About Pinion Pines
Pinion Pines is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Mohave County, Arizona, with a population of 154 in 2023, down from 158 in 2020. Located at the north end of the Hualapai Mountains, it is 10 miles southeast of Kingman, the county seat, via Hualapai Mountain Road and DW Ranch Road. Nestled among pinyon pine forests, Pinion Pines is a small residential community, appealing to retirees and those seeking a serene mountain lifestyle near Kingman’s urban amenities.
History and Origins
Pinion Pines developed in the 20th century as a residential area in the Hualapai Mountains, named for the abundant Arizona singleleaf pinyon pine (Pinus edulis var. fallax) in the region. The Hualapai people historically used the mountains for seasonal resources, and the area saw increased settlement with the growth of Kingman and the establishment of Hualapai Mountain Park in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Pinion Pines remains a quiet, unincorporated community under Mohave County governance, shaped by its proximity to Kingman and recreational opportunities.
Geography and Environment
Located at 35°08′48″N 113°54′21″W, Pinion Pines spans 1.5 square miles, all land, at an elevation of 5,073 feet. Situated in the Hualapai Mountains, it is surrounded by pinyon-juniper woodlands and offers scenic views of the Cerbat and Hualapai ranges. The semi-arid climate features warm summers, mild winters with occasional snow, and minimal precipitation, with 83.55% good air quality days annually. The area has a moderate earthquake risk, high UV exposure, and low flash flood risk due to its elevation, making it suitable for outdoor activities like hiking and stargazing.
Demographics and Economy
Pinion Pines has a median household income of $70,417 and a median home value of $338,487, more affordable than 60% of Arizona neighborhoods. Housing includes single-family homes, cabins, and mobile homes, with a high homeownership rate. The median age is 74.3, reflecting a retiree-heavy population, 100% White (Non-Hispanic) in 2023. The economy employs 12 people, primarily in healthcare and social assistance, with residents often commuting to Kingman (10 miles northwest) for jobs in retail or services. The unemployment rate is 4.9%, slightly above the national average.
Did You Know? Pinion Pines’ pinyon pine forests are home to the Arizona singleleaf pinyon pine, a species valued by the Hualapai people for its edible nuts, historically a key food source.
Education and Community Services
Pinion Pines has no schools, with students attending Kingman Unified School District facilities, such as Cerbat Elementary or Kingman High School, 10–15 miles away. Emergency services are provided by the Pinion Pine Fire District, managed by Ron Hood, and the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, with medical facilities at Kingman Regional Medical Center (10 miles northwest). Residents rely on Kingman for shopping, dining, and libraries, with minimal local amenities. Mohave Community College’s Neal Campus, 12 miles away, offers higher education options.
Recreation and Attractions
- Hualapai Mountain Park: 5 miles south, offering 10 miles of hiking trails, camping, cabins, and scenic views from peaks like Hayden Peak.
- Historic Route 66: 10 miles northwest in Kingman, featuring the Route 66 Museum and vintage diners for nostalgic road trip experiences.
- Cerbat Cliffs Golf Course: 12 miles northwest, a public course with private lessons and desert views, ideal for golf enthusiasts.
- Grand Canyon Skywalk: 75 miles northeast, a Hualapai Tribe-operated glass bridge with stunning Grand Canyon views, accessible via U.S. Route 93.
Lifestyle and Appeal
Pinion Pines offers a rural mountain lifestyle with a population density of 103 people per square mile, ideal for retirees and those seeking tranquility. The community is small, with a moderate crime rate and 100% health coverage (70.8% non-group plans, 20.8% Medicare). Its forested surroundings, cooler climate, and proximity to Hualapai Mountain Park are key draws, though limited local services and winter snow require self-sufficiency. The cost of living is 84.1, below the U.S. average of 100.
Plan Your Visit
Reach Pinion Pines via Hualapai Mountain Road and DW Ranch Road from Kingman (10 miles northwest) or Interstate 40. Explore Hualapai Mountain Park’s trails and cabins, visit Kingman’s Route 66 Museum, or enjoy golf at Cerbat Cliffs. Kingman offers dining, shopping, and lodging for nearby conveniences. For extended trips, the Grand Canyon Skywalk is 75 miles northeast, and Lake Havasu City is 65 miles south. Pinion Pines is a quiet haven for mountain and desert adventurers.