Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Munds Park, AZ

  • Published 2022/09/15

Munds Park, Arizona, provides a wide range of outdoor recreation year-round, as the state is renowned for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.

It’s an outlying census-designated place in Coconino County, a small mountain community bustling with energy.

Located about 20 miles south of Flagstaff, it’s usually known as Pinewood to locals and drivers traveling along I-17.

Munds Park is home to beautiful trails, a golf course, a lake, nature, and wildlife.

It’s also less than an hour away from state parks and national forests.

Check out this list of the best things to do in Munds Park, Arizona!

Explore the Coconino National Forest

Red rock mountains at Coconino National Forest

Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com

The 1.856-million-acre Coconino National Forest is a US National Forest home to various landforms such as deserts, mesas, flatlands, ponderosa pine woods, volcanic peaks, and alpine tundra.

It is located at the center of Coconino County, hence its name.

Munds Park is situated within its vicinity.

The waters of Coconino National Forest

Brent Coulter / Shutterstock.com

Established in 1898, the land was made a US National Forest a decade later.

There are three districts inside the Coconino National Forest, each with its unique topography and ecosystem.

The Flagstaff District is the most northern district, and it’s where you’ll find the San Francisco Peaks, a historical collection of volcanic summits; Humphreys Peak, the highest peak in Arizona; and Mormon Lake, the state’s largest natural lake.

Landscape of Coconino National Forest

Scenic Corner / Shutterstock.com

The Red Rock District is centered on Sedona, which covers the famed red rock canyons and mesas, making this region a famous resort town.

The Mogollon Rim District, located under Flagstaff and the east side of the Red Rocks, is home to a variety of perennial streams and small lakes dispersed over dense forests of ponderosa pines.

Due to the Coconino National Forest’s vast wilderness areas, visitors can explore the vicinity, such as going on a scenic drive, off-roading, hiking, boating, fishing, and many more.

Cows grazing at Coconino National Forest

Deep Desert Photography / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy Golf at Pinewood Country Club

Located on Pinewood Boulevard, Pinewood Country Club is a private resort community home to an 18-hole 72-par 6,625-yard championship golf course.

Enjoy the stunning backdrop of ponderosa pines and mountains that combine to provide an unsurpassed setting.

The course delivers a competitive yet enjoyable experience for any skill level.

Whether you’re an expert or playing for the first time, Pinewood Country Club guarantees a memorable experience.

The club offers a genuine sense of community with numerous activities held each season, including bingo, yoga, wine tasting, plays and musicals, swimming, organized family activities, golf lessons for all ages, and many more.

Go Fishing at Odell Lake

Odell Lake is a small and shallow lake located in the southeastern portion of Munds Park.

An earthen dam forms the lake alongside Munds Creek, which serves as a home for various migratory and non-migratory species of birds, such as bald eagles.

Odell Lake is frequented for its fishing opportunities, where bullhead catfish, crappies, and northern pikes are found.

Water activities like tubing, canoeing, and kayaking are also permitted at the lake.

The southeast shore of the lake also gives access to several hiking trails.

Pinewood Country Club maintains the lake and the dam, while most of the lake’s shore is on private land, and the Coconino National Forest governs the lake’s southeast side.

Hike the Munds Park Trail System

The Munds Park Trail System is a network of trails that surround the town for hiking, ATVs, and mountain biking.

It’s a very well-liked destination during the summer for off-road and terrain vehicles.

Some trailheads under the Munds Park Trail System are Janice Place, Crystal Point, and Munds Canyon.

The Munds Park Trail Stewards (MUTS) maintain the trail system, which serves as a liaison between the community and the national forest.

Established in 2002, MUTS also aims to promote a sustainable forest ecology and enhance the safety and enjoyment of forest users.

Enjoy a Cocktail at Borracho Saloon

Borracho Saloon has established itself as one of the most popular gathering spots in Munds Park.

Located on Pinewood Boulevard, Borracho Saloon is a fully-renovated A-frame bar serving unique beverages in a fun environment with live music and excellent service.

Borracho Saloon gives a cozy and modern-rustic vibe with its display of artwork, photographs, and vintage beers.

Hang out with friends and meet new people on the large patio while sipping a beer or a cocktail.

Live music is available on certain evenings from April through October.

Camp at Munds Park RV Resort

Munds Park RV Resort welcomes everyone from campers to big rigs, recreational vehicles, park models, and temporary guests.

The park and campground are set among cool pine woods on South Munds Ranch Road.

When you camp for one night or longer, guests can enjoy the park’s many amenities, including off-road trails, a recreation hall for disco and live bands, a heated spa and a summer pool, a fitness center, and a general store.

With 6,700 feet of elevation, it’s the perfect summer holiday destination to escape the sweltering heat.

Munds Park RV Resort is open from April through October.

Pick up Fresh Goods at the Munds Park Farm to Table Market

Pick up the freshest produce at the Munds Park Farm to Table Market.

As a true farmers market, it offers lots of fruits and vegetables from the Verde Valley area and other Arizona small farms, sold by local vendors.

Products are pesticide-free and come from modest farms and orchards that follow ethical and organic practices.

Some great finds include fresh herbs, flowers, bread, cakes, pastries, chocolates, granola, jams and jellies, pickles, meat and vegetable seasonings, salsa, apple cider vinegar, raw honey, poultry meat and eggs, dog treats, and more.

The Munds Park Farm to Table Market is held weekly at the patio of Agee’s Barbecue Market and runs throughout summer until October.

Dine at Agee’s Barbecue Market

Agee’s Barbecue Market is a family-operated restaurant that strives to serve great barbecue to the residents of Munds Park and nearby areas, as well as anyone passing through town.

Dine and try their flavorful brisket, pork belly, pulled pork, ribs, and more, using first-choice meats slowly cooked in an 18-foot smoker.

Agee’s Barbecue Market uses simple ingredients, preparing almost everything from scratch.

The ambiance is simple and family-friendly, and even dogs are welcome on the patio.

If you’re looking for good food and enjoyment for family and friends, visit Agee’s Barbecue Market on South Munds Ranch Road.

Stop by for Breakfast at Kota’s Coffee House

Kota’s Coffee House is the first and only coffee shop in Munds Park, situated in a prime location along South Munds Ranch Road.

It’s a popular destination for coffee and delectable treats, including breakfast and lunch options.

Their specialty coffee and tea go well with homemade pastries such as cinnamon rolls, bagels, muffins, Danishes, waffles, sandwiches, and more.

Kota’s Coffee House was named after owners Deanna and Renato’s pet poodle, whom they lovingly called Dakota—Kota for short.

With dog-loving owners, Kota’s welcomes customers who can bring their four-legged friends for a good time.

Book a Stay at Deer Run Retreat

Relax and enjoy the pines of Deer Run Retreat, a spacious open-concept house that makes for a memorable and pleasant time with your party.

It has three bedrooms with a total of four beds, a living room with a vast sleeper sofa, and two bathrooms.

The kitchen is spacious and fully stocked to provide guests with everything they need to feel at home.

Unwind on the spacious patio and cook barbecue using their outdoor grill.

Indoor and outdoor games are also available for everyone’s enjoyment.

If you need a place to stay for your trip to Munds Park or somewhere near Flagstaff and Sedona, Deer Run Retreat is ideal for the entire family or group of friends.

Hang Out with the Locals at Pinewood Bar & Grill

Located on Pinewood Boulevard, Pinewood Bar & Grill is one of the dining options you can visit in Munds Park.

It’s the neighborhood hangout where you can get delicious food and spend time with the locals.

Pinewood Bar & Grill is a family-run bar and restaurant owned and operated by Gerardo and Ludy Castro, who have worked in the restaurant industry for 30 years.

They offer a wide range of menu choices, from breakfast to delicious lunches and dinners.

With its full-service bar, Pinewood Bar & Grill is a terrific location to meet with friends or coworkers to grab some drinks after a long day.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Experience Nature at Fort Tuthill County Park

Extreme adventure course at Fort Tuthill County Park

Bill Morrow, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Fort Tuthill County Park, Coconino County’s prominent 633-acre park, is a year-round recreation destination 17 miles north of Munds Park.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of outdoor recreational programs and events like archery, multi-use trails, disc golf, and more.

Equestrian competitions, concerts, music festivals, and the Coconino County Fair are just a few unique events that Fort Tuthill hosts during the summer.

Winter activities at Fort Tuthill include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and passive snow play, weather permitting.

Since it’s one of the 30 wildlife viewing locations in Flagstaff within 30 miles, expect to experience wildlife opportunities at the park.

Fort Tuthill County Park, located within the Coconino National Forest, is truly the ideal location for a family-friendly holiday.

Spend an Active Day at Raymond County Park

Raymond County Park is just 13 miles north of Munds Park and seven miles south of Flagstaff, located in Kachina Village.

Only 15 minutes away, Raymond County Park gives a breathtaking view of the famous San Francisco Peaks.

The park includes a climbing wall, a ball field, a basketball court, and picnic ramadas.

A platform for wildlife viewing was built adjacent to the Pumphouse County Natural Area, emphasizing the preservation of water resources and wetland habitats.

Established in 1972, Raymond County Park now encompasses 12.5 acres, with Coconino County Parks and Open Space Program paying for an additional 7.5 acres.

Try Horse Riding at Northern Arizona Riding Stables

Northern Arizona Riding Stables is a horse boarding stable on South Old Munds Highway, Flagstaff, only 14 miles north of Munds Park and about a 17-minute drive from town.

Founded in 2006, it has grown to be Northern Arizona’s most sought-after horse boarding facility.

The facility is home to both seasonal and year-round horses.

It’s also a favorite overnight layover spot to the world-renowned Budweiser Clydesdale’s.

Aside from daily, weekly, and monthly horse boarding services, Northern Arizona Riding Stables also offers facility rental, overnight RV camping, horse training, and horse riding lessons.

Go Birdwatching at Kachina Wetlands Preserve

Located 18 minutes north of Munds Park, Kachina Wetlands Preserve is an excellent area for birdwatching throughout the year.

It’s listed as a “global hotspot” in eBIRD, an international online database for bird observations.

The 70-acre property is owned and maintained by Kachina Village Improvement District (KVID) for treated wastewater evaporation from the small community of Kachina Village.

In 1988, KVID built eight evaporation ponds, with only two of the ponds containing water regularly.

But several species have been drawn to the ponds, and since 2004, more than 200 different bird species have been recorded.

While its primary purpose is for wastewater evaporation, Kachina Wetlands Preserve is envisioned to showcase native plant diversity, including permanent wetlands and highly diversified highlands of native grasses and shrubs in the coming years.

Final Thoughts

Munds Park offers a strategic location as it has many outdoor opportunities in town and surrounding areas, particularly the vibrant and thriving city of Flagstaff and the red rocks of Sedona.

It’s a hidden gem in Northern Arizona that families visit to escape the heat.

Follow this list of the best things to do in Munds Park, Arizona, and experience the charm of small-town living.

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