Experimental and Rocky

Trail Overview

This trail picks up off Highway 3 just outside Happy Jack. There is a little bit of cell service at the beginning of this trail, and there are several easy-to-get dispersed campsites with easy access for larger vehicles and groups. However, there might be a noise from the highway. There is a network of little trails right at the beginning that all go to campsites, so there are multiple options to choose from--but you might have neighbors. The trail narrows after it passes all of the camping, where it ruts out and then begins to get rocky. There is one particularly bumpy, rocky hill that is unavoidable. You're going to have to choose what rocks to drive over. The trails end meets up with a few other trails to choose from. One to the right leads to private property. There is a locked gate to keep you out. Rugged tires and airing down would be recommended for the rocky hill. There is no cell service the further down the trail you go.

Photos of Experimental and Rocky

Want to see more?

Login

Difficulty

The trail rating is for one particularly rocky, bumpy hill to go down or climb out of. There is no avoiding driving over rocks that could smack a pumpkin or tear a weaker sidewall. There are also some ruts and washouts that are a bit off-camber. Some areas of the trail are narrow and may cause paint damage.

History

The Mogollon Rim is a rugged escarpment that forms the southern limit of the Colorado Plateau. It extends across the entire forest, approximately 200 miles in total, and provides excellent views within plateau country and desert canyon country as well. Dropping as much as 2,000 feet in some areas, the Rim offers some of the most far-reaching scenery in Arizona. Views stretch from its rocky precipice to Four Peaks of the Mazatzals northeast of Phoenix. Sightseeing is a favorite activity along the Rim. Still, this forest area also boasts a historic system of hiking and horseback trails, a couple of picturesque lakes for boating and fishing, and backcountry skiing for wilderness adventurers. The Mogollon Rim is a topographical and geological feature cutting across the northern half of Arizona. It extends diagonally approximately 200 miles, starting in northern Yavapai County and running eastward, ending near the New Mexico border. It forms the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau in Arizona. The Rim is an escarpment defining the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau. Its central and most spectacular portions are characterized by high cliffs of limestone and sand, namely the Kaibab limestone and Coconino sandstone cliffs. This escarpment was created by erosion, faulting, and cutting dramatic canyons into it, including the Fossil Creek Canyon and Pine Canyon. The name Mogollon comes from Don Juan Ignacio Flores Mogollon, the Spanish governor of New Mexico from 1712 to 1715. The Mogollon Rim's limestones and sandstones were formed from sediments deposited in the Carboniferous and Permian Periods. Several of the Rim's rock formations are also seen on the walls of the Grand Canyon. The extensive basaltic lava flows cap or even bury the Rim in many places. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the endangered Mexican spotted owl. Other wildlife present on the Rim will be herds of elk and deer. You may see black bears, mountain lions, and even the occasional red-tailed hawk or peregrine falcon. There are also coyotes, horned toads, and rattlesnakes. This area frequently has fire restrictions early in the season. Be sure to contact the local ranger station for information about the current campfire restrictions. Or, at the minimum, check the Coconino Fire webpage. https://www.coconino.az.gov/2595/Fire-Restriction-Information

Technical Rating