If you’ve lived in Arizona for a significant amount of time, chances are you’ve hiked around the Mogollon Rim at least once. However, have you ever driven along it?

Mogollon Rim Drive is a scenic 43-mile trip that showcases all the high points of this beautiful alpine landscape in the northern part of Arizona. This includes lakes, mountain ranges, vistas, and much more. So, if you’re a nature lover, read on to learn about this memorable way to spend the day. To make the day even more epic, I encourage you to check out AllTrails for hikes along the route too

Rim Road in Arizona (also known as Forest Road 300) is a 43-mile scenic drive that's perfect for a quick afternoon adventure. It begins on State Road 87 and heads west. It comes to an end at State Road 260.
AllTrails/Jane E MacNett
Since the Mogollon Rim scenic drive reaches an elevation gain of over 3,000 feet, you'll enjoy awe-inspiring panoramic vistas along the route.
While unpaved, Mogollon Rim Drive is surprisingly well-maintained. High-clearance vehicles aren't required - in fact, many have completed trips in a small sedan with no issues.
AllTrails/Matt Garn
No matter what type of car you bring, drive slow enough to appreciate the towering ponderosa pines and other gorgeous scenery.
As you follow your Mogollon Rim road map, you'll also come across several lakes that are easily accessible from the road, whether via a short drive or a brief trek through the woods. Pictured here is Knoll Lake, widely believed to have some of the clearest, most pristine waters in Arizona.
AllTrails/Ashley Trandall
Take an invigorating dip, or perhaps bring along a kayak or canoe to enjoy a relaxing paddle before hitting the road again.
Even if you never leave the car, Mogollon Rim Drive offers unforgettable, panoramic scenes. There are plenty of overlooks where you can pull off and take in the sights from the comfort of your vehicle.
AllTrails/Ashley Trandall
Views like this canyon dotted with evergreen trees practically beg for you to snap a photo. Hence, in addition to your Mogollon Rim road map, bring your camera too!

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On foggy days, the views are more awe-inspiring than ever. Take a look at this haunting scene of low, wispy clouds rolling in from the distance.
AllTrails/Kevin Mendoza
Marvel at the eerily beautiful sight from every possible angle as you meander along the winding Rim Road in Arizona.
The silhouettes of looming mountains are simply ethereal to behold. Stretching up toward the clouds, the lofty peaks command the sky everywhere you look.
AllTrails/piotr stola
You'll also see the sprawling Tonto National Forest blanketing the ground in all directions. We think it's truly stunning!
One of the best parts about the Mogollon Scenic Drive is that it's completely free. You can even extend your stay overnight by camping at one of many primitive sites along the way.
AllTrails/Scott Dahl
Views like this don't come our way every day, so we'll just soak this up as long as we can.
This scenic drive is point-to-point, so you can either head back the way you came or continue east on 260. It's a choose-your-own-adventure type of situation!
AllTrails/Maria Kossakowski
Visit the AllTrails page for the drive to learn more.

 

To get started on planning your trip to rim road in Arizona, check out AllTrails+ to learn about hikes in the area. Feel free to also take advantage of the special sign-up offer. You’ll find more useful information to prepare for our excursion in our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List.

If you’ve already taken your car along Mogollon Rim Drive, feel free to share tips and highlights about the experience in the following comments section too!

 

 

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More to Explore

Mogollon Rim Drive

Marla S. | July 22, 2023

What are some of the best scenic drives in Arizona?

In addition to the Mogollon Rim drive, here are some of the best scenic drives in Arizona:

  • Coronado Trail Scenic Byway: You'll need to take Highway 191 in Alpine to enjoy this drive through some of the most impressive and remote landscapes in Arizona.
  • Fredonia-Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Road: Head to the northern part of Arizona to hit this drive that goes across the Kaibab Plateau.
  • Gila-Pinal Scenic Road: Take US 60 from Globe and Gold Canyon to appreciate views of diverse scenery including forests and canyons.
  • San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road: This picturesque drive starts in Flagstaff and provides the ultimate vantage points for viewing the Peaks.

 

What are some popular hikes within Arizona's Mogollon Rim? 

Here are some of the best hikes within Arizona's Mogollon Rim:

  • The Kinder Crossing Trail #19: Although this trail is only about 3 miles, it's rated as difficult since part of the path is narrow and steep.
  • Railroad Tunnel Hike: This short, yet steep, trail takes you to an abandoned railroad tunnel that was started in an attempt to create tracks that would take a train across Mogollon Rim.
  • Mogollon Rim Interpretive Trail: While this hike is only about a mile and flat, keep in mind that the trail starts at about 7000 feet!

 

Take a look at our coverage of some of the best hikes in Arizona to discover more places to explore when you want time in nature.

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Mogollon Rim, Arizona 85541, USA