Rim Road West

Trail Overview

Epic vistas and endless possibilities! This trail offers little to no technical challenge but makes up for this with some of the most amazing views in the state. This is a great route for beginners and those with 2WD vehicles. Experienced drivers will find adventure here as well by adding in side routes of varying technicality. Wildlife is abundant in the area, so keep your binoculars or camera at the ready. Take your time stopping at numerous vista points along the rim or stray off the trail and explore the miles and miles of forest roads. The Mogollon Rim is truly a nature lover's playground and makes for an amazing weekend adventure. Enjoy!

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Difficulty

Rim Road is a graded gravel full-width road suitable for most vehicles. Side route forest roads will likely require high clearance and are typically a 2 in technical rating. There are some blind curves with two-way traffic so approach these areas slowly and carefully.

History

One of the most striking geologic features in Arizona is the Mogollon Rim. This steep escarpment, measured in thousands of feet and hundreds of miles, begins just across the border in New Mexico and stretches diagonally two thirds of the way across Arizona. As such, it forms the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau and stands as one of the most impressive overlooks in the Grand Canyon State.That precipitous drop-off is the star of this scenic drive, part of which traces the rim's edge across the Coconino. In so doing, it follows another feature of interest, the General Crook Trail which the famous Indian fighter blazed to his stronghold at Fort Apache.When you're not on the rim, you'll still find much to see along this drive, as it winds through a forest well populated with wildlife and gives you a taste of canyon country in scenic East Clear Creek and Barbershop canyons.Description found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/scenicdrivinginfo/recarea/?recid=75019&actid=105

Technical Rating