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Rim Country: Arizona Travel
Mogollon Rim Area
Click photos for larger views.
My tail points to the rim area on the map.
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Rim country lies in the "higher country", 75 miles NE of Phoenix. This means it is a great escape from the 110 degree plus heat of the summer desert.
What is "Rim Country"? The rim runs for approximately 200 miles and stands over 7,000 ft. high. It is basically a "step" created by nature to take one from the lowlands of the desert to the high country. Its name is actually the Mogollon Rim, named after
Native Americans. The town of Payson lies in the central area of the rim at an elevation of about 5,000 feet.
The rim area contains over 3 million acres of pines, making it the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the world.
Old Rim Road (forest route 300)skirts the edge of the rim and runs a distance of over 40 miles, reaching a height of
8,074 feet at Baker Butte. Except for 3 miles on the east end, the road is dirt/gravel. This part of the road can become slippery and dangerous when wet.
The west end of the rim is in the Coconino National Forest; the east side of the rim lies in the Sitgreaves National Forest. Parts of FR 300 pass through the Tonto
National Forest, which lies to the south of the rim.
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There are numerous lakes along the rim, conveniently stocked with fish. Several campgrounds and cabins provide
lodging for those seeking pine scented, cool, clean air in the high country.
To visit the lakes and take in fabulous views off the rim, follow state route 260 east out of Payson. You will travel through
Star Valley, Kohl's Ranch, and Christopher Creek. Take a left onto Forest Road #300. The road is paved for 3 miles and leads to Woods Canyon Lake, as well as fabulous views
from the edge of the rim.
Stop at the visitor's center, located at the intersection of Hwy 260 and FR 300, for maps an information about camping.
The visitor's center is handicap accessible, with an accessible restroom.
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Click photos for larger view.
The scent of pines and the feel of cool, clean air lure valley visitors as well as out of state travelers.
With the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the world, rim country
offers numerous choices for camping, which are designated as developed, semi-developed or back-country. Rental cabins are also available in the area.
Reservations can be made for many campgrounds, though not all are included in the system. Click the links below for more information.
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Due to snow in winter, road conditions at this time of year
must be checked before a trip.
The north rim campground is only accessible by vehicle from May 15 to October 15, and resides at 8,200 feet.
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The towns of Pine & Strawberry, Payson, Star Valley, Little Green Valley, Kohl's Ranch and Christopher Creek are within the area. Arizona's oldest schoolhouse still stands in the town of
Strawberry.
Payson hosts events throughout the year, such as the June Bug Blues Festival, July fireworks show and much more.
The Rim Country Museum, located at
700 East Green Valley Parkway in Payson, contains historical photos and artifacts. Shoofly Village Ruins, located 5 miles NE of Payson, contains the remains of a 80 room housing structure that was occupied between 1000 and 1250 AD.
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Enjoy hikes ranging from easy strolls to strenuous climbs. Solitude and quiet, away from the stresses of life, bring
peace to one's soul.
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Special Tips
Traveling with children, pets or special needs
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Accessibility
The Mogollon Rim area can be reached by automobile, on good highways.
Beautitul scenery can be seen from the car on the east end of FR #300.
The Vista Trail is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Handicap parking is available.
A private, handicap accessible restroom is located on the east end of FR 300 (near where it meets hwy 260), on the north side of the road.
There is also a wheelchair accessible restroom located just outside the Visitor's Center. The visitor's center is on Hwy 260, where 260 meets FR 300.
The Visitor's Center itself is wheelchair accessible.
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 Traveling with children
As you can see from the photo, small children must not be allowed to run free. There are no guard rails and the drop is over 2,000 feet. A safer area to play
would be the 32 acre Green Valley park in Payson which offers 3 lakes, play areas, 17 acres of turf and 4 miles of walking trails. The lakes are stocked by the the Arizona fish and game department, so bring your pole and fishing license.
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 Traveling with pets
For your pet's safety, use a leash at all times. A pet could easily tumble over the side of the cliff.
Nearby Payson provides an off-leash Dog Park. Located on McLane Road in Rumsey Park just north of the Payson Library, this park provides a fun, safe
place for your dog to run and play without a leash. See "resources" below for more information.
Leashed pets are allowed on the forest trails unless otherwise posted. Clean up after your pets. Follow safety precautions regarding your pet. Bring plenty of water, allow
ample rest, watch for signs of exhaustion, hunger, dehydration etc.
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Directions & Resources
From the Phoenix area, take hwy 87 north to Payson. Go east on hwy 260, or continue north on 87/260 through Pine and Strawberry. FR 300 connects 87 north of Srawberry to 260 east of Christopher Creek, allowing a complete loop
through the area.
Resources:
rimcountrychamber.com
USDA site: Tonto National Forest
Recreation.gov Make reservations for national park recreation activities.
inpayson.com Paws In The Park program information
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