This post has been updated May 16, 2026
Have you ever been to Heber-Overgaard, Arizona? From fishing for rainbow trout to horseback riding, there are so many fun things to do in this beautiful Arizona mountain town.
Thank you to Bison Ranch for our complimentary stay. All opinions are my own.
Looking for the best things to do in Heber-Overgaard, Arizona? From horseback riding and fishing to hiking, swimming, and exploring the beautiful White Mountains, Heber-Overgaard is one of Arizona’s best hidden gems for families and outdoor lovers.
We recently visited Heber-Overgaard and stayed at Bison Ranch, one of the most popular family resorts in the area. Between the cool mountain weather, scenic forests, fishing ponds, horseback riding, and charming local shops, it quickly became one of our favorite Arizona weekend getaways, alongside places like Sedona and Flagstaff.
Located in Arizona’s Mogollon Rim region, Heber-Overgaard offers cooler temperatures year-round and plenty of outdoor adventures for families looking to escape the Phoenix heat.
Whether you’re planning a summer road trip, weekend getaway, or family vacation in Arizona, these are some of the best things to do in Heber-Overgaard.
Quick List: Best Things to Do in Heber-Overgaard
If you are planning a weekend trip, these are some of the best things to do in Heber-Overgaard, Arizona:
- Stay at WorldMark Bison Ranch
- Go horseback riding at Ramey Ranch
- Fish at Bison Ranch or nearby lakes
- Visit Tall Timbers Park
- Explore Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
- Stop by Rock House Museum
- Shop at Windy Hills Lavender Farm
- Visit local antique shops and boutiques
- Take a scenic drive along the Mogollon Rim
- Go hiking, camping, or stargazing
- Try a family-friendly escape room
- Visit nearby Pinetop-Lakeside
- Eat at Wild Women’s Saloon and Grill
- Spend the day at Woods Canyon Lake or Willow Springs Lake
- Plan a cool summer getaway from Phoenix
Where is Heber-Overgaard?
Heber, AZ is roughly 38 miles from Show Low and 55 miles from Payson, Arizona. Others consider it a component of the White Mountains area, while others include it in the Mogollon Rim Country. The Sitgreaves National Forest is also nearby.
It is 35 minutes from Black Canyon Lake and Woods Canyon Lake and 17 minutes from Willow Springs Lake.
Located at 6,500 feet elevation, Heber-Overgaard enjoys cooler temperatures year-round, with summer highs rarely exceeding 85 degrees.
Heber Overgaard is the perfect place to raise a family or retire. It’s quiet, safe, and surrounded by natural beauty. You can’t find a more peaceful spot to visit.
How Far is Heber-Overgaard From Phoenix?
Heber-Overgaard is about 2.5 to 3 hours from Phoenix depending on traffic and weather conditions. The scenic drive makes it a popular weekend getaway from the Valley.
Best Time to Visit Heber-Overgaard
One of the best times to visit Heber-Overgaard is during the summer when temperatures are cooler, making it one of the best cool summer getaways in Arizona. Fall is beautiful for changing leaves, while winter can bring snow and cozy cabin weather.
Visit Windy Hills Lavender Farm
Windy Hills Lavender Farm is a sweet local stop in Heber-Overgaard, especially if you love lavender, handmade gifts, and small-town charm. Depending on the season, you may find lavender products, local goods, and pretty photo spots that make it a relaxing break from hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.
It’s a nice place to slow down, browse, and pick up something special during your Heber-Overgaard weekend getaway.
Visit Tall Timbers Park
Tall Timbers Park is a great stop for families visiting Heber-Overgaard, especially if you are traveling with kids who need space to run around. The park has open grassy areas, picnic space, and a playground, making it an easy outdoor stop during a weekend getaway.
It’s also a nice option if you want something simple and free to do in Heber-Overgaard between horseback riding, fishing, shopping, or exploring the surrounding forest.
Stop by Rock House Museum
If you enjoy local history, Rock House Museum is worth adding to your Heber-Overgaard itinerary. It gives visitors a look at the area’s history and small-town charm, making it a nice stop for families, history lovers, or anyone who wants to learn more about the community.
Shop Local in Heber-Overgaard
One of the best parts of visiting Heber-Overgaard is slowing down and exploring the local shops. Depending on the season and what is open, you may find antiques, rustic home decor, gifts, lavender products, art, and small-town treasures.
Places like Windy Hills Lavender Farm, Mary Maude’s, Az Wildlife Gallery, and The Big Red Barn Marketplace are great options to check before your trip.
Stay at the Worldmark Bison Ranch Resort
We stayed at Worldmark Bison Ranch in Heber-Overgaard. There are so many fun things to do at Bison Ranch, AZ.
It’s a cute, recreated Old West town from the 1800s, located 56 miles northeast of Payson and 35 miles west of Show Low in northern Arizona.
The unit we stayed in was located on the second floor. It was a spacious two-bedroom resort suite with two balconies and a large living area.
Main Bedroom
We enjoyed the privacy of two bedrooms, each with its TV, and the convenience of a pullout bed in the split living room. The sleeping area of the living room even has a dresser for more storage.
Our main bedroom had a bathroom with a king-size bed and two twin beds in the second bedroom. It sounds like a lot going on, but it was very spacious, and even with 6 people, everyone had enough room.
The Kitchen and Living Area
The kitchen is fully equipped and has everything you need: plates and cutlery, toaster and blender, and a BBQ on the balcony!
The washer/dryer is another great convenience. We even had a gas fireplace, which you can set on a timer. That was cool!
Worldmark Bison Ranch Resort was a great place for a family getaway in Arizona. You can book through Wyndham Extra Holidays, where you can get condo vacations at hotel prices.
In addition, there are so many fun things to do at Bison Ranch, AZ.
- 2361 Bison Rnch Trl RdOvergaard, AZ 85933
- Get Directions
- Phone number: (928) 535-3010
- Business website extraholidays.com
Fishing at Bison Ranch
The boys enjoyed fishing in the catch-and-release fishing pond. The resort offers fishing poles for rent, so you don’t have to bring your own.
There are two ponds. The kids fished in the small one, which yielded a surprisingly giant catfish and several smaller fish.
The boys were overjoyed when they caught a giant catfish. It was the highlight of their trip. We quickly threw our friend back in the pond.
Pro tip: The catfish in the small pond seem to like sausage patties.
We went back another time and they caught another fish!
Family Activities at Bison Ranch
Kids Play Area and Activities for Kids in Heber, AZ.
There were so many activities for kids at Bison Ranch.
The outdoor play area included hopscotch, games, and plenty of places to explore.
Inside the main building, families could enjoy movie nights, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and coloring contests.
Go Swimming at the Pool at Worldmark Bison Ranch
Next to the play area is a gated seasonal outdoor pool and children’s pool, outdoor play area, and relaxing hot tub.
Play Games at the Game Room at Worldmark Bison Ranch
This is the game room with a fire pit to get cozy.
The kids loved the giant Connect Four, Ping Pong, and Pool Table. There is also a volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and a shared computer with Internet service.
There’s a gym to work out in, a library to get books and check out movies. And a freezer full of ice cream next to the front desk. I didn’t miss that when I walked up to the front desk.
They also have a schedule of Weekly Activities like movie night at 7 p.m. (you can bring your popcorn – there’s some in the room to make or buy for $1.
There’s game day, coloring contests, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, meet and greet bonfire where you can rent roasting sticks for marshmallows.
There are so many activities for the family, it’s hard to choose which ones to get to!
Horseback Riding in Heber, Overgaard
I haven’t gone horseback riding since I was around eight years old when I was living in Seattle. I used to ride horseback when I was growing up in England. I’ve been waiting to do it again for years.
Ramey Ranch Horseback Riding
Ramey Ranch Horseback Riding was one of the trip’s highlights for me. It’s so convenient to stay somewhere where you can go fishing and ride horses without leaving the resort.
The kids loved feeding them, too up close and personal.
I went on a half-hour ride, which cost $30, but you can ride for an hour for $40. They also have a $100 lunch ride available and overnight trips, which include meals, tents, and sleeping bags.
I prefer my suite at Bison Ranch. Maybe one day with the kids……
If you are in Herber Overgaard, you must go horseback riding. It’s beautiful!
- Phone number: (928) 242-5062
Antiquing in Heber, Overgaard
I love the art of discovery. There is so much history too, when going antiquing. I love looking for interesting finds, whether it’s an old rotary telephone or something that was created and looked vintage or interesting.
The Antler Attic in Lakeside
The Antler Attic in Lakeside, which is about an hour of scenic driving away from Bison Ranch, has Custom Deer and Elk Antler lamps, chandeliers, floor lamps, benches, chairs, coat racks, candle holders, business card holders, drawer pulls, buttons, and much much more.
There are also rustic log mantles and furnishings. Horseshoe art and household items. The carved bears outside are what drew us in.
- 672 W White Mountain BlvdLakeside, AZ 85929
- Get Directions
- Phone number (928) 368-4460
The Little Log Cabin
We also came across this cute antique shop called The Little Log Cabin in Lakeside/Pinetop.
The Little Log Cabin has anything from signs to planters, tea cup sets, vintage furniture, and so many nickknacks! It’s worth going out of your way to take a peek.
- Hwy 260Lakeside, AZ 85929
- Get Directions
- Phone number: (928) 242-4141
Best Restaurants in Heber-Overgaard
Wild Women’s Saloon and Grill
You don’t have to leave Bison Ranch if you’re hungry. You can just walk over to Wild Women’s Saloon and Grill. We ate there the first night, and they had some killer fish and chips! It’s a really cute Saloon too, where you can just sit at the bar and hang out.
The kids loved their tenders, too. My husband had a Moscow Mule. We finished our meal off with a pazookie. And that is when I officially went off my keto diet.
Pinetop Brewing Company
If you want to venture out, we found a place called Pinetop Brewing Company and it was also very good. The service was great, and the food was worth the drive!
- 159 W White Mountain Blvd
Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona 85929
There’s nothing like escaping the city and being in a town where the population is less than 3,000 people. It’s just nature and you. Getting the family out of the chaos and appreciating the beauty of the forests and wildlife is important to us. It slows us down.
More Things to Do in Heber-Overgaard
There’s no shortage of outdoor adventures in Heber-Overgaard and the surrounding White Mountains area.
Explore Sitgreaves National Forest
The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is perfect for hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives through Arizona’s beautiful pine forests.
Visit Nearby Lakes
Woods Canyon Lake, Black Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, and Heber Lake are all great spots for fishing, kayaking, and relaxing by the water.
Scenic Drives
The Mogollon Rim Road and White Mountains Scenic Byway offer some of the most beautiful mountain views in Arizona.
Hiking and Camping
There are plenty of hiking trails and camping areas nearby for families looking to spend more time outdoors.
Stargazing
Thanks to the higher elevation and dark skies, Heber-Overgaard is also a great place for stargazing.
Escape Rooms Heber
Looking for indoor fun? Escape Rooms Heber offers family-friendly escape room experiences.
What Western towns do you like to visit?
FAQ
What is Heber AZ known for?
Heber, Arizona, is known for its picturesque landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and proximity to natural wonders such as the Mogollon Rim and the Sitgreaves National Forest. It’s particularly renowned for its cool summers, making it a popular retreat from the heat of lower elevations.
What is there to do in Bison Ranch Arizona?
Bison Ranch, located near Heber, offers a variety of activities for visitors. Some popular things to do in Bison Ranch include exploring the shops and restaurants in the rustic Western-themed village, fishing in nearby lakes and streams, hiking and biking on scenic trails, and enjoying outdoor events and festivals.
Is Heber in the White Mountains?
Heber is located in Navajo County, Arizona, which is part of the larger region known as the White Mountains. While Heber itself is not directly in the White Mountains, it’s situated near the southern edge of this mountain range, allowing easy access to the area’s forests, lakes, and recreational opportunities.
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