Weekend on the Mogollon Rim

Arizona is an amazing state! As the summer heats up in Phoenix, there are always cooler places to escape to.

For years, our go-to has been Flagstaff (Yes, we even got married there). We never got around to exploring the Mogollon Rim–and we were clearly missing out!

During this quarantine season we spent the last four weekends on the Rim scouting all we have missed. Trade cactus for towering pines and fresh lakes, camp under the stars, paddle cool waters, and hike by scenic creeks.

In less than a two-hour drive from Phoenix you too could be enjoying the cool air and expansive views at a nice 8000ft elevation.

Are you in? I thought so!

Getting to the Mogollon Rim

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.

Forest Service Road 300 follows the Rim and is a great starting point for any number of activities. While there are many access points to areas below the Rim from Payson, we prefer staying on top of the Rim where the weather stays cooler.

To get to FR 300 follow SR260 thirty miles East of Payson. You don’t need to drive far on this road to grab some of the vistas. Almost right off of SR260 you will find the Rim Lakes Vista Trail which is a relatively flat and paved hike following the Rim with Views that may make you swoon if you have any fear of heights.

Driving the Rim: Forest Road 300 Scenic Drive

Once you have made it to the Rim, you could easily park yourself at one of the closer lakes like Willow Springs or Woods Canyon Lake. Both are accessible on paved roads. Yet if you are looking to go explore a little more and leave the crowds behind, I recommend you keep following FR 300 a little further.

Past Woods Canyon Lake the road becomes gravel, and while there are plenty of sedans that make the journey, it is likely more comfortable in a car with more clearance.

As you drive along the road there will be various turn-offs to go toward other Rim lakes. You will also see several trails intersecting the road that lead either down the Rim wall or inward toward the lakes.

While you could make it a day drive, there are so many points of interest to explore, that we suggest you make it a weekend adventure (or several weekend adventure). Pick a lake and/or a hike per day, set up camp for the night, and do it all again the day after!

Here is a Map of FR300 and some of the lakes and hikes you may want to check out:

Mogollon Rim Lakes

In a state that is known for its desert, it is pretty spectacular to find that you have plenty of lakes to choose from. There are six major lakes atop the rim that can sometimes feel a little magical. Stop by for a dip, paddle a kayak, fish, or just have a picnic.

Willow Springs Lake and Woods Canyon Lake are the most accessible since both are very close to SR260. While you will certainly be able to find somewhere along their shores to spread your picnic blanket, they both tend to have more people.

If you are willing to go a few more miles on the dirt road, you will be happy you did. The turn off for Bear Canyon Lake is only four miles ahead. And once you get there, do note it requires a short hike down…but it is worth it!

We hung hammocks right by Bear Lake and enjoyed some fresh brewed coffee – highly recommended!

Continuing along FR300 from the East, the next lake is Knoll Lake. It is about halfway from either entrance of FR300 which means even more peace and quiet than Bear Lake.

We had a picnic to celebrate my sister’s birthday by Woods Canyon Lake, but since it wasn’t the adventure she was hoping for, we moved on and had a re-do at Knoll lake. It fit the bill!

Knoll Lake is also beautiful to paddle. There is an Island in the middle that you will want to explore!

Another body of water worth mentioning is Blue Ridge Reservoir. It is located North of Strawberry, AZ on SR87, but if you are looking for a longer paddle, this is where you should head.

From one end to the other Blue Ridge Reservoir is 8 snaking miles long. Once we left the cacophony of people by the boat launch spot, we found ourselves mostly alone, which is both beautiful and relaxing. As you paddle towards the East end of the Reservoir, you will find many great areas to step ashore and set up camp.

Mogollon Rim Camping

I can’t write anymore without talking about camping. Clearly, there is so much to do here that you will want to spend at least one night.

There are plenty of campgrounds around the lakes, so if you like facilities, you are in luck. If you are like us, and you prefer to NOT use a campground, you are in luck as well.

The Rim area is managed by three different National Forests. Coconino (Rim District), Apache-Sitgreaves (Black Mesa District), and Tonto (Payson District). This actually makes it a bit tricky to find a map of the whole area but below are the campgrounds on the northwest side. On the southeast side of FR300 there are several campgrounds around Woods Canyon Lake.

We have a huge love for National Forests and are always a bit incredulous that we can truly camp anywhere with the most gorgeous views–FOR FREE!! Huge shutout to National Forests!

There are plenty of places all along FR300– take your pick literally anywhere that looks compelling. For the best experience, we recommend finding a spot along the rim’s edge. The sunrise and sunset glow from your tent is incredible. There are a few spots along the rim that fill up quickly, but if you are willing to scout a bit and maybe even walk in a few feet, you can always find an edge spot.

There is also prime camping in the areas around the lakes that are not readily accessible by road. If you are willing to boat or backpack in your gear, this is also highly recommended.

The backside of Knoll lake also has some great campsites that can be accessed via Babe Haught Trail. We did a 30-mile backpacking loop one weekend and camped there. It is really nice to wash off via a lake swim, and the morning mist over the lake is mystical.

Hiking the Mogollon Rim

There are plenty of hikes in the Mogollon Rim vicinity. The most famous is the Highline Trail. It is a historic trail that sits about halfway down the Rim’s edge and spans some 46 miles. You don’t need to hike all of it though, as there are several trails that run from the top of the rim down to the valley from which you can connect to it.

Many stunning hikes start from below the rim and climb up. That is a great approach if you are coming for a day hike from the valley. However, if you are camping on the rim, then there is no reason you cannot start from atop the rim and climb down.

Here are some of the hikes along FR300 that we did from the top down….which of course means you must then come back up.

• Horton Creek Trail is 8.5 miles from the trailhead below to FR300., but you don’t have to do it all, just go as far as you like, ideally to where the water starts! The springs literally come out of a rock and create a beautiful creek to walk beside. Feel free to put your toes in and maybe even take a drink! We did Horton Creek as a loop with Derrick Trail which makes for a nice afternoon and lets you catch a bit of the High line Trail.

• Tunnel Trail Starting from FR300 it is not far to the old railway Tunnel, but it is steep! We were really surprised to find out how beautiful the Washington park area was. Recommend!

• See Spring Trail Great trail that has shade much of the way. Like the other trails, this one also has a creek though not as prominent as Horton Springs.

• Fish Hatchery to Babe Haught to Knoll Lake If you want a backpacking experience–try this! You can hike from the bottom of the rim for 5-miles to Knoll lake. Else you could just cut off the steep stuff and hike the last 2-3 miles from FR300 down to the lake. Or you could somehow make it a 30-mile backpacking loop as we did. You’ve got options!

What are you waiting for? Go explore!

For those of you that already know about the beauty that is the Mogollon Rim, what did I not mention? Where should we explore next?