Newcomers and travelers to the area sometimes have a notion that Arizona is all desert. Natives know that’s just not the case. In fact there are lush, green spots all over the Grand Canyon State. If you need proof, or are just in need of a change of scenery, then head to the Mogollon Rim.
The Rim is huge and contains a big part of Arizona’s forested land.
Wikipedia/Doug Dolde
Whether you drive or hike along the Rim, the views are a stark contrast to those found in the desert regions of the Grand Canyon State.
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All along the plateau is a thick layer of fauna with varying hues of green that create a gorgeous and complementary contrast to the sky. Unlike in much of the desert areas, you’re likely to encounter a number of big and small oases (catchments ponds) along the Rim.
Flickr/dog.breath
The canyons are home to meandering streams surrounded by lush vegetation.
Flickr/dog.breath
Even bigger than the catchment ponds, are the Rim Lakes, located along the Mogollon Rim. Woods Canyon Lake is found among them and is located approximately 30 miles east of Payson.
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The Rim cuts across the state of Arizona, starting in Yavapai County and running to the east, ending near the border of New Mexico.
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Even in the winter, the evergreens in this lush escarpment offer a green (and white) vista.
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You can venture into the wilderness of the Rim through a variety of outdoor activities (see link below). However, the best place to begin is perhaps the Mogollon Rim Visitors Center.
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Here, you’ll not only find long range views looking down into the canyons of the rim as well as trails and walking paths leading from the center… you’re also likely to encounter a little wildlife.
TripAdvisor/Clarence C
The Mogollon Rim in Arizona is one of the greenest places in the state. If you’d like to visit and stay a while, some nearby cities and towns to the Rim are Payson, Show Low, Alpine, Sedona and Pinetop-Lakeside.
Wikipedia/Doug Dolde
Flickr/dog.breath
TripAdvisor/Curtez151
TripAdvisor/quadyak
TripAdvisor/PasssionateTraveler
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TripAdvisor/Clarence C
The Visitors Center is located on the south side of Highway 260, approximately 32 miles east of Payson and 27 miles west of Heber/Overgaard. It’s open primarily during the summer season. In 2018, the posted hours are May 18 through Labor Day from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday. Learn more at this link on the official website of the U.S. Forest Service.
Discover 14 of the best things to do along the Mogollon Rim in this previous article.
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