Mogollon Rim Reviews

My husband and I go up on the Rim a few times a year, to picnic, rockhound or show someone else the scenery. There are so many spots to stop along the road and take pictures, or just relax and look around. We find great fossils up there, and I believe there are now some geocaches up there. Please take heed of the weather. Thunderstorms come in quickly, so if you see dark clouds in the distance that may be headed your way...pay attention, take precautions. Fantastic place. Enjoy, but be safe.

I always live the rodeo. Though the Motel 6 was clean I feel ripped off that the bill was so much for just one night. And the magnetic lock was a pain. But Id still go back.

Since I was very young, I have been camping in the Mogollon Rim almost every summer. I have been to Woods Canyon Lake multiple times. We just went last week and hiked around the lake. The Mogollon Rim is about 8-10 degrees cooler than Payson. Camping out there is magical. You can take a stroll through the forest, set up a hammock and listen to the wind in the trees, and if you are at the lake you can go fishing and rent a small boat or kayak. We saw herons, bald eagles, and other forest birds. The Mogollon Rim and Payson are actually closer than if you decided to go to Flagstaff. We are hoping to plan another camping trip in October. They have marked campsites or you can adventure into the wilderness and find your own, undiscovered camping space.

drove thru and seen lots of animals. stopped couple places to look out over the rim...very nice and cool

Beautiful area of Arizona marking the start of the Colorado plateau. Back roads and trails for those interested, Ponderosa pine forests with aspen groves which are beautiful in the fall. Lakes for fishing or just sitting next to. Highly recommended for a weekend or longer destination to get away from it all.

I have lived in Arizona my entire life and I am still amazed at the beauty the state has to offer for sightseeing. Please take the opportunity to see some of the other sights besides the Grand Canyon! Many places to camp in the area and either fish in one of the numerous lakes and rivers or just enjoy a hike through the forest. There is nothing more relaxing than sitting with your feet in the water and enjoying the peace and tranquility of nature

We were in Payson on a contract and didn't get to go to the Rim until May. It is stunningly beautiful. Such a contrast from the rest of the area. If you get a chance to go up there, go!

People typically think Arizona is all sand & cacti. Not true! Worth the easy drive from Payson or even Phoenix. Once at the top of the Rim, you'll find well-maintained ranger huts & visitor centers, stunning views of the Tonto National Forest, beautiful lakes for fishing or watersports, hiking trails, & campgrounds.

One of Gods creations wildlife abounds all over the area. I want to go back there to go camping we love Payson.

Sadly the gates to the rim walk were closed to traffic however we walked about 2 miles down the paved park roads, Beautiful country side
All facilities were shut off out of season

Lovely scenery, quiet, a few lakes that are just gorgeous! A long road so come prepared. Lots of view point stops! Not crowded.

Our first time here. Drove forest road 300 also known as the rim road from highway 87 to highway 260 with side runs to Knoll Lake and Woods Canyon Lake. Very nice views from the rim road with trees as far as the eyes can see. Drove it in a 4 wheel drive truck but could have easily done with 2 wheel in the good clear weather. Once again very nice.

Nice views of evergreen forest and decent restrooms. Glad we stopped. Helpful signage lets y9u learn about geography while enjoying breathtaking scenery.

If possible, see the rim via forest road 300, the Rim Road. Yes, some spots are rough, but the view at the edge is to die for, especially on a clear day. There are several spots that if you know your mountain peaks, MOUNT LEMMON (in Tucson) is visible. Beautiful drive.

The view of the Hashknife Pony Express now route 260 is great from the rim. Rim trails are nice and great place to watch monsoon storms roll in.

Always enjoy traveling to the Rim County. Beautiful any time of the year. Cool in the summer. Great colors in the fall. Outstanding views. Can see for miles and miles. Wonderful drive. Just take your time.

We spend a lot of time I the forest camping. We can go 20 minutes from home and spend a wonderful week wing camping in the pines. Love the out doors? This is the place to go enjoy the smell of the pines and a campfire!

We have driven twice through the little villages of Vine and Strawberry.....the Mogollon Rim country is so beautiful. Why not take this all in when driving from Tucson to/from Flagstaff. There is NO need to use the Interstate at all.

The largest contiguous tract of ponderosa pine forest in the world is in Arizona; stretching from the New Mexico border northwest to the Grand Canyon.

The largest stand of Ponderosa Pine trees in the world is at the Coconino National Forest.

We only drove for a hour or so from North of Strawberry. Much of the drive is through forest but the open overlooks are great. I wish I had time to go in the evening to watch the sunset.

We enjoy the rim country for the fishing, hiking and rock hounding.
It is a great way to get out of the heat of the valley for a day trip or several days. The camping is good whether at a campsite or in the woods of the rim.

If you are driving up, or down 260 northeast of Payson, you must take rim road, the last road before the decline of the highway. Go to the west, not to the east where the ranger buildings are. Drive about 2 miles, and on the left is the best view of the valley below the rim. I have driven the whole rim road, and this is the best view. Only takes ten minutes.

There are several lakes for fishing. Some of them are close to parking and accessible to most visitors. Some lakes require a hike to get to. There is a road (300) that follows the Rim. It is not paved but it is fine for normal cars. The views are spectacular and it is so peaceful. It is a great place to have a picnic. There are no restaurants or gas stations so be prepared. The sections of 300 near 87 and 260 have the most traffic. The easy to get to lakes are close to 260. This is not a winter attraction.

Great views, friendly people, awesome fishing. The only negative was our stay at the Quality Inn in Payson, AZ

The walking trails follow the rim so your entire walk is full of beautiful views. It is easy walking. There were plenty of people walking little kids and/or small pets who handled the terrain well. Lots of scenic lookouts. I only wish they had trash cans at least in the parking lots. There were none to be found, but the parking lots were full of trash.

Beautiful drive and saw herds of deer.
You feel like you are on top of the world looking down
Easy drive but watch your speed because the police are watching and stopping people

Outstanding panoramic views all around. No photograph can capture the scope and grandeur from the top. Best viewed early AM or late PM. At those times the sun's shadows really add to the to the beauty. Check out the geology online before you go.

just amazing! anytime of the year! Great views, lots of nature, places to hike, and camp out, places for picnics, you won't be disappointed.

Born and raised in AZ. Mesa to be exact. Came up here every summer to Boy Scout camp Geronimo. Both as a camper and then working on staff. The camp Sits right at the base of the Rim. You will find no more beautiful area in God's great kingdom.

We have visited often. Make sure to check out the ranger station. It is pretty cold so a light jacket is a good idea. Also I found it very windy so I try to keep a good hold on my kiddos.

Traveled north to escape the heat and this breathtaking beauty was worth the drive. Such a glorious sight graced my eyes when I discovered how much beauty was in the landscape

Left taking 87 North out of Payson. Took road 300, which is completely dirt and rocky road. Suggest no cars. Our Honda Pilot had no issues. Views were spectacular. Must stop and get out to see the sites. Go back to a couple of the lakes, pictures can't do them justice. Over all trip took about 4 hours ending up at 260 on the other side of Payson.

We traveled the Rim rd. (FR 300), beautiful! A little rough road but oh so well worth it, gorgeous fall colors abound, great vistas, you can see for miles! I highly recommend this day trip.

Anytime of year, the Mogollon Rim is a great choice for enjoying the outdoors. This time, we turned off the main road to head up the rim, but it was closed off due to tons of snow. There was a small parking area with restrooms and plenty of room to play and sled.

My wife and I enjoyed setting out on the edge and watching the sun set. The wind was a little strong and a bit chilly but the scenery was no less beautiful. We rented a cabin at Mountain Meadows Cabins which sets below the Mogollon.

The Rim is a great place to beat the heat from the Valley. Don't forget no fires, charcoal etc. It has been very dry and we need to be vigilant to protect our forest.

Wife and I drove up to Payson, AZ from Phoenix after we flew in from Chicago on a Sunday morning. The Payson area is beautiful when we visited in late April. Spent part of the afternoon driving up the rim area from the visitors center on a Sunday afternoon. Stopped at Woods Canyon Lake and it was not too busy. Did some nice hiking. The hiking can be a bit treacherous as the hill sides from the lake are sloped with some paths and rocks to navigate. A few people fishing and a couple of small boats. Even tried to do some "squatchin" research in the area before dark but no luck.

Would love to check out the gravel roads (very bumpy) and the area after dark. However, we were a bit nervous about that as there is no cell service if help was needed for car trouble or worse. Saw a "well fed" coyote run across the front of the car and proceeded to take 300 to Rt. 99 north to Winslow. Antelope running wild and all the open range one could ask for. Even had to navigate around the "tinder" fire that was taking place just 20 miles to the West of us.

Easily accessible and views to die for. Stop at the visitor's center and walk out onto the rear deck - you feel as if you are standing in the sky. There are vista viewpoints directly across the highway from the visitor's center which provide stunning views that seem to go on endlessly. Easy walking trails are actually paved for a comfortable short trip along the edge of the rim. If you walk from the trail out onto the precipice, be extremely careful as the shale rocks can give way at any time. This was evidenced by the flower wreath placed some 50' below me as I peered over the edge. Beautiful territory and easy access - a great little stop.

Driving down from Winslow after an 8 day road trip taking in the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and then Santa Fe, Taos, Four Corners, Monument Valley and then Canyon de Chelley...this drive to Payson was no less spectacular with fall colors and mountains! Breath-taking!

I'm from Hawai'i, have lived and travelled all over the world, and the Rim area is my all-time favorite place to be. Been here for 24 years - never want to move.

We spent yesterday playing in the cool waters of Tonto Creek, which is a gem in the Mogollon Rim! It is such a perfect escape from the Valley heat. Also .... thank you to the 1,000 plus firefighters who have worked nonstop to protect these beautiful lands from the wildfires the past few weeks!

Don't even think about it. Start planning a trip to this incredibly beautiful area. Lots of outdoor recreation or just drive around and look at this amazing place.

Beautiful views and a trail along the rim for about 2 miles. Woods Canyon lake is nearby and open from May -October.

Love to sit and relax and enjoy all the views of the rim. Taking pictures here is such a great pleasure!

The Rim is so beautiful and the trees are spectacular. The breeze and the cool pine smell is exhilarating and good for he soul.

We always love our visit to the rim. Whether we are fishing for rainbow trout, playing in the creek, or enjoying the views at Woods Canyon Lake, there is always something fun to do! It is also a great reprieve from the heat in the Valley.

We had a chance to both drive along the Rim and to get out and do a bit of hiking along the Rim. The scenery is amazing. Got real close to the rim and the drop off is big...be careful. Can see forever and all one sees are pine trees. The wind was blowing a bit so we got to feel the drop in temp from the Payson area. Spent 3 hours hiking/driving and it is time well spent.

Ran into snow on the Rim Trail. I did not expect it on the 10 of December. The sunny day made it a great drive without the crowds. A few were cutting Chritmas trees. A great family trip.

Rim is beautiful in all seasons and the view goes on forever. Pines and juniper forests. Herds of elk and deer. Rest stop on top of rim has small museum and ranger to answer questions. Grandchildren loved it. Trails to walk and picnic area.

If you are in the area please visit the woods canyon lake area of forest road 300. We spent a beautiful day there and could have spent longer. Call in and walk the vista trail, the views over the Rim are magnificent, and we had the place to ourselves. We then drove down to the lake and hiked around it on an easy to follow trial, the views across the lake are sublime and the walk is an easy walk taking about 2 hours with plenty of stops to take photos. We had lunch on the lakeside watching the boats and paddle boards. We were lucky enough to see a bald eagle fly overhead. Perfect day out.

Here is an experience. We were staying at Kohls ranch and drove east to the 300 road to the rim. Driving through the lake area was a good road but we soon found the road rough. Did I say rough. How about ROUGH. While it was a hard road to drive the views are wonderful. Take a big unit if driving. It is ROUGH.

We loved stopping along the rim to view the overlooks. Please note, that we did this in the afternoon, and the sun was in our face. So I'd like to go again in the morning, with the sun behind, just to get another perspective, or view of the changing colors. If you stand at the edge of the rim, its a dizzying drop down, so not for those with wobbly legs. It was super windy at the edge. We felt like we were at the top of the world! The change in temperature was about 15˚ cooler than the town of Payson. Even in October it was chilly, but really nice!

Such amazing views and a great way to beat the heat. One of my favorite hikes and places to camp in Arizona!

You see these reviews about being windy and dusty bla bla, mostly from people who are out of state. They are very close minded. The more dirty road you drive the more beautiful it gets... camping, off roading, bonfire under thousands of stars, drinking beer/wine in company if friends and/or family with weather that can only be described as perfect.

I was surprised when I got there. I went there in May 2015.
It was snowing over there.
I would go back there again when it was not snowing.
It was a stunning views in snow!

Nice excursion. We loved the views and the trails. Would definitely come back again. Sunset was beautiful in this location.

The expansive vistas are breathtaking. We've visited during every season, lovely mists, snowy forests, sunrise is my favorite time. The way the earth simply drops off, the massive cliffs above and the valleys below is a natural contrast not found anywhere else. We have stayed in the cabins and camped, picnicked at the lakes, fished in the streams. There's something for everyone.

Beautiful views. Stopped in at the Ranger welcome station just off Rt. 260. Lots of parking for travel trailers and a bathroom off the the side. In the welcome center you walk in and there is a HUGE bear in a case (fake) and Elk antlers. but very cool. Can pick up maps and little bits of info. They have a porch out back to go out and view the sites. Leaving there we crossed the street and there were 3 places along the rim to stop and look at the views. Please keep children and pets by your side there is NO fencing. There are camping places up the road we did not go there.

The Rim country is the place to go to beat the desert heat. I was watching a news segment about fall colors and I felt the need to drive along FR 300 or Rim road. This drive offers breathtaking view of the Mogollon Rim, overlooking a vast area of pine forest. The road also branches off for lake areas and campgrounds. Great place for hiking, camping, fishing birding, and wildlife viewing. The have been elk, mule deer and bear (beware!) sightings in this area. The road is about a 43 mile drive that may be a bit rough for the family sedan in spots so an SUV or high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Some areas of the road are a bit narrow with deep side ditches. Plan for 2-3 hours driving and stops for viewing. Gas up before you travel this road because there are no services, or restroom facilities, unless you go the the campground areas. Enjoy the cool breezes and fall colors on this amazing journey!

lovely area for trout fishing, bass fishing, viewing of elk and deer
Be sure to book ahead for campsites -- during the busy season, none are available for drop-in guests

This is one of the serene places you can visit. With so close interactions with wild elk. If you into camping, you have found your destination. The weather is also very good. We went in search of fall colors and this place does have some nice fall colors.

With soaring altitude that gives Arizonans a place to escape the desert heat, the Rim is one of my favorites. Miles and miles of forest (beware of bears), oddles of lakes to fish or boat on, wandering hiking trails, and scenic vistas enough for any artist to recreate, the Rim draws people year round. 30+years of exploration, and I'm still finding new ways to enjoy this area. No wonder so many Phoenicians keep a second home on the Rim.

This is a nice mountain area reminiscent of the mountains of Colorado. There are tons of hiking trails, 4wd roads, and places to camp.

Take the road to Woods Canyon lake and stop at the different vista points. There is a paved walking path along some of the area. The views are great.

Like - beautiful nature...elk.
Caution - snow in May... Didn't stop us...but elevation calls for additional sweater...

Drove the Rim Road starting at the Mogollon Rim visitor center. It is a gravel road for many miles, and then turns to dirt and gets a little rough. But the views are awesome. 3 different lakes in the area are a plus to stop at.

We hiked the rim trail. The rim was flat/paved, and very easy. Bicycles can go on it also. We then went off on another trail and it was gorgeous. If you like scenery, and to hike……..do this!!

always my favorite place to stop at. The views are undescribable. Be careful not to fall off the edge, almost always a nice breeze up there. Check out Woods canyon lake while there.

The visitors center is only open Thursday through Sunday. You don't need the visitors center open to visit. You can walk out on the deck behind the visitors center. The best part is to go directly across the road. Follow the signs towards Woods Canyon Lake. There are 3 view points with parking lots. You can drive to each parking lot or hike the rim trail. My kids loved it! If you can go during the week it is better since on the weekend they told us it is packed and harder to enjoy.

Locals in Phoenix recommended this area as a weekend getaway to escape from the heat. Even in June it was in the mid-60s, which was such a relief after the desert heat.

The drive along the rim is simply breathtaking- amazing views from the top of a cliff, plenty of picnic areas and hiking trails, secluded lakes for fishing and swimming. Will definitely be back with the camping gear!

You can do the Rim Road (elevation about 7000 ft) the easy way or the not so easy way. We did both. EASY: you can enter the road from HWY 260 (Payson to Show Low) and access several paved parking areas that are right on the Rim and which have westerly views for 40-50 miles. There are paved bike and walking trails along the Rim. It will take you 35 min from Payson to get to the Rim Road turnoff (FS Road 300). The road is paved for the first few miles (to Woods Canyon turnoff). HARDER: Continue on FS Road 300 beyond the pavement, or enter the road from HWY 87 (between Strawberry and Winslow). You do not want to take your dad's Cadillac (or most other sedans) along the rocky, windy road that you will find west of the turnoffs to Knolls Lake and Bear Lake. We drove an AWD Subaru and bottomed out once. Most of the other vehicles were 4WD with higher clearance or ATVs. Expect to spend a minimum of 2.25 hrs driving the unpaved portion (about 40 mi). But that is no fun. You need to stop along the way to enjoy the vistas, take some pics, reflect. Lots of camping spots along the route (hiking and biking, too), but organized campsites are closer to the eastern side of FS Road 300. The Rim Road will close in Winter - depending on arrival of snow.

If you're looking for an out of town getaway from the heat of Phoenix, then go up here. When I visited, the high was 82 degrees, with a cool 64 at night. Beautiful cliffs, lots of pine trees. Looks a lot more like Colorado than Arizona.

What you should bring to camp in Payson, AZ in mid September:
1. lots of blankets or good sleeping bag - it gets really cold at night.
2. Coats
3. plenty of food and water - it is hard to navigate around when it gets dark out so it would be a good idea to bring enough food and water so you don't have to drive around in the dark looking for a store.
4. bring wood for firepit
5. bring your bike because there are some very nice route around the rim.
5. cash - just in case.

Payson is a beautiful place to relax and be away from the busy city. Most of the campground has bathroom and shower room available.

Woods Canyon Lake (between Payson & Show Low) is worth taking a hike around! It is easy and along the lake in the trees. The views of the forest on the way up are breathtaking. Miles and miles of trees.

Our family really enjoyed the drive on the Forest Road No. 300. On certain stretches, you can get really close to the edge of the cliff or canyon. So, it was quite exciting especially in the winter time where the road is still icy and/or flooded. We made several stops and had a great time hiking down to Bear Canyon Lake with our husky. Wet (it was raining), but fun. One note though, most online information indicates that a regular passenger car can drive the entire length of FR300, which may be true in the dry summer days. I had a large 4X4 and had no problem navigating through icy parts of the road and several curvy uphills turns, but a passenger car would have a difficult time especially a front wheel drive car. If you have the time, then I would say spend a day here and take on some of the hikes, especially those trails that lead to the lakes, but do give yourself enough time as the speed limit is 25-30 mph and bring water and snacks as there were no commercial establishments on FR300.

Awesome place to visit and enjoy the cooler Arizona weather in the summer months. We camp there every year and keep coming back for good reason. Love the place.

The road 300 starts outside of Strawberry and ends out about 20 miles from Payson at Woods Lake. It is slow going because mostly gravel and bumpy. Outstanding views and many places to stop and gawk at the sites. Great for pictures of the valley. I saw cars that were just cars. We had a 4 wheel drive but never had to use it. I think the heavy wide tires made everything accessible.

We go up as family from Phoenix atleast once a month to fish and to escape the heat. We normally rent a boat to fish out of ( they are old 14 feet aluminum) with electric motors. Use to be a great value, 54 dollars for 4 hours which is perfect amount of time. This year with gas over 5 dollars a gallon they went up to 85 dollars for 4 hours. Same old leaky boats, old oars, and smelly seat cushions if they give you them ( you have to ask for oars and cushions) I am not a cheap person and I can afford the 85 dollars but many family’s can’t and I think they are taking advantage of being the only game in town. Their store is very well stocked with beer, snacks, etc.. but are priced so out of line with if you purchased in Phoenix before you came up.

The Mogollon Rim is one of the largest attractions in the Payson area. The lakes are stocked with fish in the summer, wild life (including bear, elk, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and mountain lions) are abundant, and the colors of the aspen in the fall are magnificent. The forest service provides camping areas, off-trail paths, and information kiosks to further a unique experience. The smell of the pines and the wind blows through their branches is worth getting a bit off the road!

How on earth (do you see what I did there?) do you review a 2,000-foot high escarpment (cliff, if you like) that is one edge of the Colorado Plateau? You need a book for something this special.

There's so much to see and do here, and it's also a place to just sit and be.

Here we are in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest which, here anyway, gives you massive Ponderosa Pines. Trees in Arizona, who knew? (you live here long enough and people will explain their surprise that we have trees, and lakes, and not just snakes and scorpions).

Speaking of which, one of the most accessible and varied regions would be that close to the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center of route 260 north of Payson. Here you have the "Rim Road" with magnificent views which you are better to park and walk, as that takes you along a mostly-paved path along the edge of the rim. Keep your kids and pets close though, as it's a long, long, way down.

Also in the area is Woods Canyon Lake. The parking is "difficult" so come early. There's a little shop, boating, but the 5 mile-ish hike around the lake is delightful.

There are nesting eagles along the lakeside so you may see them either in the trees by the shore or, if you are lucky and come during the breeding season, perhaps you'll see them actually nesting - but from a distance and those areas are out of bounds, and for good reason.

Nearby there are several forest-service campgrounds. All perfectly serviceable but often a little noisy. Personally, I prefer dispersed camping in the forest, but that's not to everyone's taste.

Another wonderful reason to visit, particularly in the summer, is that at nearly 8,000 feet ASL, it can be 15-20 degrees cooler than in Phoenix. And, of course, in July and August, Phoenix can get to 115+, so that 20 degrees is an amazing difference.

Most visitors will likely be going north from Phoenix via Payson and that drive in and of itself is worth it just for the dramatic views. Coming south to Phoenix you'll be treated with spectacular views of the four peaks followed by the McDowells and then Camelback and the Phoenix Mountains. On the way back, don't forget to stop at Fountain Hills.

Beautiful part of Arizona. We had a great drive though unfortunately did not see any elk. Look-out points good.

Stopped to check out the view and boy what a view. The camping season is over so only the viewing platform was open. As for any type of out door activity at this area will have to be done next season but to check out the view and a quick rest perfect.

Beautiful drive, a bit windy. Watch for mustangs. Really nice views to the south, nice pine forests as you climb up.

My first visit to the rim and I'm hooked. We were guest's of a friend that has lived here all his life.
It's hard to explain the serenity, beauty, fresh air and Gods amazing work! You have to experience it for yourself. So many trails to hike, beautiful lakes and incredible views . The roads that we took were all in great shape.
I can't wait to return!

The visitors center was not open when we stopped, it looked like there was a gift shop inside as well. We looked around at the signs and enjoyed the view off the lookout deck. We were there around 6pm and the views were beautiful.

It's family friendly but there is some access to the edge on either side of the lookout deck so keep a close eye on small children. There's plenty of parking and a restroom-toilets only.

If you've got time stop and enjoy the views!

Payson is a pretty small town but it's located (in my opinion) in the best part of Arizona, up in the pines! The weather is cooler, and the view is outstanding. The best time to come here is in the fall when the leaves are changing, it's simply breathtaking!

This was the last trip I got to take with my dad before he passed away. It was very special and had great views and great weather and we fished at woods canyon lake. We had a great time and it's good for kids and if you stop off at the ranger station there is a nice balcony to walk on and overlook some good views. But the rim itself is breath taking and I will definitely come back.

Warning: maps are generally wrong on this site. DO NOT rely on them or you will waste your time and get lost. I asked a ranger about some of the destinations listed here and found that these maps in no way reflect reality. The ranger gave accurate info..
This is a large area which can be reached by few paved roads. Hiking trails are often quite wild in this area. NOT for typical walkers or hikers in most areas. SOME areas do have nicer trails, and one area was north of Payson, off 87/ 260 thru PIne and then into Strawberry, turn left/ west on Fossil Creek Rd.which turns into a rough dirt road, which, with moisture, could be impassable. There should be a sign to reinforce this turnoff to the west thru part of Strawberry. Very nice drive until the dirt..
In general, use MapQuest or ask a Ranger, but avoid all the maps here for "attractions" or "things to do".
There are signs up by Washington Park declaring Bears Live Here and it is a forest for experienced hikers and serious survival types. This area is only accessible via the Control Road which runs from west to east with many wiggles and blind curves and no stores or anything. A rough and long dirt road which goes by the town of Tonto Village, which is simply a residential area just west of the Hatchery. WARNING: The Control Road is, frankly, a dangerous place to be, and could shake your car to pieces. We drove it from 260 East, by the Hatchery, all the way to 87/260. Not for the faint of heart.
The Mogolion Rim is a huge area, visble from miles away, and if you want to get very close to it, buy an excursion, unless you're Grizzly Adams.
The area west of Strawberry, Fossil Creek is very beautiful and has toilets and a small to medium parking area, still dirt. No paving anywhere close to this area.

The Rim Country is Arizona at it's best !! Most people who haven't travel here don't realize the natural high mountain pine forested areas of Arizona . Just a short distance form the Phoenix Metro area and your in a much cooler climate surrounded by the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the world !! Four beautiful seasons !! Lots of snow in the winter too!! If you like nature and wildlife, you'll love the Rim Country of Arizona !!

When you come into payson on route 87 from phoenix the Mogollon rim opens in front of you and it is, for no other word, AWESOME. take route 260 to Sho Low and when you go over the rim it is some of the greatest sceanery in the world. NOT TO BE MISSED.

The Mogollon rim is a unique geological feature that runs generally East West across Arizona. To the north is generally ponderosa pine forests and to the South at lower elevation are pinion juniper forests. It is easy to see in the vicinity of the Verde Valley and specifically near Cottonwood..... Go check it out.

At the top of highway 260, on the edge of the Mogollon Rim, take rim road,(also Woods lake rd.) to the west, opposite side of the tourist center. You only have to drive 1.8 miles to get to a viewing area. The area has trails to walk around, and enjoy the views which are as good as any on the whole rim road..... I've seen it all. It's a quick stop for a lasting memory.

We drove Highway 260 from Payson up to the edge of the rim to enjoy some outdoor activities in the National Forest. After visiting Tonto Fish Hatchery (see separate review), our next stop was Woods Canyon Lake. That popular recreation area was disappointing; It's certainly a lovely scenic area but there were too many people there (hard to find parking). The lake is in a bowl-shaped depression surrounded by small bluffs, so it's difficult for wheelchair users to access anything but the developed area immediately around the store and boat ramp. We left and went back to the Rim Vista Trail, which was our main destination, and on the way we saw a herd of elk grazing right beside the road. The Rim Vista Trail is paved and winds about 2 miles along the edge of the rim, offering absolutely stunning views. It's suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, but there are some grades and no railings or guardrails. You can access the trail from the parking lots for several viewpoints along the Rim Road. Another paved trail connects the Rim Vista Trail to Woods Canyon Lake, passing through the campgrounds, but it mainly parallels the entrance road to the lake and therefore the scenery isn't as interesting. There's a visitor center located on the south side of Highway 260 at the intersection of Rim Road, but note it's only open Thursdays through Sundays during the summer.

We are absolutely in love with the rim! There are so many beautiful places to explore and photograph. Whether you want to play in a creek, fish in a lake, or hike a trail, then this is the place to go! This is truly one of Arizona's greatest treasures!

Stopped briefly at the lookout on Highway 260 outside of Payton. They need better signage - we didn’t see the sign until we were driving past it. Had to turn around and go back. Unfortunately, it was overcast that day so the view was not as nice as it would be on a sunny day. Also, it was very windy and cold. But, still worth taking a few minutes to stop and enjoy.

Beautiful place with very nice view of the pine forest around the area from the rim. There are few lakes in the area so get your swimming pants and suits ready for a family fun.

I grew up in Arizona and wanted to show off something beside the summer heat of the Phoenix Valley during a recent trip for a convention with my husband. A short and very lovely drive later, we were in the cool pines enjoying a spectacular view from the Mogollon Rim. We explored Woods Canyon Lake and saw a Bald Eagle swoop down after a fish - very exciting! Payson makes a great hub for food and hotels. Next visit we want more time!!

The Mogollon Rim really can't be described as a specific place to visit. Get in your 4 wheel vehicle and just drive and explore! Get a forest service map, so you can keep track of what trails you're on. And research hiking trails, too; there are lots of both.

We entered the escarpment west of Show Low near Heber, Arizona and drove the 38 mile route along scenic highway 300, also known as Rim Road. Although the eastern entrance to the highway is initially paved, the road turns to gravel and narrows as you move west towards Strawberry and State Highway 87. With numerous scenic overlooks along the way, you'll have plenty of opportunities to take it all in. Bring your camera, refreshments, and sure footed shoes. Also, make sure you turn inland at least once to enjoy one of several campgrounds and lakes dotting the north side of Rim Road. Finally, as you drive along, have someone keep an eye on the woods. During our visit, we spotted two separate herds of elk. The Mogollon Rim between Show Low and Payson remains one of Arizona's most interesting and stunning drives.

Beautiful Autumn day...trees are turning and weather was perfect for a nice long drive to the rim ....

We visited family recently that live in the Chapparal Pines neighborhood in Payson, Arizona. We brought our three 4- wheelers with hoping to explore the natural landscape! We travelled from Madison, MS to enjoy a new part of the country we hadn't explored before and wow did it deliver. The week was a family favorite, and what a great vacation for us. As you drive through the town on the weekend you definitely see that there is a lot more business on the weekend with families coming here to RV, ATV, and just enjoy nature. The potential for forest fire was a hot topic while we were in town. There had been one in the area recently and there were lots of warning posted and "Thank You Firefighter" signage. Our 9, 12, and 17 year old daughters really enjoyed four wheeling and the red dirt painted us from head to toe all week. So hopefully you have access to a washer and dryer like we did. Seeing elk in nature for the first time was a delight and something we will never forget.

The Rim is a majestic place and everyone should visit. Remember no forest fires, and bring a picnic lunch if you don't eat in town. Remember its cold in the winter and you might need tire chains

The road isn't for the fainthearted, as it's stony and rough for most of the 30 mile route, but the vistas and viewpoints are absolutely breathtaking, as are many of the trails. Not to be missed.

The Mogollon Rim has to be one of Arizona's hidden gems. It's more than a mountain or foothill ridge. It's an area. And an amazing one at that. An area from which to view the vastness and ruggedness of the Rim is from the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center about 20 miles east of Payson. The Center was closed for the season when we visited, so can't vouch for the displays. But . . . around back is a large deck that overlooks the Rim. We took numerous pictures. None did the area justice. There is too much of it. We're so glad we stopped for the view.

Super windy when we stopped at look out. Didnt stay long, not much to see just a view point and restrooms from what I saw

I take two weeks in July to go up there and it is so beautiful this is a must see for everyone. This area is located near the Woods Canyon Lake north of Payson Arizona

Always love coming to the Rim Country! The slightly cooler temps are always welcome! Woods Canyon Lake area is enjoyable and we love to go hiking, bike riding and fishing here, whether a Day trip or for a few days!

We visited in November and found that the road is gated closed (Nov-May) so we walked out to the first campground and overlook. Fantastic walk through the recent snow. From the campground to the overlook there was only one other set of footprints. Very peaceful and quiet.

I live in this area so I can't be impartial. Beautiful pine forest with lakes (love Woods Canyon Lake), trails, hiking, fishing, catch-a-trout, trout ladders, streams, camping etc. I can't say enough. Horton Creek and Rim View Trails are my favorite (along with everyone else!) but Rim View can be done in a car with multiple stops to do views from the Rim. A photographers dream at sunset and in the Fall. My attached photo is an aerial photo I took in the winter. Beautiful beautiful countryside!

This was a quick stop for us on our way to Showlow. The visitor center was buried under snow, but we walked over to take in the breathtaking view. We were not the only ones tromping through the snow to get photos. On the way back down, we passed the rim at sunset. What a view! Unforgettable.

Beautiful place with many hiking trails throughout, take a camera and water. Wonderful site seeing any time of year!

We went to the Mogollon Rim as a day trip from Pinetop-Lakeside. Great views and lots of terrrific places to picnic.

Love this view of the entire rim country and valley below. General Cook's trail a very historic point of interest. When the ranger station is open, lots of great information and post cards, etc.

Beautiful mountain geography of Northern Arizona. Fantastic, 2 hr close drive from the Phoenix Valley. Roughly 30F degrees colder than the valley. Great get-away from the summer time heat. Woods Canyon Lake is a great place to boat, fish, camp and hike. Great views off of the rim to the lands below. Trails range from paved easy, to strenuous. DOWNSIDE: Crowded area. People all come here to escape the heat and relax. I HIGHLY recommend making camping/lodging reservations before you arrive here.

North of Payson Arizona, the drives and views are worth the trip alone. Be sure to stop at the Ranger Station for some interesting displays and collectibles. The Ranger Station has variable hours during non-summer months, usually just on weekends. The lakes are beautiful and we had great luck fishing from the shore for rainbow trout. Camping possibilities- from dispersed forest camping up to nice full hookup RV sites- are extensive. Really an extraordinary beautiful part of the state.

What a beautiful and diverse place!. I have never travelled here before, but came to enjoy the diverse elevations and scenic vistas that this place offers. I want to go back.

Decided to get away, relax and take in the beauty of nature. Drove up to Payson for breakfast then continued up the 260 just past Woods Canyon Lake. We drove down Youngs Rd and took it all in.

Lots of trails, plenty of backcountry dirt roads. Deer, elk, bears, oh my!! Lots of opportunities for camping.

My love of sketching landscapes was rewarded by a trip along the Rim. I spent a couple of hours enjoying the views of the amazing landscape. It was a real way of recharging the batteries.

I have been all over the Mogollon Rim from the beginning to the end. It is a beautiful place where you can go camping in numerous place, You can birdwatch (there are numerous beautiful birds) You can go fishing at the many lakes and creeks and you can fish, hike, bike, hunt, and so many other things. It is beautiful in all seasons. One of the most beautiful sites for fall colors. There are natural springs and natural hotspots. It is well worth visiting often. I have been there Many times and I still enjoy the Mogollon Rim. I have taken dirt roads to the off of the way towns and old roads that have not been used for years. This is one of God's greatest creations.

Although a popular get-away for desert dwellers, there is always a place to find peace and quiet. Great fishing and hiking

Although Visitor Centre not open yet when we were there...still can walk around the back onto the deck and see the spectacular views. An info board points out all the ranges. Nice spot for a few pics

We've taken the room drive several times, and continued to explore the different roads and trails off the beaten path. The roads can get a little rough, even a lot of rough at some points, but the rewards are great when finding that remote picture perfect picnic spot. We talked to a couple who said they saw a ufo the night before, so you never know what you will see on the rim.

A very nice trip that is worth doing because it will show you a different Arizona. We chose the central part of the Mogollon Rim that is above Payson for a good day drive. You take road 260 east for 30 miles from Payson to the rim and after mile post #282 turn left on dirt road #300. The scenic drive on #300 stretches for 45 miles along the rim and offers several designated view points, but you can stop at many other places to take pictures of the beautiful pine trees and steep rocks. There are 5 lakes at 2-3-4 miles east from the road with plenty of camping sites. Our preference goes for Bear canyon lake , because the camping is a mile from the lake and it is not that crowded. Great place for ATVs! Descending from the rim to SR 87 has a lot of turns and a noticeable change in vegetation. Turn left on SR 87 west heading to Payson for another 30 miles. Passing by the village Stawberry, don't miss the pastry place called PieBar on you right from the road. Try their pies, empanadas, desserts that are always freshly baked (8 am- 5 pm). Our favourites are the Berry/apple blossom sweets.
If you have to travel from Phoenix you add extra 90 miles to Payson and it is still possible to do the Mogollon loop trip in one day.

Drove from Show Low to Hannigan Meadow via Springerville. Road is terrible and not scenic. Hannigan area still recovering from 2011 forest fire. Returned via Eager, Pinetop-Lakeside which I would recommend going both ways. Took side trip to Hawley Lake, beautiful 18 mile trip round trip. Side trip to Greer was a waste of time. Greer is nothing like the internet pictures.

On your way to Woods Canyon Lake outside of Payson, you have to stop your car, and see this spectacular Rim. You feel like you're on top of the world. :)

You can walk on the rim for miles and see many beautiful views. There are several lakes including one where you can rent boats and fish. They also rent paddle boards. The camp grounds are a little primitive. We were there at the end of June which is the start of the monsoon season. That meant lots of thunder and lightning and rain every afternoon. It was great!

My wife and I have been visiting the Rim Country for 25 years and finally were able to move up here 2 years ago from the valley. It is the most wonderful place in the world to live. The scenery is unparalleled. The people are the nicest in the country. Wildlife abounds. Outdoor activities are all over. From lakes to hiking, to hunting, scenic drives, creeks and more. The weather is great year-round (no 120 degree days up here). Absolutely love this place.

We loved visiting the Mogollon Rim. So beautiful and peaceful and quiet. Just loved being in nature and soaking in the beauty.

Best 46 miles we have traveled dirt road but taken care of really well Took lots of great pictures had a blast on the edges over nothing higher then the pine trees

The park like atmosphere on the Mogollon rim is my favorite. Ponderosa pines kept clean and clear by wildlife and fire!

Share the road (and especially back roads) with the deer, elk, and moose who live here. Take Photos, leave nothing. You'll love it if you have a heart. If you don't, there are places that would glad fry it up for your companions.

Specifically rented a SUV to make this drive and it was worth every penny. Started the drive near Pine and ended on the Heber side.

Total drive is 45 miles and it is entirely unpaved except for the first/last three miles on the Heber side. Road is marked as forest road 300 and is well signed and easy to follow throughout the drive.

What is not so good is the condition of the road from the Pine side until you reach the Sitgreaves National Forest border, which is about half way through the drive. This part of the road is very narrow in parts, rutted, and has some exposed rocks. Would be extremely reluctant to drive this part of the road without a high clearance vehicle.

However, the best viewpoints are in the first half of the drive from Pine, so the views make the condition of the road somewhat bearable. From the top on a clear day, you can see mountain ranges in Tucson and Phoenix.

Took us a little over two hours to drive the entire route and this included several picture stops. If you don’t have a proper vehicle for the drive, there are a few pull offs in the three mile paved part.

The 'RIM' is south & east of the grand canyon by over 100 miles... How this site got it is in the GC is beyond me. Also it is sooooo spectacular there should be a photo of the Rim - no of the trees. The rim is most beautiful from 5 miles NW of Strawberry, thru Pine, then onto the Mogollon Rim Vistitors center some 30 miles east of Payson!

I'd REALLY like to see this corrected!!!

Title says it all absolutely magnificent. Forest rd 300 is a wonderful day trip if you just want to get away for a day.

We return to the Rim country annually to beat the heat of Phoenix. There are a number of Forest Service campgrounds, modestly priced on the rim that provide cool days and chilly evening. The views are spectacular from the Rim trail and elk wander about the campgrounds and roads. There are crows that can be annoying, and we are told there are bear but have never seen any.

stop at at least one of the many view points at the Rim country lakes between Payson and ShowLow. Lots of hiking and exploring opportunities. Plenty of boondock camping sites or stay at one of the many campgrounds. Great for pets, kids, hunting, hiking, wildlife watching, ATV, horseback.

Liked the area the view. The waters seem to be getting over fished however but it's still great and the lakes are amazing.

Fantastic views! We visited in April, and it was cool and VERY windy. Beautiful and impressive, and such a change from the nearby desert.

The 300 road goes for many, many miles. It's a dirt road that has some exceptional pull outs for rocky views. For camping, it is the best in Arizona (I was born here).

I love being in the forest and being able to see for miles and miles! It is an easy hike along the rim to some prime viewing spots.

We often come up to the high country for the day just to breathe air that is not superheated. We drive along the rim and usually stop in at Woods Canyon Lake, just to 'look' at some water! We enjoy the drive and the little towns along the way. This trip makes a great day trip and a nice change of scenery. In the fall, if you pick the time carefully, there will be color change in the trees. In the winter, the mountains are laced with snow.
Stop in at the ranger station across from the turn into the Woods Canyon Lake area. Even if it is closed, they have a wrap around balcony with some great views, and a decent j-john style restroom.

Thought this was going to be a pretty cool place. It’s about a 30 min drive from payson. Visitors center is closed on Wednesdays, took the road into it and a couple of nice viewing spots. After that it goes into campgrounds with sketchy campers. There is a nice lake on the other side of the highway but nothing special.

Aspen campground on Woods Canyon Lake is a very popular place. Visit to find out why. The campsites are great and the hosts very friendly and helpful. We stayed in our RV for 6 nights and the enjoyed all the great hikes around the area and the great temperatures and afternoon monsoons. Definitely a place we will return to.

Layers and layers of valleys. You can see for miles. Lots of true,untouched beauty in every direction. High cliffs, tall trees, and tranquility. There are lots of long roads that take you past more beautiful scenery.

This is a perfect time to visit. We took our jackets, but never used them. Cameras are a must, and watch for elk.

The overlook of the mogollon rim between Payson and Heber is one of my favorite places to stop and catch my breath. The views are so amazing and it changes with the time of day.

When you are up there you see a sight that you won't think is typical of Arizona. You see lush green pine trees, the temperatures are cool and the air is clean and crisp. We love to hike, bike and boat up there.

I come here a few times a year and never gets old seeing the beauty the rim has to offer. Depending on the time of year is always different fall is our favorite but summer and spring are up there. Nice drive with the windows down. Bring a map or download one on your phone service is very very very spotty. And there is a lot to see if you are prepared.

The Mogollon Rim is a neat geological feature with great views and lots of history to see and read about. Get on the 300 rd and drive from 260-87. Well maintained gravel road in the summer.

My family loves going up to the rim. At an elevation of 7,000+ feet, it provides a great environment for people who love the outdoors. There are numerous options for hiking, camping, and sightseeing. The south side of the rim has some of the most fantastic views I have seen, short of the Grand Canyon. The best place for these views by car are accessible from the road off of Highway 260 toward Woods Canyon Lake. There are several places to park and hike along the rim. There are also several lakes nearby with plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing and camping. When we were at Woods Canyon Lake a few days ago, we spotted 2 Bald Eagles flying in the distance.

On the north side of the rim, along highway 87, there are many more places to camp and hike, although the views aren't quite as dramatic, it's still beautiful. One of my favorite lakes is nestled in the canyons on the north side called Blue Ridge Reservoir. It's also a great fishing lake that is stocked with trout throughout the year.

If you are headed up from Phoenix, make sure to stop at a store in Payson to pick up some food and water. The options are slim once you get there. Whether you're looking for a day trip or want to get away for several days, you can't go wrong at the Rim!!!

Hmmm, how to begin. We've lived in Colorado and New Mexico for the past 40+ years. And have traveled the mountains in both states. But, there's nothing like the Mogollon Rim. It is just spectacular. And a big surprise. The mountains just go on and on. Near Payson is a great overlook to soak in the extent of the Rim. Then from Payson to Phoenix there's just pass after pass after . . . well you get it. This last time, we counted seven passes. Four minor; three major. Each time we travel the area, we exclaim how wonderful it is. And surprising.

I am an absolute fan of Arizona (and former resident of 7 years). This was my first time to Mogollon Rim and I was really underwhelmed. I think I expected clearly marked hiking trails or at least an open visitors center. The area is nice, but I was with kids and they were quite bored. Tonto was great by comparison.

The crisp clean air was wonderful after working in Phoenix all week. The leaves are changing adding beauty. We headed off on a dirt road,found a creek. So quiet!!! We unpacked and had lunch. Kids played in the creek. Before we knew it 4 hours had past. We will be returning.

We love the Mogollon Rim! It is so beautiful with its lakes, creeks, and blue skies. Drop in and support a local restaurant while you are up here. Fun for the whole family.

Beautiful views from high on the ridge. Nice walking trails that are easy and wheelchair accessible 👍🏻

I can not begging to describe the beauty of this area. From below the Rim towers 1000’s of feet above showing layers a layers of rocks of varying shades of red. The drive onto the Rim offers amazing forever views. On the top of the Rim is a healthy pine forest. The smell of the forest in the sun is intoxicating. There are several small lakes on the Rim with hiking trails and fishing spots. There is an easy hiking trail that travels along the edge of the Rim for a couple of miles. We had to stop quite often just to take it all in! There is rv camping on the Rim and the location makes me want to rant an rv just to stay here. I can only imagine the nights on the Rim are filled with a zillion stars. One of my favorite places with beauty beyond words.

This is a must see attraction 300 rd. I suggest you start at Woods lake and it comes out above Strawberry. If you come from Strawberry you may miss the road. It is not clear. The drive is slow because it is gravel and a bit ruddy. The view is spectacular. It is so high up it is where the monsoons form hitting the cliff and the air raising. I'm not sure how long of a drive it is but it took us 2 1/5 hrs to complete.

The Mogolon Rim is now one of our new favorite hiking spots. We will be back to hike and explore some more for sure.

The Mogollon Rim is nice and the views pretty but we didn’t find it spectacular. There isn’t one main place to go, it stretches out quite far, but we drove around for a while, perhaps we missed the best bit. We may just be spoilt having recently been to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Was windy but not too cold once you get walking. The visitor centre was closed as it’s not open all week during summer.

Fall Colors on the rim are fantastic, With lots of roads to get off on you can enjoy them off main highway. Lots of lakes to fish at, elk abound in the area. Restaurants and convenience stores in area also. Alot cooler on top of Rim then Phoenix area.

This is a beautiful drive from top to bottom (literally!). The road is twisty, but generously wide and, where necessary, with a passing lane. We've driven it many times over the past 15 years. It is always in good repair. Be ready to take a quick photo or two when an unexpected vista opens and you gasp at the beauty unfolding before you.

This was a beautiful scenic car trip during which we tried to explore Mogollan Rim, Tonto National Forest and Coconino National Forest. The vistas were truly beautiful wherever we went. For us avid hikers car trips leave us hungry for explorations on foot which we decided we have to organize in the near future. If you want to explore via car you could do the entire Mogollan Loop. East out of Payson on Highway 260 to Heber, then bear left at Highway 277 and follow it for about seven miles to the junction of Highway 377. Continue on to Holbrook and possibly Canyon de Chelly. Most tourist just go along the Rim Road (300).

Awesome scenery along the highway and many places to go to. We visited Woods Canyon Lake. While the last mile of the roadway was littered with HUGE pot holes (we were on a motorcycle, so that's' somewhat of a problem), the lake itself is beautiful and quiet.

YES! This is a must do, I could not believe the fantastic and at times awe-struck views from the rim! We took Hwy 300 which curves and winds all the way through the rim and had numerous gorgeous areas to get spectacular views from. We packed a lunch, and the pup, and took drove all the way up to Knoll Lake, which was just as magnificent as the rest of the woods. The way we took, was quite bumpy at times (even in 4WD in a tundra) but it only lasted for short stretches and we were able to see all sorts of wildlife and beautiful trees, rock formations, and natural water deposits. My husband and I really enjoyed the relaxing views and stops along the way to take great photos. GO!! = )

If you think of desert in AZ this is not it. The top is near 7500 feet and flat, We place our folding chairs 3 feet from 1000 foot cliff and look at trees and mountains for as far as you can see. after sunset it is quite cool quickly. Many miles of ATV and 4 wheel roads. Some fishing lakes with boat rental access. If you are from the midwest or east these are big farm pond size ponds of water, but veryfew mosquitos.

I have lived in AZ off and on for years, and traveled here often when I lived elsewhere. This view is something I share with everyone I know and sure enough, I brought a first timer with me this time. You can see forever. I grew up in Colorado - and this view still amazes me. My favorite time to view is right before dusk.

What a great place for friends and family to go and visit. Beautiful scenery, friendly staff, and just being outdoors in God’s giving country. This is not only a great place for recreational use, but also for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts! I have been going here since I was 12 years old, and even though the popularity has grown, I will never stop coming.

My wife is in a photo class and club, so we packed a lunch and headed for the rim. Up hwy 260 to forest road 300. Turn left and go about 5-6 miles. Turn left at the T. Don't go towards Winslow, but follow the signs to Bear Canyon Lake. Take a right on any of the marked forest service roads and start looking for tree colors. 4 wheel drive is best once you get off the main road. Bring a camera for the colors and the wildlife. And pack a lunch and bring plenty of water. The store at Woods Canyon Lake is open until Nov. 10th, so if you need any small items you can get them there as well as fishing licenses, etc. As of last week-end most of the Aspen trees had lost their leaves, but the red maples were still pretty heavy with leaves. And be sure to visit the overlooks, but don't get too close to the edge. That first step is a dozzie!

We drove about 2 hours out of Phoenix to Woods Canyon Lake which is on top of the Mogollon Rim. The temps were about 30 degrees cooler than Phoenix and we had a great time renting a small boat with an electric motor for a leisurely cruise around the lake! VERY relaxing!

Arizona's Grand Canyon deserves its world fame, but if a visitor to the state has a chance to drive up AZ-87 to the city of Payson (ca. 85 miles north of Phoenix), then turning right (north) on AZ-260 and traveling another 40 miles or so, it will be a great visual experience--one worth going far out of the way to see. The drive to Payson is itself spectacular through rapidly changing and awesome short- and long-range vistas, and then the Mogollon Rim itself, an enormous and magnificent natural feature, comes into sharp focus as the climb up AZ-260 shows. A round trip from Phoenix might take four hours but would be worth every minute. I see this route repeatedly in both directions because I reside further north and east on AZ-260, and the trip simply gets better and better with each viewing. I've traveled on many continents and widely in the United States. This is one of the great drives I have ever seen. Recommended in the strongest terms.

So much to see and something different around every corner. Great trails for hiking or just a short walk just to get away from the road.

Found it very crowded on weekends, with excellent and friendly Forest Service personnel directing traffic. Go early or bring patience and plan on the possibility you will need to walk always to the water. It was beautiful and the wind through the trees sung you into tranquility.

Visited as a boy scout and many times since. Fishing , hiking, mt bikingn, Tonto Natural Bridge. It's all here and less than 2hrs from Phoenix.

When you stand on the edge of the Mogollon Rim, the views are expansive and breathtaking. It reminded me of the vastness of nature and the smallness of humans. There are parking areas off the main road which offer a short walk to experience the scenery.

We went in November and the rim had about 6" of snow, very beautiful. We want to come back in the summer or earlier in the fall and see more. We couldn't drive too far because of the snow.

Mogollon Rim is absolutely breathtaking. The trail walk along the edge is paved. Its definitely a must when visiting Arizona.

The rim is a nice place to stop and admire the view. I wouldn't necessarily call it a "destination" unless you are simply trying to get out of the Phoenix heat. There is a visitor's center. No sign of the Muggy Monster!

Always something interesting in all seasons. It's beautiful, cooler than Phoenix and has great seasons.

We have hunted in "Rim Country" 5 times in the past 10 years. This area is beautiful. The difference in altitude between the top of the rim and the lower plateau is amazing, up to 2000 ft. Because of the prescribed burns in various areas walking through the woods can be very enjoyable. You have to pay attention to your footing due to the rocks. The "Highline Trail" also transverses the plateau area.

Great views, easy hiking trails, wild life, clean air....what else is there? Great place to get away and enjoy nature.

After doing a horseback ride in the morning we decided to take a ride up to the Mogollong rim. We visited several of the small lakes and did stops along the way for the nice vistas of the valleys and hills full of trees as far as you could see.

The view to die for. My wife wants to be cremated and thrown off the rim. This is a 2000 foot escarpment that runs 200 miles from New Mexico towards the Grand Canyon. There are lakes at the top of the rim and a drive 30 miles along the rim edge. Great scenery everywhere. Suggest a four wheel drive although we did it in a Blazer 2 wheel drive. Good road fro 20 miles from Hwy 260 and the last 10 miles are washboard. Dock facilities at Woods Canyon lake and a small grocery store for sandwiches or pretzels. Lunch or dinner, better stop at Christopher Creek en route.

You MUST travel to the lake- just keep driving and there is a wonderful swimming area. Of course it was crazy crowded on the Fourth of July, but still a wonderfully enjoyable experience!!!

This has always been a great escape from the heat in Phoenix. Unfortunately the Forrest service has gone to the model of using concession vendors at all the the traditional sites like Woods Canyon Lake. The condition of the lake is deplorable. People litter and leave rotting bait all around the edge. I have been visiting the area for over 40 years and have never seen such disrespect for the forest and lake areas.

What's not to like about the Mogollon Rim!! It is a beautiful place all year long. Hiking, biking or driving in a vehicle - lots of places to see and do. Views all over the place, fishing is great too.

A very beautiful forest with pine trees and beautiful views. The parks are very well maintained. Roads are well marked and nice to travel on. It just happened that we got there the day after it snowed. It was beautiful.

We spent a week working up in the Mogollon Rim area and loved the country. Great open pine country. Lots of camping opportunity's. Views to kill!

Oh, my, the view took my breath away! Just Incredible! We drove 15 miles along the Rim Road and it was a fabulous drive! We stopped at every look out for photos! I was just too chicken to get close to the edge! But I sat on the benches and gazed out at the views! And the forest meadows! And the leaves changing on the trees! We saw a herd of deer feeding! The whole experience made me smile and smile! We will definitely be back!

What on this good earth is the Mogollon Rim? It is an enormous geologic phenomenon that cannot be fully described or discussed here. I suggest that one use Google and Wikipedia to learn much more about it.

How do you pronounce this odd word Mogollon?

There seems to be two popular choices : The Payson locals say muggy-on. Spanish scholars say mo-go-yawn. The name comes from Don Juan Ignacio Mogollon the Spanish Governor of New Mexico from 1712 to 1715.

My wife and I drove from Phoenix, North and East to Payson, Arizona, to see the Mogollon (muggy-on) Rim Country and environs. We left Phoenix from Motel 6 at the intersection of I-17 and Indian School Road. The drive to Payson was a comfortable, two-hour ride of 94-miles. Then we drove East out of Payson on HWY 260 an additional 40-or-so miles passing Kohls Ranch en route to the Mogollon (muggy-on) Visitor's Center, in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. After a very worthwhile visit to the (closed for the season) Visitors Center we drove back West on Arizona Forest Road 300 about 3-or-so miles where FR 300 was closed to West bound traffic. We then returned driving back East to HWY 260 and then West into Payson.

Whether or not you pursue a visit to the Mogollon Rim, just the 2-hour drive from Phoenix to Fountain Hills and then on HWY 87 to Payson is well worthwhile.

You can find great panoramic views off Hwy 260 on the Road to Woods Canyon Lake between Payson and Show Low. If you are headed towards Payson, you can take Rim Road FR300 to just north of Strawberry. This is dirt road with great forest views.

It is very beautiful here. We went to the lookout at the top and you could see for miles. The air is so clean clean.

Elevation is 7500 feet so gives a great view of the country to the south and west. We drove from Payson to see it and it's 25- 30 miles ... not entirely sure it's worth the drive but if nothing else to do, why not?

This area is beautiful and the drive towards ShowLow has great scenery. We saw deer on several occasions but did not see an elk.

My son & I visited Woods Canyon Lake during our tour of the Mogollon Rim. While driving Woods Canyon Rd, we saw plenty of camp sites, which I'm assuming charged a fee for camping, but there was no fee to just park at the lake. We hung out for about 3 hours, just walking along the perimeter of the lake, and watching all the people fishing. Looked as if you could rent canoes, paddle boats or kayaks at a mini-marina, but we were happy just to take in the gorgeous scenery and fresh mountain air!

Ahhhhh!! A wonderful place to get away & unwind!

The rim runs along the edge of an enormous valley roughly a half mile above the valley with vista views forever. There are also several mountain lakes you can visit, one of which rents small outboard boats and kayaks. Where we were I measured the altitude at about 7500 feet.

This is 30 miles east of Payson. Lots of benches. Nice deck for the view. Public restrooms. Signage with names of all the peaks you can see. 10 minutes is enough.

What a spectacular view. The weather was great - and the sky was beautiful! Did not see any elk on this trip. We went back to the lake as well - so quiet this time of year!

The Mogollon Rim is a little known delight to those outside of Arizona. High elevation means cooler temperatures perfect for camping (in RV parks or just pull off into the forest). Beautiful red rock mountains, Ponderosa Pine forest, elk, javelina, many lakes and a multitude of hiking and quad trails. Just a little over an hour north of Phoenix, its easy to get to. Summer monsoons keep the weather cool. Winter snow makes a fun place to bring the kids for sled riding or snow ball fights. 20 minutes from Payson where you can get groceries, Starbucks, restaurants, and more.

It is a wonderful place to camp and hike with wonderful views everywhere. It gets more popular in the fall with changing leave colors but anytime is a good time to visit. It is typically cooler than the rest of lower Arizona but that also means that unexpected snow can pop up occasionally. Be prepared because the town around the rim are few and far between; same caution for gas stations. My recommendation would be to get a book on Arizona camping and hiking to plot out good locations. With large areas of national forest, you can camp plenty of places off the grid.

We decided to go fishing on a Sunday at Woods Canyon and I'm so glad that we did! Lots of local wildlife to be seen, including deer. Boat rentals will not break the bank an there is plenty of space to spread out and find a fishing spot. When we went on Sunday, it was crowded for fishing, but I'm sure during the weekday it is extremely peaceful. No fish were caught that day, but we will be back to try again.

Several lakes for trout fishing, best chance for hooking one is going in the rear of willow springs.

It was rather dry when we went with very little wind. Most of the road was dirt and if you by chance found yourself following someone you ate a lot of dust.

Breath taking views. Go as far as you can drive. Stop at various locations to snap pics
The pine trees are a lot different from seeing cactus everywhere. Both are beautiful!!

We went camping in the forest and then took the 1/2 mile drive to the rim. Oh my goodness! They don't call it the mini grand canyon for nothing! You could see everything. It was a bit windy and chilly but it was November with snow on the ground. Also if you drive into town I think it is pine? there is this place called "That brewery". They have great food and beer for a great price.

Our first visit but for sure not our last. Good hiking trails, however some not well marked. Great sunset on the top of the rim. Can't wait to come back to do more exploring. Nice drive through the Rim country.

I grew up in the area but have been removed for 18 years. A lot of improvements have been made. There are beautiful overlooks on the now paved Road 300 to Woods Canyon Lake. Each overlook has handicapped parking and there is a paved trail on the rim that is wheelchair friendly. I wish my wheelchair bound son was with us this trip to enjoy. For those self propellers, and for this who push, there is mild to moderate inclines and declines, but nothing too bad. The views are simply spectacular. We definitely made our little girls hold our hands and not get too rowdy, as the drop off is substantial, and is right there. Great day trip to the rim and the rim country lakes, skipping stones, playing in a little snow, and basically having the place to ourselves. There are no open/unlocked facilities in the winter, so be prepared and forewarned if nature calls.

On a recent trip to Payson, we drove up and down the Rim a few times. It is a scenic drive. We're told that there is a specific "Rim Drive," which we did not do, but Hwy 260 and Hwy 87 both provide many lovely views.

We just went to to Christopher Creek for a couple hours. Absolutely beautiful there. So pretty and peaceful. Could use a little cleaning up from the trash people leave all over, but it’s mostly nice and pretty there by the creek.

At over 200 miles long, the Mogollon Rim stretches from eastern Arizona all the way to New Mexico. It sits 2 hours northeast of Phoenix near the city of Payson. During winter months these areas can see much cooler temperatures and even snow due to the elevation. The rim is around 7,000 feet in elevation and with the handful of lakes it’s a popular place to escape the hot summer months here in Arizona. There are several paid campgrounds throughout the area as well as some day use areas including hiking, fishing, and kayaking opportunities. The further down the road you go as you can also find areas to take part in free primitive camping. This is great for if you have a larger group or prefer some additional privacy while camping. Keep in mind that this will require an additional drive of around 30-40 minutes off of the unpaved road to find a site. Unfortunately, there are steep drops to get to the lake so there aren’t many options to camp near the water but you can easily get within a half mile of it depending on how busy of a weekend it is. They even allow camping for up to 14 days at a time so it’s good for longer stays during the summer months as well. Once things get back to normal we hope to be able to go stay here for a few days as we escape the 100+ degree heat waves in Phoenix!
- @wanderingwithustwo

Of course north AZ is beautiful: red rocks in the Sedona area, Grand Canyon, wide open vistas near Cottonwood....But who would have expected a view rivaling that of the Blue Ridge Mts?! Having driven along the Blue Ridge Parkway many times, I used to count how many ridges I could see. Depending upon the view site, I could detect equal numbers here and in addition, several views contained sheer cliffs of rock not dissimilar from parts of Grand Canyon. You can get a pretty good idea of the rim area if you can find route 300 the opposite end from the visitors ctr so that you don't have to endure the gravel road that at places is quite bumpy with unexpected ditches. There is a paved road for several good views if you enter the easy side.

The fragrant smell of the Pines, the sound of the wind, and the general tranquility you find here is like nothing else I have experienced. Yesterday was a beautiful for for this say trip for my husband's birthday.

We were able to get some time in hiking near Kohl’s Ranch, and playing in Tonto Creek. The foliage was lovely by the fish Hatchery too! Pics included for both locations.

Stunning views!! Amazing landscape and how different to the lower desert! AZ is such a diverse state!!

We will probably return many times, recommend a jeep or smaller vehicle -- road is narrow, and you often are brushing against tree limbs.

This is one of my favorite "walks" near Payson. I say walks because it is paved along Old Rim Road. It's beautiful and easy to get to and enjoy.

This portion of the 200 mile long great Mogollon Rim is only about 1.5 hour drive from Pinetop, Az on Highway 260. Just 25 miles west of the village of Heber-Overgaard. We stopped in at the Mogollon Rim Visitor center, it was closed for the season but if you walk around the little cabin. The view is nothing less than spectacular the colors and vistas were fantastic.

Then we decided to go north on Mogollon Rim road FS-300. Made several stops along the designated pull-outs. Took several more photos and looking out at the vistas that were breath taking. After a few hours of just enjoying the day, we drove up to Wood's Canyon Lake. After parking and walking towards the little Lake side Store to get a soda. Both my wife and I got the opportunity to see 3 Mother Elk (cow's) and 2 baby Elk (calves). They were grazing near the parking lot and were content with just grazing. We also saw a young bald eagle up in the upper tree limbs where we had a picnic lunch.

Wow what a fantastic day trip - we will be coming back to this spot.

Beautiful area and even though we brought out 9 and 4 year old, I wouldn’t suggest unless their avid outdoors kids. Check on seasonal closures. Our mistake not doing so.

We started on the Heber side, and the first 3 miles or so were paved. Don't miss this part of an easy drive. Loved the view from every pullout. We went to Woods Canyon Lake, which was beautiful. This area had restrooms, picnic tables and a store. Great place for a picnic lunch.

The road turned to gravel as we continued to Bear Canyon Lake. Driving through the Ponderosa Pines was nice if you go slow. You can avoid the dust by allowing extra room when following a car. There's a hike down to this lake, which is also beautiful.

We spent about 5 hours here. If I did it again, I wouldn't turn around when the road turns to gravel. There wasn't anything unique enough to draw us back to that area. But, I definitely recommend the paved area and stopping at every pullout. Short walks or just take in the view from the parking lot. Gorgeous!

A must-see when vacationing in Payson. Take a day-trip east of town and hike or enjoy the lakes up on the rim. Simple Beautiful.

we pretty much used a day to drive the rim road, did it from southeast to northwest; the long unpaved part is very driveable, just slow down when you feel the need, but nowhere was it even close to impassable
spent a lot of time at the first two stops (including Military Sinkhole); walked on south shore of Woods Canyon Lake to the dam, due to time constraints did not walk around the entire lake, but even that short walk was scenic
got out several times to gawk at the scenery and take pictures, the steep rim combined with the far-reaching panoramas is worth a look, and another look, etc.
We hiked down a short steep trai, and scrambled ( tricky footing both up and down) to an abandoned railroad tunnel, a nice short hike that will get your heart rate up if you push it as we did to complete it in daylight

This is a natural wonderland! The largest stand of Ponderosa Pines in the world! Lots of forest service roads, wildlife rivers and lakes...I spend lots of time here

Just about as beautiful as can be expected. The view just off highway 300 was spectacular, especially from the pull-offs.

We did a very short trip to Mogollon Rim. It was beautiful and very scenic. We want to return when we have more time to explore.

There is so much to explore and do! Great escape from phoenix. I have a 5, 4 and 5 month old and we went to water wheel and Horton's creek! They loved those hikes!! We brought some small toys with to play in the water and they had a blast!

Visiting Payson, then u have to get to the mogollon rim lookout. fantastic view, it you're not afraid of heights

We have been to the Mogollom Rim many times in the last 40 years and we see something new every time. Camping is great, the views are excellent any time of the year, fishing is good, and the weather, especially in the summer is worth the effort to get there.

No matter the time of the year, the drive northeast (up) AZ260 from Payson to Heber or southwest (down), traveling along the Mogollon Rim provides amazing scenery. The AZ260 is well build and maintained. Only in some areas can traffic buildup be a problem.

The Mogollon Rim is certainly one of the "must-sees" of Arizona. No matter what time of year you are certain to find something to get excited about. For me, it's standing on the edge of the Rim looking out at all the trees below, with valleys scattered around and tucked in here and there are cabins. It's a sight that can't be topped! I've recently learned that the Rim is over 200 miles long....and interesting fact to keep in mind while you're exploring all that it has to show you.

We've travelled the world and I still love the Mogollon Rim in Arizona. While the Grand Canyon and Sedona are great places to visit I never get tired of the Rim. It stretches across some 200 miles of Arizona. It rises from between 4,000 to 5,000 foot elevation at the base to as high as 8,000 foot elevation at the escarpment edge. In the summer you can drive along the Rim Road and look out into the Arizona clear blue sky for hundreds of miles to the south seeing vistas that may only be seen in Arizona. The Rim country is the home to large herds of elk and deer that can be seen on your drive. We stopped to view a small herd of elk grazing and let our grandsons out to see how close the would come. One of them walked out and stood very still and an female elk came up to him and checked him out; close enough to touch his hand. She was more inquisitive than most, but this was a memorable experience.

I come up here as many times every year as I can. You can stand on the precipice and look over vast stretches of forested mountains east of Payson or over Sedona and the Verde Valley southwest of Flagstaff.

It never gets old!

nice drive, beautiful sunset & hiking trails. Great camping area, nice bathrooms & a lake. Spring is the best

The scenery was majestic with a eagle swooping down to catch his lunch. Mountains and tall pine trees surround the lake. Paddle boats, kayaks and tin boats to be rented at a very fair price if you don't want to fish from shore. Or you can just troll around the lake taking in the views. General store right there in case you get hungry or need supplies. Very nice people.

Before sports took over life my family and I would tent camp here no less than 30 times a year! I absolutely love the Rim! One of the most beautiful places on Earth!!!

Beautiful area with a couple of lakes, scenic pullouts, picnic tables, day-camping, not sure about overnight campling. Stop at the tourist office about 20 miles east of Payson at the intersection of Hwy. 260 and the Rim Road (300).

There is a beautiful easy hiking trail with amazing views at the top of Mogollon Rim. It is a must see if you are in the area. There are great fishing spots, lakes, campsites, and lots of wildlife. It is absolutely amazing.

This cliff/escarpment runs 200 miles through northern Arizona. there a re wonderful hikes, quaint mountain towns and very friendly folk

The Mogollon Rim overview site is amazing. The whole rim area is amazing! I live in the White Mountains and this area has amazed me for over 35 years, always something new.

I can't imagine anyone having a bad thing to say about this, unless they just were expecting something else. Woods Canyon Lake is a small lake surrounded by pine trees in the Mogollon Rim. It's easily accessible by any vehicle (paved roads). The trail around the lake may not be suitable for all mobilities, but there is shoreline on either side of the ramp for relaxing. The more adventurous can hike to different areas to enjoy the lake.

Small boats only. I'm not sure the exact restrictions on motors, so check before you bring up a boat. I think it's electric motors only. They do rent kayaks and small boats.

Fishing for trout is plentiful. Very rarely have I gone during the summer or fall and not walked away having caught 3 a day with just Powerbait. I won't give away my fishing hole though, you have to find your own. ☺️

Do yourself a favor and take the 2 hour drive from Phoenix and get out of the summer heat for a nice day in the woods by the lake.

Great drive with stunning views! Taking some of the forest roads - dirt, but well traveled and well maintained - allows one to drive many miles along the north edge of the rim and look southward into the expanse. Most people picture Arizona as empty spaces with desert and saguaros, but the northern portion of the state offers a lot of other beauties. This can be done on an easy day trip fromPhoenix or Flagstaff getting you out and back with no problems. There are also lots of camping areas where one could cool off and truly enjoy the fresh air. I didn't see elk on my visit but hiking around saw fresh droppings throughout the day.

My husband and I took this drive and I have to say, for me, it fell flat and I couldn’t wait till it was over. There are some amazing vistas. But for the most part one is driving through forest on gravel roads by camping sites. The Rim Road 300 is governed by 2 different Forest Ranger areas. If you start off of Hwy 260 from the Mogollon Ranger Visitor Center, the roads are somewhat better and the road to Wood Canyon Lake is paved and lovely. But about half way on this 43 mile ride, you leave that Forest Ranger jurisdiction and the roads are awful and full of potholes. I do not advise driving it in a sedan, as we unfortunately did. I have taken other scenic rides that were much more lovely.

Cliff edge view just off of Highway 260. There is off-street parking variable. There's a trail along the rim that offers spectacular views.

This is a beautiful scenic area - easy drive from PHX - and I went back for a second visit within one up month because - it was written up in the Phoenix October 2017 monthly magazine as one of the 7 WONDERS of AZ ( and in their fall colors guide) --

Unfortunately, the ranger station was closed - Walked along the RIM and then Woods Canyon Lake - yet it was a bit chilly on this Saturday morning--
We wanted to hike Webber Creek Trail - and had information from the magazine and just a one page Mogollon RIm Area map ( from the RIM COUNTRY Regional Chamber of Commence) - bottom line we drove on a NON paveled - gravel road FR 64 Control Road for FAR too long - even in a jeep was too much - and really saw not much hiking area - I think that the ranger station and their information is critical to do the best hikes - we might try again in the Spring - we ended up again at Tonto Natural Bridge which is fun but 2X there

Enjoyed the fall foliage views from the Rim, roads turns Into gravel/rock so it's a bit bumpy but worth it.

We love spending time on the Rim, whether off Hwy 87 while passing north thru Pine/Strawberry, or from Hwy 260 after passing by Kohl's Ranch & Christopher Creek. All of the Rim Lakes are uniquely beautiful and offer something different for visitors, from improved campgrounds, marinas & canoe/boat rentals, to smaller hike-in, hike-out, more secluded ones. Our favorite part of the Rim is from Happy Jack east toward Heber-Overgaard, but don't forget that it stretches far beyond that to the east and west beyond Sedona/Flagstaff, beautiful country all. Everyone should drive the Rim Road at least once between 87 & 260, and take the "pines to desert drive" from 260 on the Rim, down to Young.

I love the rim road where you can pull off next to the rim and then hike along the rim. A heavy thunderstorm passed through while we were there - loved the lightning show and it cleared the air and dropped the temp by 20 degrees. Great place to get away and just sit on the edge to enjoy the view or get in a good hike away from the desert heat.

Beautiful ride through the high pines. The vistas are amazing, and the lakes are a beauutiful blue. The air smells fresh and natural and it totally unadulterated.

Let me start by saying that there is no one spot where you can see this place. It is something that can be seen from various places. That being said, each view was spectacular. I can not imagine the glory that the first native visitors experienced when they arrived many years ago. Definitely worth the drive if you like to see beautiful terrain.

There are not enough adjectives and superlatives to describe the majestic Mogollon RIm, which Zane Grey called the Tonto Rim in his books. It stretches from the Flagstaff area to Payson and beyond. Coming from the south you can see it rising up from the desert like the Grand Canyon with only one rim. From the north, the trees end and the world suddenly drops away with steep grades as high as 16 percent. Individual sights along the rim are listed separately on Tripadvisor. Payson has lots of dining and lodging options and makes a good base to explore the area. Some of the roads along or below the rim require four wheel drive and like anywhere else in Arizona be sure to bring plenty of water.

Many of the areas were closed due to the drought and potential for wildfires. However, we hike parts of the rim that were open and drove through the areas that were open. We saw no wildlife whatsoever. But, the rim is beatiful and the views absolutely breath taking. I would glady return to this area in hopes to see much more of it.

One of the most beautiful hikes we have ever done and we hike a lot. Beautiful tall pines, flowers, waterfalls. Easy terrain.

Not too hot the day we visited and the views were spectacular. Would recommend anyone coming out this way to visit.

One of our favorite places in Arizona is Woods Canyon Lake on the Mogollon Rim. It is a fantastic place to camp or to spend the day. We do usually go during the week, because weekends can get really, really crowded. This trip I hiked around the lake. It's an easy 3.5 mile hike. The bald eagles nest at the lake and if you're lucky you can see them flying around. We've also seen elk walking by the lake. There is a store and you can rent a boat and go on the lake. We usually fish from the shore. We always catch some trout at this lake. There is also a rim trail that is paved to hike or bike along. The Lake has port-a-potties and there is a fee for day use. We paid $5.00. Worth every penny. Beautiful views and much cooler than Phoenix. It's a great day trip from Phoenix and a great place to visit

We stayed in a rental home in Colcord Estates, probably 25-30 miles east of Payson. Our main activity was ATV riding. We started on FR 300 from the WEST end after coming up the hill from Camp Verde. Some of the vistas are spectacular and we had a great ride. Two days later we rode north of Woods Canyon Lake and also had a good time although that was in the forest and there were no views as there were on Road 300. We did not ride on the east end of FR 300. Forest looked to be in good health, and there were lots of people camping this weekend.

It's beautiful country! Full of deer and elk and bear and spotted with a multitude of small hardly accessible trout fishing lakes. Don't try to get to them in the wintertime!

Made a short day trip to the rim. Take a 4X4. The wind was fierce when we were there and cancelled the picnic. But, will try again.

Last fall we explored the rim country and met a lot of friendly locals. It seems every other shop offered antiques. We explored lakes and streams and parks for our dogs to hike with us.

When traveling between Show Low and Payson, the stop for the view of all the mountains in northern Arizona is worth it. View is simply beautiful and a great overall view of every mountain (or so it seems) :)

The views are terrific. Never realized there were so many nice lakes in the area. Great hiking. The cliffs are really impressive and the fact that the Rim is approx 2000 feet above the surrounding area.

We wanted to drive the Mogollon Rim Road on our Spring Break trip. Important Tip - apparently, the rim Road is closed Nov. 1-May 1. We haven’t seen this mentioned elsewhere, and it seems to have surprised at least two other cars of folks.
That said, we were able to park at the camp ground across from the visitor center on Hwy 260 east of Payson and hike the rim view trail. WOW! Talk about some spectacular views! The hiking was relatively flat and the trail follows the rim closely. Lots of great photographic opportunities, especially good in the morning light.

If you have not driven the Rim Road (Forest Road 300) take a drive! Lots of places to stop and enjoy the view. The Mogollon Rim separates Northern Arizona from the rest of the state and is quite the sight to see.

Another poster stated the road opens May 1. Not correct. The road is open from snow melt to first snow. The 7 miles to Kehl Spring campground are usually open in the winter. Remember this is a forest service road. It is often one lane and is usually rough to very rough in places. This week we averaged about 10-15mph. It was passable for a small car, but just barely. On weekends, particularly in summer, is very dusty with lots of 4wd and ATVs. Weekdays better for scenery which on the Coconino NF side is spectacular and open to camping right on the rim - no services.

There are so many places to witness the immense expanse of the geologic wonder. You may view it from above as well as below. It extends about 200 miles through Arizona. A wonderful place for a scenic drive as well as providing many hiking trails.

Came for some elk hunting with family and had a gorgeous trip and experience. Saw some beautiful elk in this high country and walked some beautiful areas.

There are a lot of forest roads to explore, and during the week there are hardly any people. Potato Lake is a nice spot to visit.

Many breath taking drives along the Mogollon Rim and hiking, fishing, camping ares abound. Its well worth the time and drive to get here. Great area for families.

We drove up from Payson and did a little walk around the trails. We weren't there long (didn't have time) but we would like to return!

We love spending time on the Rim. Recently we tent camped at Spillway campground at Woods Canyon Lake. We brought our own kayaks up, but you can rent them there. It was so neat watching a mom and young elk grazing next to the lake. It's a great escape from the Phoenix metro area!!

We spent a few nights here at a camp spot called Mogollon Campground. There are a lot of spots in this area. We should have picked another spot. I now understand why we were the only ones in the site. It's filled with huge rocks all over the spot which makes it hard to set up. We made the best of it though and had a good time. Not the best spot and definitely would not recommend it to others. We will not be returning to this site again. There are lakes in the area which are really cool. The view at the rim is awesome. There are also large construction trucks going through the area all day that starts at 5am.

Have spent many days here camping, fishing and hiking. Many established and unestablished camp grounds exist all around the area providing various levels of amenities and seclusion. Several lakes are also present in the area which allow for fishing in the warmer months. Tons of trails of varying degrees of difficulty traverse the area and allow for single day hikes up or multi-day backpacking trips. The scenic vistas are beautiful and the fall leaves (October-November) are wonderful. The main Forest Service road is closed during the winter and prohibits access.

Fun times in May 2020 in a heavenly environment! Only a 1 1/2 he drive from Phx to a gorgeous drive around the Mogollon Rim in Northern AZ.

The most breathtaking views. The road is a little rough but just take it slow and easy. Pack a lunch and stop at one of the beautiful lakes on the rim. Lots and lots is turnouts so you can stop anytime to enjoy the incredible views.

The rim has beautiful lookout spots all along the road. The rim lakes are also close by -- Woods Canyon and Willow Springs. Great trip if you have never seen it

I love the Arizona high desert and plan to retire in Rim Country. My favorite two hikes in the area are Horton Springs and Rim View trail for different reasons. Horton hikes along the creek to a cool spring coming straight out of the mountain for 7.5 miles of moderate exercise. The Rim View hike is an easy hike that lives far beyond its title! Views along this walk are incredible!