Mogollon Rim Overlanding, Moderate 4x4 trail in Payson, AZ
    Moderate
    Overlanding
    4.5

    Mogollon Rim Overlanding

    Payson, AZSouthwest

    Mogollon Rim Overlanding is a moderate 150+ miles off-road trail near Payson, AZ. It requires a properly built 4x4 with All-terrain tires, 4WD with low range, Tow strap and is best run May - October. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.

    Trail Conditions

    No reports yet

    Sign in to report

    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

    #1

    The Mogollon Rim is a 200-mile escarpment marking the edge of the Colorado Plateau.

    #2

    Zane Grey wrote many of his western novels from a cabin on the Rim, calling it 'the finest scenery in Arizona.'

    #3

    The Rim drops 2,000 feet in some places, creating dramatic cliff-edge viewpoints.

    #4

    The 1990 Dude Fire, one of Arizona's largest wildfires, started near the Rim.

    Length
    150+ miles
    Elevation
    5,000 - 7,600 ft
    Best Season
    May - October
    Permit
    Not Required
    200-mile escarpment2,000 ft cliffsPine forestsRim viewsDispersed camping

    🛞 Tires

    required
    All-terrain tires

    🔧 Suspension

    recommended
    2"+ lift kit

    ⚙️ Drivetrain

    required
    4WD with low range

    🪢 Recovery

    required
    Tow strap

    🛡️ Protection

    recommended
    Skid plates
    1
    Rim Road West
    34.3870, -111.2345
    2
    General Springs Cabin
    34.4123, -111.1567
    3
    Blue Ridge Overlook
    34.3456, -111.0890

    Closest campgrounds to Mogollon Rim Overlanding:

    Where to Camp

    GPS Coordinates

    34.3870, -111.2345

    Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin

    Map of Payson, AZ

    5-Day Forecast

    Plan this trip

    Planning Your Trip?

    Check out our gear guides and trip planning resources.

    Gear Guides

    Frequently Asked Questions