The Mogollon Rim is one of the go-to destinations for Arizonans looking to escape the desert heat. With its dramatic cliffs, serene lakes, and rich history, the rugged beauty of the Mogollon Rim offers an extraordinary experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Formed roughly 500 million years ago through geological uplifting, the Mogollon Rim creates part of the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. Stretching more than 200 miles from just outside Phoenix to the New Mexico border, the Rim has long attracted travelers from the desert lowlands seeking cooler temperatures and mountain air.
The oldest exposed rocks along the Rim are believed to be nearly 1.7 billion years old, offering a remarkable glimpse into the ancient geological history of the Southwest. Towering pine forests, winding backcountry trails, scenic overlooks, and quiet alpine lakes make the Mogollon Rim one of Arizona’s most breathtaking and diverse outdoor destinations.
Must be one or more of the following:
*Veteran or Active Duty Military
*Military Reservist or National Guard
*Law Enforcement
*Firefighter
*EMS
*911 Dispatch
*Homeland Security or Boarder Patrol
As this trail primarily follows forest service roads with some sections of pavement, it is considered an easy and scenic drive. While the route can technically be completed in a single day, we intentionally break the journey into a relaxing 3-night adventure to fully enjoy the scenery and focus on the overall experience, exploration, and meaningful campfire discussions along the way.
0000-0930: Personal time, self provided breakfast, social & camp tear down by 0930
0930-0945: Morning brief & day's expectations
0945-1000: Vehicle staging & radio checks
1000-1600: Day's adventure/mission, self provided lunch
1600-1900: Camp setup, social, self provided dinner
1900-2100: Campfire discussion
2100-2400: Social & personal time