Show Low

Nestled in the picturesque pine forests of Arizona's White Mountains, Show Low serves as the perfect gateway for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. This cosy city, which has preserved the atmosphere of the American West, attracts travellers with its mild climate and opportunities for active tourism all year round. You can get here in various ways: by taking a regional flight, driving along scenic highways, or combining a train and bus journey through neighbouring transport hubs in the USA.

For travellers, the fastest way to reach the region is by flying through major international hubs, primarily via Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX), which receives flights from all over the world. From there, you can take a connecting flight with Southern Airways Express directly to the city's regional airport (IATA: SOW), which significantly saves travel time.

An alternative option is arriving at the airport in the city of Flagstaff (GCN), located approximately 182 km from the destination. Although Sedona and Gallup are geographically close, they mainly cater to private aviation, so planning a commercial flight through them is more difficult.

There is no direct railway connection to the city, but train enthusiasts can use Amtrak routes passing through neighbouring transport hubs. The nearest major station is in Flagstaff (about 182 km away), which is located on the historic Southwest Chief line connecting Los Angeles and Chicago.

Another available option is disembarking at the station in the city of Gallup (184 km). From either of these stations, the remaining part of the journey to the destination will have to be covered by a rental car or intercity bus, while enjoying the views of the Arizona plateaus.

Bus services connect the region with neighbouring cities, but tourists should be prepared for long journeys due to complex logistics and transfers. The route from Flagstaff, covering a distance of about 230 km, can take approximately 7.4 hours, which requires plenty of time and patience.

The trip from the city of Gallup is even longer: covering a distance of 234 km often stretches to 15.2 hours. This option is suitable only for those travellers who are looking for the most budget-friendly way to travel and are not restricted by strict time frames.

Renting a car is the most comfortable way to get to the city, allowing you to independently plan stops at picturesque locations. The drive from Flagstaff (223 km) or Gallup (230 km) will take just about 2.2 hours along high-quality highways with beautiful views.

If you are departing from tourist-favourite Sedona, the 273 km journey will require a bit more time — approximately 2.9 hours. Travelling by car ensures freedom of movement across the White Mountains region, where public transport is not very well developed.

To ensure your trip to this picturesque corner of Arizona goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions, we recommend considering several important nuances.

1. Clothing and Climate. The city is located at a high altitude, so it is cooler here than in the desert parts of the state. Even in summer, evenings can be crisp, so be sure to bring a windbreaker or warm sweater.
2. Transport. Public transport within the city is poorly developed. For a full exploration of the surroundings and trips to the lakes, it is highly recommended to rent a car.
3. Finances. The official currency is the US Dollar. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, but keeping some cash (bills of 1–5 dollars) is useful for tips and small purchases.
4. Health. Due to the high altitude, the air here is thinner, and the sun is active. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and use sunscreen even in cloudy weather.
5. Connectivity. The main language of communication is English. Mobile coverage within the city limits is stable, but the signal may be lost in the forests and on remote highways.
6. Etiquette. In the service sector, it is customary to leave tips. The standard gratuity for waiters and taxi drivers is 15–20% of the bill amount.
7. Safety. Be mindful of wildlife: bears and deer inhabit the surrounding forests. Do not leave food outside and maintain a safe distance if you encounter animals.
8. Additional Tip. If you plan to fish in the local lakes, purchase a fishing license in advance, as there are serious fines for fishing without a permit.

Following these simple recommendations will help you fully enjoy your holiday in the White Mountains.