then you’re in luck. Today we’re going to take a look at some mountain and Rim Country towns that have fresh pine air, chilly nights, and day temperatures that don’t make you sweat after five minutes of standing outside. Check out some of our favorite places to cool off in the summer!
Found in the far eastern side of the state, just shy of the New Mexico border line, Alpine is a beautiful little spot sitting at the edge of the White Mountains. The average summer temperatures typically peak into the high 70s and you’ll need a jacket at night!
Another little town that sits at the edge of the White Mountains, this one is located just north of Alpine. The average summer temperatures are about 5 to 10 degrees warmer than Alpine. Still much cooler than parts of southern Arizona!
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Does this mountain town even need an introduction? This town sits at the base of the San Francisco Peaks and is one of the top summer destinations for Arizonans with its pines, aspens, and the large mountain a short drive away.
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This tiny town in the White Mountains has a small permanent population but it sees quite a few visitors in the summer and winter seasons. The cool air (which averages in the low-to-mid 70s in the summers) and quiet days are the perfect recipe for a respite from everyday life.
Sitting just a little more than halfway between Payson and Snowflake, Heber-Overgaard is one of many Rim Country towns that calls the Mogollon Rim home. The summer temperatures are comfortable, averaging in the low 80s for daily highs and chilly enough to wear a jacket at night.
Okay, it’s kind of unfair to call this place a "mountain town" since it is neither but Jacob Lake, located en route to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, is a wonderful summer destination that can’t be missed. The day temperatures typically reach into the high 70s, plus the high elevation and dense pine trees will make you feel like you’re in the mountains.
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This small, rural community sits south of Flagstaff and has some darned pretty landscapes. The average high in the summer is usually in the high 70s to low 80s so you can spend your days hiking and enjoying some iced tea outside while hardly breaking a sweat.
This is a popular and easily accessible haven for the Phoenix crowd since it is located a little more than an hour from the city. The average highs can get a bit warm (usually high 80s to low 90s) but evenings cool down in the 50s and the sight of pine trees can help you forget the summer heat.
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Located 15 miles north of Payson, these two towns sit a short distance away from each other and often get lumped together. Both are cute little towns that sit along the Mogollon Rim and see similar temperatures as Payson.
This eastern Arizona town is located near the White Mountains, meaning you’re in for a treat temperature-wise when you visit. This town usually sees daily summer highs in the high 70s and nights get chilly in the low 50s! When the desert areas are roasting at 115-degrees (or hotter), I wouldn’t mind shivering in the chilly night air for awhile.
Tucson residents know this is the spot to escape to when the summer temperatures start to get a little crazy. This aptly-named town is located in the Santa Catalina Mountains at Mount Lemmon and, with an average summer day temperature of 76 degrees, you can’t beat the easily accessible location.
Williams sits near the edge of the Kaibab National Forest and has its own mountain - Bill Williams Mountain - about 30 minutes from Flagstaff. The summers here average a deliciously low 80 degrees during the day and about 30 degrees cooler at night.
Do you have a favorite town that didn’t make the list? Be sure to let us know where you like to head to when the summer temperatures start to border on the ridiculous side.
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