Region
Rim Country - The Mogollon Rim
Arizona

Offroad Trails in Rim Country - The Mogollon Rim

A Region within Arizona
4.2/5 (372)
Overlanding Arizona: Top Trails Near Phoenix on the Mogollon Rim

If you're looking to escape the desert heat, the Mogollon Rim (pronounced "MUG-ee-yon") is the perfect retreat for anyone living in the Phoenix metro area. Just a few hours north, this high-elevation destination offers cooler temperatures, stunning views, and access to the largest contiguous Ponderosa pine canopy in the world—ideal for unforgettable overlanding adventures in Arizona.

Explore the Best Overlanding Trails on the Mogollon Rim

The Rim is a natural wonder stretching across central Arizona, known for its towering cliffs, deep forests, and endless trail options. Whether you're in a rugged 4x4 or a fully outfitted overlanding rig, these are the top three overlanding trails near Phoenix:

  1. Rim Road (Forest Road 300) One of Arizona’s most scenic drives, Rim Road hugs the edge of the Mogollon Rim for nearly 50 miles. This gravel road offers panoramic views, abundant wildlife, and countless dispersed camping opportunities—all surrounded by towering pines.
  2. FR 153A For a more remote adventure, Forest Road 153A offers a rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience. It winds through meadows and dense forest, perfect for those seeking solitude and a challenge. High-clearance vehicles are recommended.
  3. Sycamore Point A short drive off the main routes, Sycamore Point rewards you with sweeping views of Sycamore Canyon—Arizona’s hidden gem. It’s a favorite for sunsets, photography, and quiet reflection.
Plan Your Rim Country Overlanding Adventure

Do not feel limited to just the popular roads and trails. In fact, there are over 900 miles and 80 trails that we have documented, and hundreds of miles of forest service roads left to be explored. You could even overland from Phoenix to Flagstaff if you wanted to! Whether escaping for a weekend or building a longer trip, the Mogollon Rim delivers memorable scenery and ideal overlanding conditions. Before heading out, be sure to check for current fire restrictions and practice Leave No Trace principles. It’s a must-visit for Arizona adventurers looking to trade pavement for pine-scented trails.

Top Reasons to Explore Here
Altitude Category IconAltitude
Beginner Category IconBeginner
Camping Category IconCamping
Desert Category IconDesert
Forest Category IconForest
Ghost Town Category IconGhost Town
Iconic Category IconIconic
Mud Category IconMud
Overland Category IconOverland
Rock Category IconRock
Scenic Category IconScenic
Snow Wheeling Category IconSnow Wheeling
Wash Category IconWash
Water Category IconWater
Rim Country - The Mogollon Rim includes trail difficulties ranging from:
EASY
to
DIFFICULT
Trail Types
Scout Route
Full Trail Guide

Preview Trail Icon
Preview Trails
easy
moderate
difficult
severe
extreme

All-Access
Scout Route
Start a 7-day Free Trial