Mogollon Rim Overlanding
Mogollon Rim Overlanding is a moderate 150+ miles off-road trail near Payson, AZ, best run May - October. The gear list marks All-terrain tires, 4WD with low range and Tow strap as required, and 2"+ lift kit and Skid plates as recommended. A stock high-clearance 4x4 can run it; check the gear list before you go.
Trail Conditions
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The Mogollon Rim is one of Arizona's most dramatic geological features, a 200-mile escarpment where the Colorado Plateau abruptly drops 2,000 feet to the Sonoran Desert below. Forest Road 300, known as the Rim Road, follows the edge of this massive cliff through dense ponderosa pine forest, offering countless viewpoints where you can see 100+ miles across the desert below. The route connects Payson to the Blue Ridge area with dozens of dispersed camping spots along the rim.
Fun Facts
The Mogollon Rim is a 200-mile escarpment marking the edge of the Colorado Plateau.
Zane Grey wrote many of his western novels from a cabin on the Rim, calling it 'the finest scenery in Arizona.'
The Rim drops 2,000 feet in some places, creating dramatic cliff-edge viewpoints.
The 1990 Dude Fire, one of Arizona's largest wildfires, started near the Rim.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
🛡️ Protection
Closest campgrounds to Mogollon Rim Overlanding:
- Ponderosa Campground · 9 mi (straight-line)
- Payson Campground & RV Resort · Payson · 10 mi (straight-line)
- Oxbow Estates RV Park · Payson · 11 mi (straight-line)
- Rock Crossing Campground · 12 mi (straight-line)
- Christopher Creek Campground · 12 mi (straight-line)
- Promontory Pit Road Campground · 14 mi (straight-line)
Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Payson, AZ
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
A mild lift, all-terrain tires, and correct gear ratio will get you through this trail confidently.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Size up correctly, 33s vs 35s matters on moderate terrain.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.
MPG Calculator
Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.
Bigger tires cut MPG. Plan your fuel stops for this trail.