Arizona’s High Country doesn’t broadcast itself. It doesn’t flash neon or frame itself in hashtags. It’s the part of the state that keeps its secrets under tall pines and volcanic soil, where the scent of rain mingles with juniper, and elevation—7,000 feet and counting—means your pulse has to adjust to a slower rhythm. You don’t stumble into places like Greer or Forest Lakes Estates. You arrive there, on purpose or by quiet accident, and find yourself wondering why you ever put up with heat, sprawl, or sirens.
This isn’t Arizona the postcard—it’s Arizona the margin. In towns like Strawberry, the afternoon light slants hard across rusted metal roofs and sandstone porches. In Happy Jack, the stars get their own private showing, and the forest feels less like landscape than a coconspirator. You learn quickly: nobody’s in a hurry. The silence has texture. The wind has memory.
Pinedale and Young aren’t outfitted for tourism—they’re outfitted for living. There’s no curated charm, just long gravel drives and unspoken agreements with the land. When the snow falls, it doesn’t just cover roads; it seals you in with your thoughts. And that’s the draw: real seclusion. Not the kind advertised, the kind inhabited.
Arizona’s High Country isn’t retreat—it’s recalibration. The air is colder, the dark is darker, the quiet is thicker. And for those who seek it, these 10 neighborhoods aren’t escapes—they’re arrivals.
10. Vernon – Expansive Horizons in Arizona’s Eastern High Country
Vernon is a small, unincorporated community in the heart of Arizona’s eastern high country. With a population of around 150 residents, it offers spacious lots and an abundance of open land, providing ample privacy for homeowners.
The area’s wide-open landscapes are dotted with juniper and cedar trees, making it a tranquil haven away from urban life. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the nearby Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.
Vernon’s rural charm and vast horizons make it an ideal spot for those seeking a serene environment surrounded by nature.
Where is Vernon?
Vernon is approximately 20 miles east of Show Low in Apache County, Arizona. Nestled along U.S. Highway 60, it rests at about 6,900 feet, offering cooler temperatures compared to the desert valleys.
The community’s location provides easy access to the White Mountains and surrounding forests, making it a gateway to numerous recreational activities. To get there, travelers can follow U.S. Highway 60 east from Show Low, enjoying scenic views along the way, until they reach this secluded retreat.
9. Pinedale – Peaceful Hamlet Near the Mogollon Rim
Pinedale is a quaint community with a close-knit population of around 500 people. Located near the base of the Mogollon Rim, it is enveloped by lush ponderosa pine forests that provide a serene and secluded atmosphere.
The generous property sizes offer homeowners plenty of space and privacy, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Residents and visitors can explore nearby hiking trails, fish in the local streams, or relax amidst the tranquil surroundings. Pinedale’s peaceful setting and small-community feel make it a hidden gem in Arizona’s high country.
Where is Pinedale?
Pinedale is located in Navajo County, approximately 15 miles west of Show Low. Accessible via State Route 260, it lies just south of the highway amidst the towering pines.
The community’s proximity to the Mogollon Rim means it’s surrounded by some of the state’s most stunning natural landscapes. Travelers can reach Pinedale by taking State Route 260 west from Show Low and turning south onto Pinedale Road, which leads directly into this secluded hamlet.
8. Happy Jack – Off-the-Beaten-Path Retreat in Coconino National Forest
Happy Jack is a remote locale nestled within the vast expanses of the Coconino National Forest. With a sparse population and a landscape dominated by dense pine forests, it offers an ideal retreat for solitude seekers.
The area is known for its clear night skies, making it a popular spot for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts. Outdoor activities abound, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Happy Jack’s seclusion and natural beauty provide a peaceful escape from the demands of modern life.
Where is Happy Jack?
Located in northern Arizona, Happy Jack is roughly halfway between Payson and Flagstaff along Lake Mary Road (Forest Highway 3). At an elevation of about 7,600 feet, it enjoys cooler temperatures and a refreshing mountain climate.
To get there, travelers can take State Route 87 north from Payson, then turn west onto Lake Mary Road, winding through scenic forested landscapes until reaching this secluded destination. Its remote location within the national forest ensures that Happy Jack remains a quiet and undisturbed retreat.
7. Parks – Quiet Wilderness Between Flagstaff and Williams
Parks is a small community offering secluded homes on large lots amidst the picturesque pine forests of northern Arizona. With a population of approximately 1,300 residents, it is distanced from urban centers and tourist traffic, providing a tranquil lifestyle for its inhabitants.
The area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding on numerous trails. Parks’ serene environment and natural beauty make it a desirable location for those seeking a quiet retreat in the wilderness.
Where is Parks?
Parks is located in Coconino County, between Flagstaff and Williams along Interstate 40. Situated at around 7,000 feet, it offers cool summers and snowy winters.
To reach Parks, travelers can take I-40 west from Flagstaff for about 20 miles to exit 178, then head north into the community. Its proximity to both Flagstaff and the Kaibab National Forest makes Parks an accessible yet secluded destination for peaceful mountain living.
6. Young – Remote Ranching Community in the Heart of the Sierra Anchas
Young is an isolated community with a rich ranching history, located deep within the Sierra Ancha Mountains. Home to around 600 residents, it boasts vast open spaces and low population density, offering unparalleled privacy.
The Tonto National Forest surrounds the area, providing ample opportunities for hunting, hiking, and exploring the rugged terrain. With its remote location and deep connection to nature, Young is a haven for those seeking solitude and an authentic rural lifestyle.
Where is Young?
Young is situated in Gila County, approximately 60 miles northeast of Globe. Access to the community is via unpaved mountain roads, adding to its secluded nature.
Travelers can take State Route 288 north from Roosevelt Lake, winding through the scenic mountains to reach Young. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Ancha wilderness, making the trip as rewarding as the destination.
5. Strawberry – Secluded Mountain Living with Rustic Charm
Strawberry is a charming mountain community known for its rustic ambiance and forested surroundings. With about 1,000 residents, it offers expansive properties and a peaceful atmosphere.
The limited commercial activity enhances its seclusion, allowing residents to enjoy the tranquility of mountain living. Nearby attractions include Fossil Creek and the Strawberry Schoolhouse—the oldest standing schoolhouse in Arizona. Strawberry’s natural beauty and historic charm make it a delightful retreat.
Where is Strawberry?
Strawberry is located in Gila County, along State Route 87, just north of Payson. Sitting at approximately 6,000 feet, it enjoys cooler temperatures and lush vegetation.
To reach Strawberry, travelers can drive north from Phoenix on State Route 87, a scenic route that climbs into the high country. The community’s proximity to the Mogollon Rim offers stunning vistas and easy access to outdoor recreation.
4. Heber-Overgaard – Twin Communities Surrounded by National Forests
Heber and Overgaard are twin communities that provide secluded living amidst the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Home to around 2,800 residents combined, they offer large acreages and a peaceful environment far from major cities.
The area is a gateway to numerous outdoor activities, including fishing at nearby lakes, hiking, and winter sports. The communities’ forested settings and tranquil ambiance make them ideal for those seeking a serene mountain lifestyle.
Where is Heber-Overgaard?
Heber and Overgaard are located in Navajo County along State Route 260, approximately 55 miles east of Payson. Nestled at elevations around 6,500 feet, they enjoy a moderate climate year-round.
To get there, travelers can follow State Route 260 east from Payson, a journey that offers beautiful views of the Mogollon Rim and surrounding forests. The communities’ accessible yet secluded location makes them a popular choice for full-time and vacation homeowners.
3. Greer – Tranquil Retreat Along the Little Colorado River
Greer is a picturesque village nestled along the banks of the Little Colorado River. With a small population of about 50 full-time residents, it offers a serene environment with spacious properties and minimal development.
The area is known for its idyllic setting, surrounded by meadows, forests, and abundant wildlife. Outdoor activities include fishing, hiking, and birdwatching, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers. Greer’s tranquil ambiance and scenic beauty provide an ideal retreat from the demands of daily life.
Where is Greer?
Greer is located in Apache County, high in the White Mountains at approximately 8,500 feet. It lies south of State Route 260 and is accessible via State Route 373.
Travelers can reach Greer by taking State Route 260 east from Pinetop-Lakeside and turning south onto State Route 373. The village’s high elevation and remote location contribute to its cool climate and secluded charm.
2. Alpine – High-Altitude Seclusion Nestled in the White Mountains
Alpine is a remote community situated at an elevation of 8,050 feet in the scenic White Mountains. With around 150 residents, it offers sparse population density and breathtaking natural beauty.
The town is surrounded by wilderness areas, providing solitude and ample opportunities for outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, and skiing. Alpine’s high-altitude setting and pristine environment make it a perfect destination for those seeking seclusion amid stunning landscapes.
Where is Alpine?
Alpine is located in Apache County near the eastern border of Arizona. It’s accessible via U.S. Highway 180 and U.S. Highway 191, intersecting in the town.
To reach Alpine, travelers can take U.S. Highway 191 south from Springerville, enjoying scenic mountain views. The community’s remote location within the White Mountains ensures it remains a tranquil and undisturbed haven.
1. Forest Lakes Estates – A Hidden Gem Amid the Mogollon Rim’s Ponderosa Pines
Forest Lakes Estates is a secluded neighborhood amid the towering ponderosa pines of the Mogollon Rim.
With approximately 300 full-time residents, it offers large wooded lots and a peaceful environment away from urban centers. The area is surrounded by national forest, providing privacy and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and snowmobiling.
The community’s elevation of about 7,500 feet ensures cool summers and snowy winters, making it a favored retreat year-round. Forest Lakes Estates’ hidden gem status lies in its seclusion, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure blend.
Where is Forest Lakes Estates?
Forest Lakes Estates is located in Coconino County, along State Route 260 atop the Mogollon Rim. It lies approximately 35 miles east of Payson. To get there, travelers can drive east from Payson on State Route 260, ascending through scenic forested landscapes to reach the community.
Its strategic location atop the rim offers breathtaking views and easy access to the surrounding national forest, solidifying its reputation as a secluded mountain paradise.
