Where to go in the high country?

[aj661]

Originally Posted by Monster Daddy

Going east of Payson up to the Mogollan Rim country isn't very crowded nowadays with the kids in school. Very pretty views at the top of the Rim if you head to Woods Canyon Lake which happens to be the most paved/developed park there with a little marketplace for supplies and a boat rental. There are paved and unpaved trails and deer/elk are not uncommon sights within the developed areas of the park.

I was there this weekend and it was very comfortable and we managed to avoid getting any rain. You would want to bring an extra set of long-sleeve clothing, it feels cold to many Phoenix residents.

For someone unfamiliar with high country, Woods Canyon is a good starter site. Then you can gauge how rugged you want your experience to be, hehe. Nothing ruins people's high country experiences/expectations than getting into something far outside your comfort zone.

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Excellent advice! I agree with you. For me, getting away from people is a major goal, but Woods Canyon, Christopher Creek, etc. is a better choice for first timers to get a taste of the Rim.

I agree, but we drive past Woods Canyon (too many people) a few miles to our campsite. Not far past the lake on FR300 there are view points and trails. My wife and I were married at one of them BTW. There is so much to see up there. You might also want to hang a right off SR260 at the Woods Canyon turn off. Some of the same beautiful views of the Rim, but occasionally less people on that side of the highway.

View from one of our campsites;

Autumn on the Rim (a short walk down the road from the other photo, taken in early October);

[Howard Roark]

I agree with another poster - Payson is not "high" country. I remember last summer hearing that temps up there have gone up to 100 degrees some days. I like the Apache area (White River, McNary, Vernon). Many years ago i camped overnight with some friends and we mountain biked several trails there. The apaches had (or have) an excellant trail system that is well-marked. When it's 105 in the Valley, it's in the 70s up there. We were camping above 7200 feet. Make sure your tent is waterproof, as monsoon rains happen up there too.

Originally Posted by azcater

I'd like to do a day trip on Saturday and drive up to the mountains, but I have no idea where to go or what to see... we live in Gilbert, so I'm thinking we'll just drive up Beeline to Payson (or further), but can you give me some ideas of where specifically to head? We'll have our 2 year old with us.

Any suggestions on a great place to eat would be helpful also.. thanks!!

[fcorrales80]

A must is Fossil Creek Springs and Falls located near Strawberry, AZ. You can take the 87 through Payson, Pine, and Strawberry to Fossil Creek Road and off road it a bit to the trail head. The hike down and up are not easy but well worth it! Here are some pics: