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Show Low, a city of roughly 11,700 residents, sits high on the Mogollon Rim in eastern Arizona at an elevation of more than 6,300 feet. It is the largest city in Navajo County and serves as a commercial hub for a wide stretch of the Arizona highlands. The city was established in 1870 and incorporated in 1953, yet its name comes from one of the most unusual origin stories in the American West. According to local legend, two ranchers, Corydon E. Cooley and Marion Clark, agreed to settle a dispute over their shared ranch with a card game. After a prolonged hand, Clark said, “If you can show low, you win.” Cooley turned up the deuce of clubs, and the town took its name from that moment. In honor of the legend, Deuce of Clubs Avenue became the city’s main street and remains its most recognizable address today. Thousands of visitors come to Show Low every year to explore the White Mountains, hike the edge of the Mogollon Rim, and experience the charm of this high-country Arizona community.
Before the arrival of European settlers, the area around Show Low was home to the Apache people, who called the Mogollon Rim and surrounding forests their territory. The U.S. Army established Fort Apache in the late 19th century, and a network of ranchers and prospectors gradually moved into the region. The town itself grew slowly as a supply point for surrounding ranches and for the timber industry that harvested the massive ponderosa pine forests nearby.
The pivotal moment in Show Low’s history came in 1870 when Cooley and Clark, two equal partners in a 100,000-acre ranch, realized there was not enough room for both of them in their settlement. Rather than fight, they agreed to settle the matter with a card game. After a prolonged game of Seven Up, Clark said, “If you can show low, you win.” Cooley turned up the deuce of clubs, the lowest possible card, and replied, “Show low it is.” The name stuck, and Deuce of Clubs Avenue remains the city’s most recognizable street today.
In 2002, the Rodeo-Chediski Fire, one of the largest forest fires in Arizona history, threatened Show Low and forced evacuations across the region. The fire burned more than 468,000 acres and came within less than half a mile of the city before it was contained. The city’s survival became a source of community pride and highlighted the fragile relationship between the forests and the communities that border them.
Show Low’s location makes it a natural base camp for exploring some of Arizona’s most scenic high-country terrain. The city sits at the intersection of the Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains, placing visitors within easy reach of both geological wonders and forested recreation areas.
The Mogollon Rim stretches for nearly 200 miles across eastern Arizona, and the area just north of Show Low offers dramatic overlooks where visitors can gaze out over pine forests, deep canyons, and distant desert valleys far below. The Rim provides a striking visual reminder of the geological forces that shaped this part of the state, and drives along its edge are among the most scenic in Arizona.
The White Mountains, accessible from Show Low, offer a lush alpine environment that contrasts sharply with the desert lowlands to the south and west. In summer months, wildflowers carpet the meadows and aspen groves shimmer in the breeze. Show Low Lake is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking, with rainbow trout stocked regularly by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
The Navajo County Historical Society Museum preserves artifacts and photographs documenting the human history of the region, from Apache culture through the ranching and mining eras. It is a small but well-curated resource for visitors who want to understand the layers of history that make up this corner of Arizona.
The Deuce of Clubs, Show Low’s historic main street, is worth a stroll for its unique name alone. The street is lined with local restaurants, antique shops, and cafes that cater to both locals and visitors. It is one of the most distinctive street names in the country and serves as a living tribute to the legend that gave the city its name.
Show Low’s elevation and forested setting make it one of Arizona’s premier destinations for outdoor recreation. The combination of the Mogollon Rim, White Mountains, and extensive trail networks makes this area ideal for hiking, fishing, and off-road exploration.
The Mogollon Rim Trail follows the edge of the plateau for spectacular views and access to remote wilderness areas. Cyclists favor the paved routes that wind through pine forest and connect to the broader White Mountains trail network. The area also attracts off-road enthusiasts who come to explore the rugged forest roads that crisscross the Rim country.
Fishing is a major draw in the Show Low area. The nearby Silver Creek and Little Colorado River drainages hold wild trout, while Show Low Lake and several smaller impoundments are regularly stocked. The high-elevation lakes and streams stay cool even in summer, creating ideal conditions for trout habitat.
In winter, the surrounding forests receive enough snow to support cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, and the higher elevations of the White Mountains become a quiet playground for those seeking a less crowded alternative to Arizona’s busy ski resorts.
Show Low can be enjoyed throughout the year, but each season offers a distinctly different experience shaped by the city’s high-elevation climate and the Mogollon Rim environment.
Summer, from June through August, brings the North American Monsoon to eastern Arizona, delivering afternoon thunderstorms that cool the air and refresh the forests. Daytime highs average in the low to mid-80s, while evenings cool dramatically into the 50s. This temperature swing is characteristic of high-elevation mountain towns and makes summer evenings particularly comfortable. Summer is the most popular time for hiking, fishing, and exploring the Mogollon Rim.
Fall, from September through November, is widely considered one of the best times to visit. Temperatures range from the 60s to the 70s, the summer crowds thin out, and the surrounding forests turn golden with aspens and tamarack. Festival schedules fill up with local events celebrating the harvest season, and hunting season draws outdoor enthusiasts to the surrounding national forests.
Winter brings cold nights with lows frequently dropping below freezing, and occasional snowstorms that dust the pine forests in white. Daytime highs generally stay in the 40s and 50s. While this is the quietest season for tourism, it offers a peaceful retreat for those who enjoy winter scenery without the crowds.
Spring, from March through May, sees warming temperatures and increasing wildflower displays in the lower elevations. April and May are particularly pleasant, with daytime highs in the 60s and 70s and generally clear skies. This is an excellent time for scenic drives along the Mogollon Rim before the summer thunderstorm season arrives.
Here are some of our recommended things to do near Show Low. Choose your favorite!
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area sits on the south side of Show Low within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests , offering visitors a high-country escape at an elevation of 6,300 feet. This 800-acre recreation area centers on a 150-acre lake surro…
Fool Hollow State Park sits just north of Show Low in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, offering a rare high-country lake experience in Arizona. The 150-acre Fool Hollow Lake serves as the centerpiece of this park, which opened in 1994 as a res…