Along the Coconino and Mogollon Rim, past the last gas station and the last ping of cell service, you’ll find the kind of quiet that has texture. The kind that presses against your chest like cold air at 7,500 feet. And tucked deep into the landscape of Arizona’s mountain communities are neighborhoods built for people who prefer front porch stargazing to the glare of streetlights.
You don’t pass through Nutrioso by accident. You don’t stumble into Happy Jack unless you meant to. These places are stitched into the high desert like secrets, where the mail comes slow and the neighbors know your dog’s name. And that’s the point. They’re not tourist towns or Airbnb fodder. They’re retreats—real ones—where nature does the talking and asphalt takes a backseat to pine needles.
If you’re looking for coffee shops and Target runs, this list isn’t for you. But if your idea of a neighborhood includes mule deer in the yard, unpaved roads, and nights so dark they make the stars seem electric—read on. Here are 10 of Arizona’s most secluded mountain neighborhoods, where peace isn’t a selling point—it’s just the way it is.
10. Elkhorn Ranch – Secluded Living in the White Mountains
Elkhorn Ranch is a private and secluded residential community situated in the high country of Arizona’s White Mountains. The neighborhood is home to a small group of residents, typically numbering fewer than 100 people, who enjoy the tranquility of their mountain surroundings.
Its residents often partake in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. The area is known for its scenic beauty, with lush forests, pristine rivers, and abundant wildlife.
There are no large-scale industries within Elkhorn Ranch, as it is a primarily residential community focused on leisure and privacy. Its seclusion is further enhanced by its remote location within the vast and untouched wilderness of the White Mountains.
Where is Elkhorn Ranch?
Elkhorn Ranch is located in the northeastern part of Arizona, in Apache County, nestled in the White Mountains near the small community of Greer. The ranch is surrounded by dense national forest land, making it remote and inaccessible by public transportation.
The only way to reach Elkhorn Ranch is by traveling on winding, forested roads from Greer, a 20-minute drive away. Its isolation ensures peace and privacy, making it a perfect haven for those looking to escape the bustle of everyday life.
9. Pinewood – Tranquility in the Coconino National Forest
Pinewood is a peaceful and secluded neighborhood situated in the heart of the Coconino National Forest near Munds Park. With a small and tight-knit population of around 200 residents, this neighborhood offers a private and serene living environment.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing in the surrounding national forest. Pinewood also offers easy access to nearby lakes and streams, providing opportunities for fishing and kayaking.
The community’s primary focus is on nature and outdoor activities, with little commercial development or industry. The seclusion of Pinewood is amplified by its location deep within the forest, offering a tranquil escape from urban life.
Where is Pinewood?
Located about 20 miles south of Flagstaff in Coconino County, Pinewood sits at an elevation of 6,500 feet within the lush pine forests of the Coconino National Forest.
The neighborhood is accessible by traveling south on Interstate 17 and then turning onto Forest Road 618. Due to its forested location and limited road access, Pinewood offers an undisturbed and quiet lifestyle.
The remoteness of the area makes it an ideal retreat for those seeking peace and privacy in a natural setting.
8. Pine Mountain Acres – Quiet Living Near Pine
Pine Mountain Acres offers quiet living amidst the forested landscapes near Pine, Arizona. This peaceful neighborhood is characterized by large lots and a minimal number of homes, ensuring residents enjoy ample space and privacy.
Surrounded by towering pines and natural beauty, it provides a tranquil mountain lifestyle far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. Outdoor activities abound, with nearby trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the rich biodiversity of the area.
The community’s serene environment is ideal for those seeking a retreat in nature without sacrificing comfort. With a small population of around 200 residents, Pine Mountain Acres fosters a close-knit atmosphere where neighbors appreciate the quiet and seclusion their community offers.
Where is Pine Mountain Acres?
Pine Mountain Acres is located just outside the small town of Pine in central Arizona’s Gila County. Nestled along the Mogollon Rim, the area offers stunning views and access to vast forested areas.
The neighborhood’s geography features rolling hills, dense woodlands, and a mild climate that supports abundant wildlife. To reach Pine Mountain Acres, travelers head north from Phoenix on Highway 87, a scenic route that winds through the Tonto National Forest.
The drive takes roughly 90 minutes, making it conveniently accessible while still providing the feeling of a remote getaway.
7. Happy Jack – Remote Retreat in Coconino County
Happy Jack is a remote retreat located deep within the Coconino National Forest in northern Arizona. As an unincorporated area, it offers expansive properties that provide residents with a secluded environment immersed in nature.
The neighborhood is surrounded by miles of pine forests, making it an ideal location for those seeking solitude and a connection with the outdoors. Activities such as camping, stargazing, and wildlife watching are popular among residents and visitors alike.
With few commercial developments and limited tourist traffic, Happy Jack maintains its charm as a quiet mountain community. The population is sparse, with only a small number of residents calling this peaceful area home, ensuring privacy and a tight-knit community feel.
Where is Happy Jack?
Happy Jack is situated in Coconino County, nestled between Pine and Flagstaff along Highway 87. The area’s geography features high elevation plateaus, dense forests of ponderosa pines, and a cool climate that contrasts with Arizona’s desert regions.
Its remote location within the national forest makes it a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. To reach Happy Jack, travelers can drive north from Payson on Highway 87, enjoying scenic views of the Mogollon Rim along the way.
The journey provides a gradual transition from desert landscapes to lush forests, highlighting the diverse beauty of Arizona’s topography.
6. Nutrioso – Hidden Gem in the White Mountains
Nutrioso is a hidden gem nestled in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, offering seclusion through its rural setting and expansive land parcels. This unincorporated community provides residents with vast open spaces and a serene environment far removed from urban centers.
Surrounded by pristine natural landscapes, Nutrioso is ideal for those seeking solitude and a connection with the great outdoors. The area offers abundant opportunities for fishing in nearby lakes, hiking scenic trails, and observing wildlife in their natural habitat.
With a population of approximately 150 residents spread across large properties, the community maintains a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Nutrioso’s charm lies in its simplicity and the unspoiled beauty of its surroundings.
Where is Nutrioso?
Located in Apache County, Nutrioso sits along U.S. Route 180 near the New Mexico border. The community is nestled at an elevation of approximately 7,700 feet, surrounded by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.
The geography features rolling hills, meadows, and dense forests, offering stunning vistas and a cool mountain climate. To get to Nutrioso, travelers can take U.S. Route 60 east from Show Low, then head south on U.S. Route 180/191.
The drive passes through scenic mountain landscapes, providing a glimpse of the natural beauty that defines the area. Nutrioso’s remote location makes it a perfect escape for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature.
5. Whispering Pines – A Secluded Escape in Prescott National Forest
Whispering Pines is a small, secluded neighborhood located in the Prescott National Forest, just a short drive from the city of Prescott. The neighborhood is home to fewer than 150 residents, offering an intimate and tranquil atmosphere.
The surrounding forest provides residents with ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching, as well as other outdoor activities. The neighborhood is free from commercial development, ensuring that the natural beauty of the area remains undisturbed.
The secluded nature of Whispering Pines is enhanced by its location deep in the Prescott National Forest, which ensures privacy and a peaceful lifestyle. This community is perfect for those seeking quiet living surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Where is Whispering Pines?
Whispering Pines is located in Yavapai County, approximately 20 miles northeast of Prescott, Arizona. The neighborhood is set amidst the towering pines of the Prescott National Forest, at an elevation of around 5,200 feet.
The community is accessible via Forest Road 314, which winds through the forest and offers scenic views of the surrounding terrain. Its remote location ensures that residents enjoy a sense of seclusion while still being within reasonable driving distance of Prescott’s amenities.
4. Walker – Remote Mountain Community Near Prescott
Walker is a remote mountain community situated near Prescott, Arizona, offering seclusion and scenic beauty to its residents. As an unincorporated area, Walker features scattered homes on large lots, providing ample space and privacy.
Tucked into the Bradshaw Mountains, the neighborhood is enveloped by the Prescott National Forest, ensuring a tranquil environment rich with wildlife and natural landscapes.
Residents enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, and exploring the numerous trails that crisscross the area. With a small population spread across the mountainous terrain, Walker maintains a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere free from the stresses of urban life.
The community’s stunning vistas and serene setting make it an ideal retreat for nature lovers.
Where is Walker?
Walker is located in Yavapai County, southeast of Prescott, nestled within the Bradshaw Mountains at elevations ranging from 5,600 to 7,200 feet. The area is characterized by rugged terrain, dense forests of pines and oaks, and a network of creeks and mining trails.
To reach Walker, travelers can take Walker Road south from Highway 69 just east of Prescott, following a winding mountain road that leads into the heart of the community.
The drive offers scenic views and a sense of escape as the road climbs higher into the mountains, providing a gateway to the secluded beauty that defines Walker.
3. Forest Lakes Estates – Escape in the Rim Country
Forest Lakes Estates is a secluded community perched atop the Mogollon Rim in northern Arizona, offering an ideal environment for a peaceful mountain retreat. The neighborhood features large wooded lots, providing residents with privacy amid the world’s largest stand of ponderosa pines.
Distant from major cities, Forest Lakes Estates enjoys a cool, quiet environment that contrasts sharply with the desert climate found in much of the state. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in activities like fishing in nearby lakes, hiking scenic trails, and camping under starry night skies.
The community’s serene atmosphere and natural beauty make it a popular destination for those seeking respite from urban life. With a modest population of around 300 residents, Forest Lakes Estates maintains a close-knit feel where neighbors appreciate the tranquility of their surroundings.
Where is Forest Lakes Estates?
Forest Lakes Estates is located in Coconino County, approximately halfway between Payson and Show Low along Highway 260. Situated at an elevation of around 7,500 feet, the area offers cooler temperatures and lush forest landscapes.
The geography includes rolling hills, meadows, and numerous lakes and streams, making it a haven for outdoor recreation. To reach Forest Lakes Estates, travelers can take Highway 260 east from Payson, ascending the Mogollon Rim with its breathtaking views.
The drive provides a scenic introduction to the Rim Country’s natural splendor, culminating in the tranquil setting of Forest Lakes Estates.
2. Blue Ridge Estates – Living in the Rim Country
Blue Ridge Estates is a small and secluded neighborhood located in the northern part of Arizona’s Rim Country, near Payson. The community is home to a modest number of residents, with most properties offering large lots and private homes.
The area is known for its peaceful, forested environment and access to nearby lakes, trails, and outdoor recreation areas. There is little commercial development within the neighborhood, preserving its natural beauty and quiet atmosphere.
The primary industries in the area are centered around tourism and outdoor recreation, with many residents enjoying a laid-back lifestyle. Blue Ridge Estates’ seclusion is ensured by its position within the forested, mountainous region, which limits accessibility to the outside world.
Where is Blue Ridge Estates?
Blue Ridge Estates is situated in Gila County, about 15 miles north of Payson, Arizona. It is set in the forested terrain of the Mogollon Rim, an area known for its stunning vistas and outdoor activities.
The neighborhood can be accessed via Highway 87, followed by a series of smaller roads leading into the Rim Country. Its location amidst the rugged wilderness and away from major roads makes it a secluded and peaceful place to live.
1. Mountain Gate – A Secluded Flagstaff Retreat
Mountain Gate is an exclusive residential neighborhood located just outside Flagstaff, offering seclusion while still being close to the amenities of the city. The community is home to a small number of residents who enjoy the privacy and natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy skiing, hiking, and biking, as well as exploring the numerous trails in the area. Mountain Gate’s seclusion is reinforced by its location on the outskirts of Flagstaff, surrounded by the Coconino National Forest and abundant wildlife.
The neighborhood is quiet, with little commercial development, allowing residents to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings. Its secluded location offers a serene lifestyle just a short distance from urban conveniences.
Where is Mountain Gate?
Located in Coconino County, Mountain Gate is situated on the eastern outskirts of Flagstaff, nestled within the Coconino National Forest. The neighborhood is accessible via Highway 89A, a scenic route that takes travelers through forests and open landscapes.
Mountain Gate is set at an elevation of about 7,000 feet, ensuring privacy and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Its location provides both seclusion and convenience, making it a highly desirable retreat for those seeking a balance of nature and city life.
