The Mogollon Rim Trail in Sitgreaves National Forest follows the dramatic escarpment of the Mogollon Rim, the 200-mile southern edge of the Colorado Plateau that drops 1,000 feet or more to the Arizona desert below. The eight-mile out-and-back travels through ponderosa pine forest along the Rim's edge with sweeping views south across the Tonto Basin and the Sonoran Desert landscape.
The Rim represents one of the great landscape transitions in North America: within a few miles, the terrain shifts from cool pine forest at 7,000 feet to hot desert scrub at 4,000 feet. The trail provides access to that edge and the dramatic views it generates.
The Route
The trail follows the Rim through ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest, staying close to the cliff edge where views are available at multiple overlooks. The forest between viewpoints is pleasant ponderosa parkland with a grassy understory. Summer wildflowers appear in the forest openings from July through August.
The eight-mile out-and-back covers a portion of the General Crook Trail route. The turnaround provides the best available viewpoint on this section.
What to Expect
The Sitgreaves is one of Arizona's escape-the-summer-heat destinations. When Phoenix is 115°F, the Rim is 75°F. Summer is the peak hiking season here, the opposite of many national forests. Afternoon thunderstorms are common July through August; the standard Arizona practice of starting early applies.
The forest is ponderosa pine for most of the route: tall, open, fragrant with vanilla in warm weather. The Rim-edge views are the defining experience.
Nearby
Show Low, Arizona, is about 30 miles east and serves as the regional hub for Rim Country services. Payson, about 30 miles south, is accessible via the winding AZ-260 descent from the Rim. The town of Pinetop-Lakeside is between Show Low and the main Rim trailheads.
Leave No Trace
This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.
Safety Considerations
The moderate rating reflects the trail's general character under typical conditions. Weather, seasonal snow, and trail conditions can change the experience significantly. Carry the 10 Essentials on any full-day outing. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time before heading out, particularly on longer or more remote trails. Cell service varies throughout Sitgreaves National Forest and may be unreliable in canyon bottoms or remote terrain.