It is Wednesday again, and it is that time when I share another place I have enjoyed along my travels with you. While this “location” is more of an area than a physical spot, it is well-known by those who spend time in or live in Arizona.
The Mogollon Rim is located just outside Payson, Arizona shares dramatic views that rival the Grand Canyon. This naturally formed geographic feature spams 200 miles from Yavapai County, Arizona, into New Mexico. The central section of the rim is described as having highly eroded cliffs of limestone and sandstone that have been dramatically cut through the centuries. With most common elevations between 4,000 and 5,000 feet on average, some areas rise well over 8,000 feet. Dramatic views with sheer dropoffs to the valleys below are incredibly stunning.
Location of the Mogollon Rim
Camping along the rim.
There are many great spots to camp along the rim. While many of the campsites are dispersed with an established fire ring and visible tenting areas, they do not have any maintained amenities. At these sites, you must bring everything you need, including water, and follow Leave No Trace principles for all trash, human, and dog waste disposal. The dispersed campsites are all located on national forest land, and you must have proper permits and passes while recreating in national forest lands.
There are also several maintained campgrounds in the area for those who prefer a little less rustic experience. The Mogollon Campground, Woods Canyon Lake, Aspen Campground, and Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground are all close, but they fill up fast, so reserve your campsites early. Many of the lakes also have cabin options in the area as well.
I enjoyed the weekend we camped here. The desert floor in Pheonix and Tucson had warmed up, and heading into the mountains gave our group a nice cool respite from the heat. While the road was fairly close to the camp, there was not too much evening traffic. During the day, however, there was a lot of traffic, including 4-wheelers, side-by-sides, and 4×4 vehicles driving around. This area is beautiful and definitely worth exploring and camping. The weather was beautiful, even with a quick afternoon rain shower that dumped on us and then moved off as quickly as it had arrived.
There are also several towns close to the Mogollon Rim that could serve as great basecamp options. Those towns include Payson, Pine-Strawberry, Heber-Overgaard, and Pinetop-Lakeside. I highly recommend the Strawberry Inn in Strawberry and THAT Brewery and Pub in Pine.
Things To Do
This part of Arizona is an outdoor lovers’ paradise. Enjoy an afternoon picnic, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, hunting, fishing, boating, and more.
With over 10 lakes brimming with fish, the area is perfect for anglers and paddlers to enjoy ample time on the water. We spent our weekend exploring the area and kayaking at the C.C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Reservoir. The parking at the reservoir is limited and fills up quickly.
I would also suggest exploring all of the small towns in the area. They each have a unique charm and have just as unique places to shop, dine, and experience. There are also quite a few natural areas, such as the Tonto Natural Bridge and Fossil Creek, to name a few.
The Rim Lake Vista Trail, Kinder Crossing Trail, and two Arizona National Scenic Trail sections, passages 26 and 27, are accessible in the area. Many of them are shared-use trails, so make sure to be hiker, mountain biker, or equine aware and
Know Before You Go
- Reserve your campsite at established camps well before your desired arrival dates.
- Researched dispersed camping before arrival. It might take some hunting to find a good place as all rim campsites fill up quickly, and all campsites are well-known in the area.
- Plan for weather, fires, and bugs.
- Check the Forest Service’s websites for weather alerts, fire warnings, and closures. (Coconino and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests)
- Take extra water with you!
- Leave No Trace and have fun!
Have you camped at Mogollon Rim? I would love to hear about your experiences and favorite places to visit there.
As always, my friends, happy trails, and stay adventurous.
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I appreciate your insights on camping in the area, both in dispersed campsites and maintained campgrounds. It’s important to be well-prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles while enjoying the national forest lands. The lakes and the option for kayaking at C.C. Cragin Reservoir sound like fantastic opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, and it’s great to know that there are various activities available, including hiking, horseback riding, and fishing.