As the work week drags on, it’s only natural to daydream about escaping to the great outdoors come Saturday morning.
Just picture it…
Majestic ponderosa pines rustling in the breeze, the call of a red-tailed hawk echoing over distant mesa tops, sunlight dappling across wildflower-strewn meadows.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Navajo County in northeastern Arizona offers the perfect backdrop for transforming plain old weekends into epic outdoor adventures.
Boasting over 11,000 square miles of wide open wilderness, Navajo County is a recreation seeker’s paradise.
From boating and fishing at the county’s many pristine lakes to camping and hunting in the White Mountains and Sitgreaves National Forest…
There are endless options for those seeking a weekend escape surrounded by natural splendor.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore some of the best recreational land opportunities across Navajo County.
Whether you’re looking to buy raw land to build a weekend cabin retreat or simply want to discover new destinations for camping, hiking, and beyond, you’ll find everything you need to start transforming your weekends here.
Escape to Lynx Lake for Boating, Fishing, and Hiking
Spanning over 600 acres across the Prescott National Forest, Lynx Lake is one of Navajo County’s top recreational destinations.
The lake offers excellent boating, with two launching ramps and a no-wake policy perfect for kayaking and canoeing.
Head out in the early morning when the water is glassy, and mist rises in the ponderosas.
The lake is also revered for its trout fishing, home to rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout.
There’s nothing quite like reeling in a fat 14-inch rainbow as the sun crests over the rugged Bradshaw Mountains in the distance.
Camp or cast your line from the shore, or head out in a rental boat available on-site.
When you need a break from the water, miles of hiking trails wrap around the lake.
Follow the scenic 5.2-mile Lynx Creek Trail through ponderosa forests and meadows exploding with wildflowers in spring and summer.
With its variety of activities and gorgeous high-elevation setting, Lynx Lake is a perfect option for both day trips and weekend camping getaways.
Ride Horseback Through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Navajo County offers ample opportunities for equestrians to saddle up and explore some of Arizona’s most breathtaking landscapes on horseback.
Within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, you’ll find over 400 miles of designated horse trails winding through meadows, hills, and forests.
One top trail is Black Canyon – this challenging 21-mile trail follows pine-studded ridgelines overlooking the steep cliffs and verdant valley below.
For panoramic mountain views, head to the Mogollon Rim region and ride the General Crook Trail, traveling along the dramatic rock escarpment.
Pack a lunch and make it an all-day ride, allowing your horse to cool off by the babbling brooks.
With miles of trails for all skill levels, riding Apache-Sitgreaves on horseback lets you immerse yourself in the vibrant wilderness and make the most of weekends spent outdoors.
Buy Land to Build Your Dream Cabin Near Fool Hollow Lake
If playing outdoors every weekend is your idea of heaven, consider buying raw land in Navajo County to build a weekend cabin retreat.
One prime spot is near Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, a 1,200-acre lake nestled within pine and fir.
Picture waking up each Saturday morning surrounded by ponderosas, taking a dip in the brisk lake before breakfast.
Here, you can build your ideal weekend cabin with direct water access.
Buy a plot large enough to accommodate hiking and riding trails, a boat dock, and your dream cabin.
Build a cozy log cabin with a sprawling deck or go bold with a contemporary glass-walled home.
However you choose to design it, you’ll love arriving each weekend to your own lakeside escape.
Buy land together with family or a group of friends to build a little community of weekend cabins by the shores.
Camp and Fish Along the Wild Apache-Sitgreaves Rivers
In addition to its lakes, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest offers excellent camping and fishing access to trout-filled rivers running through the White Mountains.
Grab your tent, pack the cooking gear, and head to one of the many primitive campsites along the Little Colorado River or Black River.
Wake up early and cast your line for abundant trout while listening to elk bugling in the ponderosas across the river.
These free-flowing waters stay cool even during the summer heat, making for pleasant weekends wading in shaded stretches.
Pack inflatable kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to spend lazy afternoons paddling downriver, stopping to splash around or lounge on the rocky beaches.
With access to both rivers and plenty of backcountry to explore, you’ll love making Apache-Sitgreaves your regular weekend escape.
Off-Road Through the Backcountry Near Holbrook
For off-road enthusiasts, Navajo County offers miles of dirt tracks and trails perfect for ATVing and dirt biking on weekends.
One prime destination is the expansive country surrounding Holbrook.
Here, you’ll find dozens of backcountry trails to explore, from beginner dirt tracks to technical single-track and rock crawling for 4x4s.
Ride out to Hidden Cove Petroglyph Site, where you can explore ancient rock art left behind by Native American tribes.
Pack a lunch and make it an all-day adventure, riding to secluded corners of Navajo County rarely seen by others.
With the right recreation vehicle, you’ll love discovering historic sites, scenic overlooks, and hidden gems only accessible by off-road.
Final Thoughts
Navajo County’s nearly 11,000 square miles of diverse wilderness offer endless options for transforming weekends into outdoor adventures.
From boating, fishing, horseback riding, camping, ATVing, and snowmobiling, you’ll find world-class recreation awaiting you here.
Whether you’re looking to buy raw land for a weekend cabin or simply need a new destination for exploring Arizona’s natural beauty, Navajo County has everything you need.
Its lakes, rivers, mountains, forests, and wide open spaces guarantee endless memories and stories just waiting to be made each weekend.
The next time the work week has you dreaming of escape, look no further than Navajo County.
In just a few short hours, you can leave the stress behind and immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
Let the pure mountain air rejuvenate your spirit as you fish, boat, ride horseback, or snowmobile through some of Arizona’s most spectacular wilderness.
With the tips above, you’re ready to transform those plain old weekends into the outdoor adventures you’ve been craving.
