Things to do in Munds Park!

Description

Munds Park, AZ is a pine-covered mountain retreat just 2 hours from Phoenix — here are the best things to do in Munds Park for families, hikers, anglers, and anyone who needs to escape the Arizona heat.

10 Best Things to Do in Munds Park, AZ (A Local's Weekend Guide)

Planning a weekend in the pines? Munds Park sits at 6,510 feet in the Coconino National Forest — less than 2 hours from Phoenix — and packs a surprising amount into a small, quiet mountain community. Whether you're after trail dust, lake fishing, off-road adventures, or simply a porch chair and a cool breeze, this guide covers the best things to do in Munds Park, AZ.

Munds Park is 127 miles north of Phoenix via I-17 (about 1 hour 45 minutes)
Elevation: 6,510 feet — expect temperatures 20-30 degrees cooler than Phoenix
Top activities: hiking Crystal Point Trail, fishing and kayaking Odell Lake, off-roading, stargazing, and day trips to Sedona and Flagstaff
Best local eats: Kota's Coffee House, Pinewood Grill and coming soon Saigon North!
Where to stay: Sherry's Munds Park Cabins offers two Airbnb Superhost properties that sleep up to 12, including a pet-friendly option

What Is Munds Park, AZ?

Munds Park is a small, unincorporated community in Coconino County, tucked inside the Coconino National Forest just off Interstate 17 at exit 322. Founded in the 1870s by rancher William Munds, the area has evolved into a beloved seasonal retreat for Arizona families — especially those looking to escape the furnace-like summers in the Phoenix metro.

With tall ponderosa pines, a peaceful lake, miles of hiking trails, and a tight-knit community feel, Munds Park offers something you won't find at a resort: quiet. Source: Wikipedia

How Far Is Munds Park from Phoenix?

Munds Park is 127 miles north of Phoenix — roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours by car via I-17 North. Take exit 322 eastbound onto Pinewood Blvd. Source: Travelmath

The elevation jump from Phoenix (around 1,100 feet) to Munds Park (6,510 feet) means you can realistically leave 100-degree heat in the valley and arrive to pine-scented 65-degree air in the same afternoon.

1. Hike Crystal Point Trail

Crystal Point is the most popular hike in Munds Park — and for good reason. The trail winds through a dense forest of ponderosa pines, with a chance to spot wild orchids in season, before climbing to a rocky summit with sweeping views. At the top, there's a long-standing local tradition: sign your name in the logbook stored inside the ammo cans. Kids love it.

The trail starts near Odell Lake and connects to other routes in the Coconino National Forest, including the Munds Canyon Trail No. 240 and the Frog Tank Loop for those who want to extend the adventure.

Good to know: Bring layers. Even in summer, the trail is shaded and mornings can be brisk at elevation. Dogs are welcome on leash. Source: Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club

2. Fish or Kayak Odell Lake

Odell Lake is a small reservoir formed by an earthen dam along Munds Creek, maintained by the Pinewood Country Club. The southeastern shore falls within Coconino National Forest and is publicly accessible — this is where you'll want to set up.

The lake is stocked and known for crappie, northern pike, bullhead catfish, rainbow trout, and bass. Early morning and late evening produce the best fishing. Beyond fishing, the lake works well for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing.

Birdwatchers: Odell Lake provides habitat for bald eagles and a variety of migratory birds — bring binoculars. Source: Wikipedia - Odell Lake

Important: Most of the shoreline is private property belonging to Pinewood Country Club residents. Stick to the publicly accessible southeast shore to avoid trespassing.

3. Explore Coconino National Forest Trails

Munds Park sits completely inside the Coconino National Forest, which means trailheads are practically out your back door. Beyond Crystal Point, options include:

Munds Canyon Trail No. 240: A moderate trail through the canyon with dramatic red rock views as you descend toward Sedona territory
Frog Tank Loop: A longer loop option connecting from the Crystal Point / FR240 trailhead, good for a half-day hike
Janice Place Trailhead: A local access point for trail networks around the community

AllTrails lists the top 10 trails in Munds Park with maps, reviews, and difficulty ratings — a good starting point for planning.

4. Rent an Off-Road Vehicle

For families or groups who want to cover more ground, Munds Park Off Road Rentals offers ATVs and off-road vehicles by the half day or full day. It's one of the most consistently recommended activities for visiting families, and it puts a lot of forest access within range that you simply can't reach on foot.

Check availability before your trip, especially on summer weekends when demand is high.

5. Grab Coffee at Kota's Coffee House

Kota's is the kind of small-town coffee shop that makes a weekend feel complete. The menu covers coffee drinks, breakfast, and lunch, with a few kids' options and crayons at the table. There's a book collection on-site, and — this is the part pet owners love — treats for dogs at the counter.

Note: Kota's is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan accordingly.

6. Catch Live Music at Borracho's Bar

Borracho's Bar is the go-to spot for an evening out in Munds Park. On summer weekends, they host live music — which is a genuinely rare thing in a town this small and makes for a great Saturday night after a day on the trails. The vibe is casual and local, and it pairs well with the laid-back pace of a cabin weekend.

The Pinewood Restaurant and Bar is the other main dining option in town, with a varied menu and a relaxed atmosphere. Confirm hours before visiting, as they vary by season.

7. Stargaze at 6,500 Feet

Munds Park sits far from city light pollution at 6,510 feet. On a clear night — and there are many — the Milky Way is visible with the naked eye. Pack a blanket and step outside after dark. No equipment needed, though a basic app like Sky Map enhances the experience for kids.

The best views come from open clearings away from cabin porch lights. Fall and winter nights are particularly spectacular.

8. Visit the Pinewood Farmers' Market

The Pinewood Farmers' Market runs seasonally and gives you a taste of the community that makes Munds Park more than just a scenic drive-through. Local vendors, handmade goods, and the kind of unhurried Saturday morning that's hard to find anywhere near Phoenix.

The community also puts on a beloved 4th of July parade along Pinewood Blvd — if your trip lands near the holiday, it's worth staying for. The whole town turns out in red, white, and blue. Source: mundspark.com

9. Day Trip to Sedona

Sedona is about 25-30 minutes south of Munds Park via I-17 — close enough for a full day trip with easy return to the cabin. The red rock country around Sedona is a complete visual contrast to the pine forests of Munds Park, and doing both in a single weekend gives you two completely different sides of northern Arizona.

Top Sedona stops worth adding to the itinerary include the Seven Sacred Pools, Soldier Pass Cave, Cathedral Rock, and the shops and restaurants along Tlaquepaque. Source: Komoot

10. Day Trip to Flagstaff

Flagstaff is about 20 minutes north of Munds Park on I-17 and offers a full city day: breweries, the Museum of Northern Arizona, Northern Arizona University's campus, and the San Francisco Peaks. Route 66 runs through downtown, and the historic district has good restaurants and independent shops.

In winter, Flagstaff's Arizona Snowbowl ski resort is the closest skiing to Phoenix — and Munds Park itself sees significant snowfall, making a cabin stay during ski season a practical and beautiful option.

Where to Stay in Munds Park

Most visitors drive up for the day, but staying overnight changes everything. You get the early morning trail access, the fire pit evenings, and the porch coffee at sunrise that make Munds Park worth the trip.

Sherry's Munds Park Cabins offers two Airbnb Superhost properties in the heart of the community:

Bluejay Getaway: Sleeps 12, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fully pet-friendly with trail access steps from the cabin. A modern-rustic retreat with a fire pit deck, fully equipped kitchen, and bunk room — ideal for large family groups or multi-family trips.
Munds Park Cozy Cabin: Sleeps 9, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Features a massive stone fireplace, covered deck with mountain views, and a stone paver patio perfect for outdoor gatherings.

Both cabins are less than 2 hours from the Phoenix metro and book up quickly on summer and holiday weekends. Check availability at sherrysmundsparkcabins.com.

FAQ

What is Munds Park, AZ known for?

Munds Park is known for its ponderosa pine forests, cool summer temperatures, and easy access from Phoenix via I-17. It's a popular weekend destination for Phoenix-area families, hikers, anglers, and anyone looking for a mountain retreat without a long drive.

Is Munds Park worth visiting?

Yes — especially for Phoenix residents. The 20-30 degree temperature drop, the forested setting, and the proximity to both Sedona and Flagstaff make it one of the most practical and rewarding weekend escapes in Arizona.

Is Munds Park pet-friendly?

Munds Park is very pet-friendly overall. The trails in Coconino National Forest allow leashed dogs, Kota's Coffee House keeps treats at the counter, and the Bluejay Getaway cabin at Sherry's Munds Park Cabins explicitly welcomes pets.

What is the best time of year to visit Munds Park?

Summer (June through September) is peak season when Phoenix heat drives visitors north. Spring and fall offer cooler, quieter conditions and are excellent for hiking. Winter brings snow and a completely different atmosphere — the cabin fireplace earns its keep.

How do I get to Munds Park from Phoenix?

Take I-17 North from Phoenix and exit at exit 322 (Munds Park / Pinewood Blvd). The drive is approximately 127 miles and takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic.

Conclusion

Munds Park doesn't try to be a resort town, and that's exactly the point. It's quiet, real, and close enough that you can leave Phoenix after work on a Friday and be sitting under the pines before dark. Whether you're hiking Crystal Point with the kids, casting a line at Odell Lake, or just watching the sunset from a cabin deck, Munds Park delivers the kind of weekend that makes the drive back to the valley feel a little longer than it is.

Ready to plan your trip? Check cabin availability at sherrysmundsparkcabins.com.