There’s dozens of hiking options combining different trails, so we’ll cover the most popular ones. On the other side of Christopher Creek is the Sharp Creek Campground, 23 miles east of Payson. The 43-site Christopher Creek Campground is the best of the below-the-rim offerings. During the fall, the aspens show their true color. Bear Canyon Lake is begging you to spend your summer days here. Similar to its sister lake, Willow Springs, Woods Canyon is another easily accessible lake and perfect for your family camping trip. In case you’d like to indulge in other recreational activities, we’ve listed a few more options. These grounds are free of charge so they don’t come with every bell and whistle. Needless to say, sightseeing is a favorite activity along the Rim, but this forest area also boasts a historic system of hiking and horseback trails, a couple of picturesque lakes for boating and fishing, and backcountry skiing for wilderness adventurers. Double check the weather as the Rim is a hot spot for lightning strikes. You can do this drive starting from the east, by Woods Canyon Lake, or from the west, which is north of Strawberry. These campgrounds have rugged ground, so you’ll be more comfortable navigating in a truck or SUV than a sedan. That’s part of the reward, right? We’ve broken them down by difficulty: easy, moderate, and challenging. Rim Country is the real deal in every season, too. You can embrace temperatures in the 60s through April and May, when camping season kicks in. The Rim is actually a 200-mile “wall” that stretches across the state, but here we will refer to the roughly 50-mile section just north of Payson between State Route 260 and State Route 87. Luxury camping amenities are not included, but you can count on a quiet night in the forest. Most are stocked with rainbow and brown trout. A post shared by calliejhogan (@calliejhogan) on Jun 21, 2019 at 12:15pm PDT. The trail parallels the Christopher Creek all the way up to the Rim (7 miles round-trip), but this is another one where you can go just as long as you want. Source: https://www.arizonahighways.com/mogollon-rim-almanac. U-Bar will take you through forested canyons and various water sources for 6.5 miles. In the midst of people declaring the Mogollon Rim their home, it received its name. If you’re up here in the summer, don’t be afraid to take a dip into Bear Canyon’s brisk waters. Recreation activities for the Mogollon Rim District: Map showing recreational areas. It’s completely reasonable to turn back whenever you feel you’ve gotten your fix. Because of its accessibility, crowds tend to flock here, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the beauty. August is the wettest month — compliments of Monsoon season. The photo above (see larger view) was taken by Mark Hickcox, Civil Engineer Tech on the Mogollon Rim District, from the Hutch Mountain Lookout Tower in the summer of 2011. The Mogollon Rim (/ m ʌ ɡ ɪ ˈ j oʊ n / or / m oʊ ɡ ə ˈ j oʊ n / or / m ɒ ɡ ɒ dʒ ɔː n /) is a topographical and geological feature cutting across the northern half of the U.S. state of Arizona.It extends approximately 200 miles (320 km), starting in northern Yavapai County and running eastward, ending near the border with New Mexico. The Rim Lakes Vista Trail which provides spectacular views of the Mogollon Rim is approximately 1/2 mile away. This section of the Arizona Trail will wind you through meadows and canyons all the way to Blue Ridge Reservoir and beyond for a total of 15.8 miles. Mogollon Campground, although not directly in the Woods Canyon Recreation area, sits just outside and is only two miles from the lake. Supervisor's Office, 1824 S. Thompson St. Join 80,000+ adventurers getting epic travel, camping and hiking ideas every week. It extends across the entire forest and provides excellent views within Plateau Country and Desert Canyon Country as well. During this scenic drive atop the rim we will stop at a number of overlook vista points to take in the expansive sights. If you’re looking for even more of a challenge, you can loop it with a couple of extra miles on the West Webber Trail. If you decide to stay the course of Fred Haught, the trail will fork after another 3 miles and you can choose the Houston Brothers Trail or the U-Bar Trail. But once you’re on the trail, it’s usually pretty mellow. A post shared by Sean Kaplan (@seanshimsham) on Aug 24, 2016 at 7:23pm PDT. This 7 mile out-and-back trail will guide you along the edge of the Rim through Gambel oak, Quaking aspen, and boulders too. The end of the Barbershop Trail links to the last segment of Houston Brothers. This easy-to-follow trail has a handful of paved sections and plenty of stunning photo ops. Look no further than Big Bear Lake. Granted, going to the visitor center is part of the Rim Country experience. Give your tired soles a rest and spend your day floating on water. It’s most difficult to access, but also the most serene and remote. Once you’ve parked, you’ll notice a large trail. After about 2.4 miles, turn left onto FR 86 for another 3 miles. These two campgrounds are located within a half-mile of each other, however Upper Tonto Campground is the more desirable of the two — the lower campground is right next to the highway. The Mogollon Rim feels like heaven’s porch. Sites are $18 a night for one car ($9 per extra vehicle). If you want to dive head first into a hefty backpacking trip and explore this whole region, we recommend starting with the Fred Haught Trail to keep all your options open. Mogollon Campground in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Payson Arizona. If you strap on a backpack and setup camp next to the shore, you’re guaranteed to have a peaceful night with you, the soft sounds of water and the blazing stars. She has been published in Arizona Highways Magazine and Phoenix New Times, and has traveled overseas for her work. The trailhead for this hike is located at the Military Sinkhole Vista parking lot — about 2 miles from the east entrance of FR 300. Come October, the daytime highs typically simmer down to the 50s, while the weather may turn frigid from December to February. The Mogollon Rim is a rugged escarpment that forms the southern limit of the Colorado Plateau. For hours and pricing, please visit the website. He was the governor of the Spanish territory in New Mexico and was chosen to serve the region in the early 1700s. Turn left on FR 149 and the signs will lead you the rest of the way. addresses & phones, Coconino Nat'l Forest Once you’re on FR 300, keep going for about 12 miles. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. It’s only 6 miles down Rim Road on the left — where you have your first sight of Aspen trees. Take a trip with Private Jeep Excursions to explore the majestic Mogollon Rim, Promontory Butte, Rim Lakes, and other historic attractions on the plateau. However, the stunning, panoramic views and pine-scented air make it all worth it. The Mogollon Rim is a geological feature 200 miles long cutting across the state of Arizona. But the Mogollon Rim is an exception due to cool temps at high elevation matched with shade from the trees. The Rim Country is Arizona at it's best !! Aside from the camping mentioned in “The Lakes” and “The Scenic Drive” — here’s a few more options. If you're looking to learn more about the Mogollon Rim area as you plan your trip, you've come to the right place. This is also the point along the drive that a handful of prime, primitive camping along the Rim reveals itself. If you ask Arizonans what their favorite pastime is, many a local will say, “Fishing on the Rim.” All of the lakes in Rim Country present golden opportunities for fishing. From the east entrance of FR 300, drive a little over 3 miles and you’ll see the turn off on your right. A majority of designated campgrounds are open from May to October, dependent upon weather and other hazards. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. Moving forward, you’ll come to a fork in the in road. Once again, towering Ponderosa pines keep this campground cool. Haigler Canyon This campground was constructed in 2007 and offers 2 day-use sites and 2 campground areas with 14 overnight sites. A post shared by Michael Edwards (@_michael_edwards_) on Jul 30, 2018 at 8:56am PDT. Hidden in the cliffs above the Salt River between Canyon Lake and Apache Lake, Skeleton Cave is the scene of one of the most brutal, bloody events in Arizona history. From the west entrance, drive about 4.6 miles and it’ll be on your left. You can read more about the Cabin Loop Trails in the hiking section above. Reservations must be made 4 days before your arrival, but you can make them 6 months in advance. Plus, you’ll feel accomplished afterward. Clustered along Highway 260 a few miles below the crest of the rim, the nearby creeks make these great options for camping near water if you don’t care about being near the lakes. After about 3 miles, you’ll leave the fire ruins behind and spruce, hardwood and evergreen will fill your peripherals. The views are still magical and plentiful, but after another 5 miles, remnants of the Dude Fire come into sight — one of the most devastating fires Rim Country has seen. Keep your eyes peeled for the finer details like Canadian white violet flowers in the spring, or Bald eagles soaring the skies in the winter. Nature lovers flock from every direction to experience its wonders. For those who like spectacular views, this campground is one of the closest to the Mogollon Rim. More than 1,000 years later, after disputes settled and the region and its people evolved, the Mogollon Rim suffered a natural disaster that no human could control — the 1990 Dude Fire. The campground is located among the Ponderosa pines. From June to August, you can expect temps in the 70s and 80s during the day. With all this being said, if you’re willing to go the extra miles, you’ll be happy you did. You’ll trade in noisy chatter for sounds of trees swaying in the wind and water gently crashing onto pebble shorelines. Continue for another 12 miles until you reach the parking lot and the first-come first-serve Chevelon Canyon Campground — in case you’d like to stargaze. You will be truly off-the-grid without any electric, water or dump facilities when you are at the Mogollon Rim camping locations we like to visit. Willow Springs Lake is one of the most easily accessible lakes on the Rim. All you need is a healthy tank of gas, some of your best people and your favorite playlist. You can camp at Black Canyon Rim Campground or Gentry Group Campground — which you’ll see on your way in. Map of the Mogollon Rim Forest Road 300 “Rim Road” A popular scenic drive is along Forest Road 300, aka “Rim Road”. Forest Service Road 300 follows the Rim and is a great starting point for any number of activities. There numerous campgrounds located in the forests below the Rim too. Every major lake, aside from Bear Canyon and Chevelon, are equipped with boat ramps for you to launch your kayak. With its difficult access though, and luck on your side, you might have this lake to yourself. There’s also no shame in lying down on a towel and getting a full dose of Vitamin D. You can camp at the firest-come first-serve Bear Canyon Campground, too. Mogollon Rim Visitor Center Picnic Ground Shaded area is CLOSED to all motorized vehicles. For those who like spectacular views, this campground is one of the closest to the Mogollon Rim. It is looking south-east toward Long Lake. To get here from the west entrance, go 7 miles and the campground will be on your left. After three miles on Fred Haught, you can veer left onto the Arizona Trail (Blue Ridge Segment). The Mogollon Rim rises to nearly 2,000 feet above the rugged country to the south. Views stretch from its rocky precipice to Four Peaks of the Mazatzals northeast of Phoenix. Located less than a mile up the road from S. R. 260, Rim is situated close to the edge of the Mogollon Rim. A post shared by DJ McCoy (@whoisdeejj) on Jun 30, 2016 at 6:17pm PDT. The Mogollon Rim is home to Camp Colley, an outdoor adventure camp at Little Moqui, run by the City of Phoenix, Parks and Recreation. If you want to camp near Woods Canyon Lake and all the other nearby campgrounds are full, the Rim Campground is a fantastic back-up plan. Set in the heart of the Oregon Coast Range, this trail is a local favorite for its remote accessibility and breathtaking beauty. Vintage Arizona Map Metric Edition Of The Mogollon Rim By John Shotts Jr Rare Arizona Map North America Map Map . Looking for more cool spots to frolic in the Arizona high country? The amount of ways to spend your day in Rim Country are practically limitless, but if you want the most bang for your buck and a true lay of the land, taking a scenic drive is your best bet. It’s the second largest, too. There is a cluster of campgrounds in the Rim area, and our Four Corners Unit friends Jim & Min had taken a hosting gig at the Mogollon Campground for the season, so we thought we’d hang out there for a few days. But if you’d rather take matters into your own hands, primitive camping is open year-round. Access the Horton Creek Trailhead about 1/2 mile up Tonto Creek Road after turning off from Highway 260. Blue, plastic diamonds will guide you the rest of the way. Dropping as much as 2,000 feet in some areas, the Rim provides some of the most far-reaching scenery in Arizona. Spend the night at one of these spots, and at dawn, Mother Nature will greet you with her finest. There’s plenty to go around. Map Legend Scenic Overlook Motorized vehicles are ONLY allowed on numbered Forest Roads within the boundary of the Rim Lakes Recreation Area unless signed otherwise. The Mogollon Rim is undoubtedly a camping mecca for Arizonans. Welcome to Mogollon Resort Cabins! You can learn more about our editorial and affiliate policy here. Head straight for another mile and half. Just keep following the signs and you’ll have the choice of two parking lots. My son & I visited Woods Canyon Lake during our tour of the Mogollon Rim. It’s the last big lake along FR 300 — if you entered from the east side, that is. The Mogollon Rim wouldn’t be what it is today without its finest ingredient — water. And this is definitely a hike where there’s not one climatic destination — although Horton Spring is darn cool. By the mid-1800s, the war against European settlers and the natives was underway. Map Information, Areas for Mountain Biking at Mogollon Rim Ranger District. Drive from Payson on Highway 260 for 14 miles for the signed turnoff to the south. The out-and-back trail ends at Horton Spring, where you’ll find the cold waters gushing up above mossy rocks. Aside from the six major lakes up on the Rim, there are several lakes throughout the region that you may want to put on your agenda. Just when you’re ready for eye-opening views again, they appear. Camping on the Rim. What outsiders perceive to be millions of acres of dirt and tumbleweeds is actually a world-class collection of canyons, vistas, creeks, waterfalls, mountain ranges and forests. It’s open year-round. Bear Canyon is one of the most scenic of the six. If you’re fortunate, you may be the only one on the water, or you’ll only be sharing it with a couple other fishers and paddlers. If you’re just shooting Ellison Creek, park at Second Crossing and it’s an easy mile hike down an old Jeep road. At mile 5, you can turn right to visit Woods Canyon Lake. The grounds are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, bathrooms, drinking water and trash service. These moments are ripe for relaxation, breathing in crisp oxygen and watching the sunlight flicker on the water’s surface. Additionally, it has a 5-mile loop hike that hugs the shore line. About 25 miles in, you leave Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and enter Coconino National Forest. About two miles down the road, look out for Military Sinkhole Vista. The See Canyon Trail is a nice alternative to the crowds of Horton Creek. Spillway, Aspen and Crook are all along the road to Woods Canyon Lake. The Mogollon Rim was named after Juan Ignacio Flores Mogollon. A post shared by @backpacking_bearsnacks on Aug 8, 2018 at 6:56am PDT. A post shared by aztomeadventures (@aztomeadventures) on Apr 2, 2016 at 7:51pm PDT. Mogollon Rim from Mapcarta, the free map. The Fred Haught Trailhead will be on your right. A post shared by ✈ (@littleknowntraveler) on Jun 4, 2019 at 9:41pm PDT. However, if you’re wanting to pitch your tent along the cliffs, stay tuned. Not every person is up for that drive, but if you are, you can conveniently fish, kayak or wander without the crowds at Woods Canyon. A post shared by David Weber (@david_weber_111) on Apr 19, 2019 at 3:31pm PDT. This lake also requires a short hike, but is much more accessible than Chevelon. 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