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Novelist Zane Grey loved this area and had a cabin beneath the Mogollon Rim.
Photo by R.E.
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Directions: From Mesa, take SR 87 north to Payson. Remain on SR 87, passing through Pine and Strawberry, you will reach the Rim Road (FR 300) in approximately 20 minutes. Or, take SR 260 out of Payson, topping the Mogollon Rim, then turn left at the Rim Road (FR 300). The Rim Road is mostly unpaved, with washboard in spots, but does not require a 4x4. 
Length: This trip is scenic, a photographers dream, and takes a full day. The drive from Mesa to the Rim Road is roughly 2 hours. Driving the full length of the Rim Road adds another 2 hours. Stopping at area lakes, taking a short hike, or parking for frequent postcard quality photo opportunities, will add more time.
Trails: More than 50 miles worth: see Highline National Recreation Trail.
Elevation: Over 7,000 feet.
Scenery: This trip has everything from Sonoran desert to chaparral and ponderosa pine.
Highlights: The stark lines of the Mazatzal Mountains along SR 87 and the scenic wonders of the Mogollon Rim and the Rim Country.
Seasons: Year-round, but check winter driving conditions with AZ Department of Public Safety. For Rim Road and Control Road conditions contact the Payson Ranger District (see below).
Camping: See great campsites @: Tonto National Forest, or pitch your tent along FR 300, providing more time to explore. For the camping impaired, there are clean and comfy hotels in Payson and Kohls Ranch.
A Recent Trip
I drove to Payson, stopping for a round of golf at Payson Golf Course, then spent the night with friends in Strawberry. The next morning we drove from Strawberry to the Rim Road, then followed the forest road for 12 miles to the Battle Monument at General Springs, where we planned to visit the railroad tunnel.
We hiked the Col. Devlin Trail to the Railroad Tunnel Trail, venturing through tall pines and fern forest to the tunnel, which resembles a cave better suited for bats and bears--not trains. During the summer of 1883, 40 men, financed by area mining companies, tried to breach the Mogollon Rim. The money ran out and ore trains never chugged up the rim. Today, the short tunnel is visited by wildlife and camera toting hikers.
After our invigorating hike, which included racing a monsoon shower up the rim, we munched trail mix and tangerines, made a short side trip to General Springs Cabin, then drove to Knoll Lake. The children enjoyed the lake and couldn't resist getting their hands, faces, and feet wet. While at the lake, we planned a future camping trip, then reluctantly drove the remaining 20 miles to SR 260.
Famished, and a bit exhausted, we stopped at Kohls Ranch for prime rib and cherry cobbler. With full bellies and smiling faces we returned to Strawberry. Our adventure consumed ten hours and was decreed a major success.
A Shorter Drive: From Mesa take SR 87 north to Payson. Take SR 260 out of Payson to the Rim Road. Take the Rim Road (FR 300) to Knoll Lake, then return.
Contacts
Tonto National Forest
Payson Ranger District: 928-474-7900
www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto
Rim Country Chamber
928-474-4515
www.rimcountrychamber.com
Map --- 
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