How should I tackle the Mogollon Rim?

Question

I plan on being on the Rim around August 1st or so. Never been there. Is it too hot? LOL! I live in Mexico on the Sea of Cortez and it has been low 90s with 60-80% humidity. I expect I can take it, but............should I wait for late Sept/early October? Certainly, early August is monsoon season; will that limit driving on the forest service roads in that area? I have 3-5 days to spend on it, as part of my 2.5 month summer trip. Could hit this on the way home to Sonora. Also wondering if that is too much time to allot to the Rim....

My tentative plan is to access Rim Road/FR 300 from off of AZ-87 and drive east. I must access the Rim from the Phoenix area. Will this route give me the best feel for the Rim Country? Ultimately, I plan on heading up to Canyon de Chelley from this area. Should I leave the Rim area via Heber Road or is it worth it to drive all the way to AZ-61 and up to US 191 to C de C?

Our interests on this section of our trip is simply to see good views, do some light hiking and kick back in camp. Headed to Colorado and Utah later so no fishing required in AZ.

Oh yeah, are there any recently burned areas that I should avoid?

Advice welcomed, from the Western TC contingent. I am an F350 with a Lance 1030, 4wd, stock tires and rims.

djorgensen3 · Answer

Road 300..aka Rim Road...is a very primitive road. It is very rough in some spots. There are many roads in the area to travel. Also you will be in prime elk territory and only a month away from archery elk season so the elk will be calling and warming up for the "rut". You will be in for a treat if you've never heard one. On the East side of rd300 will be Woods Canyon lake and once back on paved road 260, Willow Springs is only another mile up the road East. The country is beautiful but absolutely expect rain as this area has been getting drenched in the last few weeks. Enjoy your trip but be prepared for very muddy roads.

seldomseensmith · Answer

The dates you'll be in the area coincide with the weekend, so be mindful that the Rim is the preferred escape for tens of thousands of overheated Phoenicians, and it can be be very crowded with OHV's and campers. Try to visit during the week if your plans allow.

The Rim country is at an average elevation of 7000 feet ASL, and is typically cool and comfortable. As the previous poster mentioned, thunderstorms are common in August, and roads can be muddy, although the main road (FR300) is considered all season so it has a "somewhat" improved surface.

Overall, taking the backroads and two lane highways in northern AZ are scenic and worthwhile. You should have a great time.

pezvela · Answer

Thanks, Slim, er Smith. Yes, I can easily alter my plans to be entering mid week. Thanks for the tip. I take it the road composition of FR300 isnt clay? It drains pretty good?

Thanks to you, too, Jorgy. I will check out both Woods Canyon and Willow Springs.

azcampergal · Answer

I also would recommend getting on Rim Road FR 300 off of Hwy 260, east of Payson. The roads in are much better then getting on FR300 off of 87. Also, you'll be close to Woods Canyon Lake, which has a camp ground, or there are lots of dispersed camping areas, which are free. Good luck and have a great trip!

dadwolf2 · Answer

What/where is that little gas station...Clint's Well at the corner of Lake Mary Rd and Hwy 87.  If you don't have one already, they have free Coconino National Forest maps at or near the cashier's counter.  That map shows all of the little forest service roads and is really helpful when navigating those backroads. These are not roads you will make good time on.  They are good roads but gravel with lots of switchbacks.

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How should I tackle the Mogollon Rim?

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