Mogollon Rim
Mogollon Rim
5
About
This 2,000-foot-high escarpment stretches 200 miles across central Arizona into New Mexico.While sightseeing is the favored pastime along the Rim, it also boasts a historic system of hiking and horseback trails, a couple of picturesque lakes for boating and fishing, plus backcountry skiing for the truly adventurous.
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5.0
272 reviews
Excellent
233
Very good
34
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
1
paristulips
Phoenix, AZ14 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
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.
Written 21 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert G
1 contribution
June 2022 • Family
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.
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Out This Door
Mesa, AZ585 contributions
Sept 2022
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.
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
db901
Memphis20 contributions
June 2023
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.
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy L
Peoria, AZ43 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
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.
Written 28 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
snowrider34
Blackfoot44 contributions
Feb 2020
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?
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HRHORCH
Memphis, Tennessee556 contributions
Jan 2020
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.
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nina S
Boulder, Colorado, United States71 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
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.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MikeB1952
Santa Fe, NM1,125 contributions
Nov 2022
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.
Written 30 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian E
SALEM146 contributions
Oct 2015 • Business
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.
Written 28 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles H
Phoenix, Arizona
April 14 2023, Due to heavy snowfall, the rim road is closed, when will it reopen?
Written 15 April 2023
The best place to find up-to-date road conditions is on the National Forest webpage. The Mogollon Rim is in both the Tonto National Forest and the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest.
Written 29 September 2023
Would you drive the Mogollon Rim Road from east to west (I.e., approach from Heber) or from west to east (approach from Strawberry)? I’m wondering about best views from the car as you go.
Written 11 November 2022
I agree with teresasS3/ That area of AZ is stunning from either direction.
Written 13 November 2022
I'm seeing various photos taken from Mogollon Rim and they all look beautiful. I moved to Arizona last summer so to say I'm still getting acquainted is an understatement. When referring to Payson, and visiting the Mogollon Rim, is there only one road / entrance? Not sure. Any feedback would be appreciated!
Written 21 April 2021
I see you have been at Mogollon Rim in March. I just talked with a forest service employee that said the road is impassable at that time of year. How was it for you? What is road 300 like at that time of year?
Written 12 August 2020
We only went from Payson to the visitor's center, not on up on the rim itself. Pretty sure that road is open all year.
Written 13 August 2020
There is some controversy as to whether or not the roads to and surrounding Mogollan Rim are closed permanently. What light can you shed on the subject?
Thank you Sharon
Written 26 January 2020
I was there near Pine in October 2019 and did not encounter any closed roads.
Written 27 January 2020
we will be here 2nd week in October....is the visitors center open then?
Written 9 September 2018
As far as I know, NO, the visitor center will not be open in October.
Written 17 September 2018
One of the prettiest drives you can find. However, it is one rough road for refined vehicles. It is open except during the snow season and extreme fire danger. Best viewed by taking a south side road when available.
Written 22 August 2018
Park where you want for no charge...visitors center was free also!
Written 21 February 2018
After you took Rt 300 from the visitors center where did you go?
Written 19 October 2017
It is a beautiful drive. It does not require 4wd. A passenger car is fine after the road is maintained about 5-1. Suggest during the week to avoid ATVs and speeding 4wds. This road takes at least 4 hours to drive allowing for a few stops. It is narrow and will be rough in places.
Written 11 April 2018
If you are referring to the many different lakes in the area, yes, but they must stay on a leash.
Written 20 October 2017
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