# Mogollon Rim Backcountry

**Location:** Payson, AZ | **Difficulty:** Moderate | **Length:** 80+ miles

**GPS:** 34.3212, -111.0812

**Vehicle requirements:** 4WD with low range, all-terrain or mild mud-terrain tires (31–33"), skid plates recommended. Stock-to-2" lift handles most obstacles.

**Best season:** May - October

Drive along the edge of a 200-mile-long, 2,000-foot escarpment cutting across Arizona. Forest roads on top of the Rim offer sweeping views across the desert below while winding through cool pine forests, Arizona's best-kept secret.

**Region:** Southwest • **Trail type:** Overlanding • **Rating:** 4.6/5

**Highlights:** 2,000-ft escarpment, Pine forests, Desert views, Rim Lakes, Elk country

**Nearby campgrounds:**
- [Ponderosa Campground (Arizona)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/arizona/ponderosa-campground)
- [Christopher Creek Campground (Arizona)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/arizona/christopher-creek-campground)
- [Promontory Pit Road Campground (Arizona)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/arizona/promontory-pit-road-campground)
- [Crook Campground (Arizona)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/arizona/crook-campground)
- [Rim Campground (Arizona)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/arizona/rim-campground)

Canonical page: https://4x4playground.com/overlanding/trails/mogollon-rim