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Mogollon Rim Trail Map & Safety Card

Save this page to your phone before you head out. Every number and trail detail below is stored on your device, so it still works deep in the forest where there's no cell coverage.

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Emergency & Ranger Contacts

911

Emergency Services

Police, fire, medical. Calls connect even with no data signal.

474-7900

Tonto National Forest

Payson Ranger District — trail & fire conditions

474-2463

Gila County Sheriff

Non-emergency dispatch & backcountry rescue

474-3222

Banner Payson Medical

807 S. Ponderosa St — 24/7 emergency room

474-5242

Payson Fire Dept.

Non-emergency fire & rescue

222-1222

Poison Control

24/7 — snakebites, stings, plant poisoning

Orientation Map

▲ THE MOGOLLON RIM (FR 300 — Rim Road) SR 87 · Beeline Hwy SR 260 → Christopher Creek SR 87 → Pine / Strawberry PAYSON Horton Creek (Hwy 260) Rim Lakes Vista (FR 300) See Canyon Water Wheel & Pine Canyon (Hwy 87 N) Fossil Springs (FR 708) Highline Trail (Pine TH) Monument Peak / Houston (town trails)

Schematic only — not to scale. Distances and trailhead access are listed below. For turn-by-turn navigation, download offline maps in AllTrails or Gaia GPS before you lose signal.

Trail Quick Reference

Horton Creek Trail

Moderate
8.6 mi out-and-back+1,534 ftTrailhead: off Hwy 260

Creekside ponderosa forest past waterfalls to Horton Spring; switchbacks to the rim on the last mile. Best May–Oct.

Tonto Day Pass required ($8)

Rim Lakes Vista Trail

Easy
3.5 mi one-way (paved)+150 ftTrailhead: FR 300

Paved, wheelchair-friendly path along the rim edge with sweeping views over the Tonto Basin. Stunning at sunrise and sunset.

See Canyon Trail

Strenuous
7.2 mi out-and-back+1,600 ftTrailhead: FR 300

Steep descent from the rim into old-growth forest with seasonal stream crossings. Bring trekking poles. Not for beginners.

Water Wheel Falls Trail

Easy–Moderate
3.2 mi out-and-back+300 ftTrailhead: Hwy 87 N

Ellison Creek cascades and swimming holes. Parking fee $9.

⚠ Flash-flood risk during monsoon — never enter if storms threaten upstream

Pine Canyon Trail

Easy
3 mi out-and-back+200 ftTrailhead: Hwy 87 N

Gentle walk through ponderosa pines. Great for families and birding.

Fossil Springs Trail (Bob Bear)

Strenuous
8 mi out-and-back+1,400 ftTrailhead: FR 708

One of Arizona's best day hikes — turquoise travertine springs and a swim cave. Brutal climb out; carry extra water.

Permit required — reserve on recreation.gov

Highline Trail

Moderate
11 mi one-way+800 ftTrailhead: Pine TH

Historic National Recreation Trail beneath the rim linking old homesteads. Shuttle recommended for one-way hikes.

West Clear Creek Trail

Strenuous
6 mi out-and-back+1,200 ftTrailhead: FR 618

Turquoise creek with deep swimming pools and remote wilderness. Trailhead can be hard to find.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Moderate (short)
1.5 mi of trails10 min N of PaysonPark admission required

World's largest travertine bridge (183 ft). Four short trails. No dogs; trails close at 4 pm.

Monument Peak Loop

Easy
3 mi loopGranite Dells Rd

Shaded woods and open meadows at the base of Monument Peak. Part of the in-town PATS network.

Houston Trail

Easy
4.2 miHouston Mesa Trailhead

Hiking, biking, and horseback riding; connects to the Houston Loop (3.6 mi).

Backcountry Safety Essentials

  • Water: at least 1 liter per hour of hiking. The dry, high-elevation air dehydrates you fast.
  • Tell someone your plan: trail, start time, and expected return. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent out here.
  • Monsoon (Jul–Sep): start early, be off exposed ridges by noon, and never cross a flooded wash. Lightning is the #1 danger.
  • Wildlife: give bears, elk, and javelina space; watch where you step for rattlesnakes May–Oct; don't run from a mountain lion.
  • Fire: check current restrictions before you go (Tonto NF: 928-474-7900). Report smoke or fire by calling 911.
  • Turn around with enough daylight and energy to get back. The rim gets cold fast after dark.