The 43-Mile Scenic Drive In Arizona You Will Want To Take As Soon As You Can

If you’ve lived in Arizona for any significant amount of time, chances are you’ve hiked Mogollon Rim at least once — but have you ever driven it? Rim Road is a 43-mile scenic drive that showcases all the high points of this beautiful alpine landscape.

Rim Road (also known as Forest Road 300) is a 43-mile scenic drive perfect for a quick afternoon adventure. It begins on State Road 87 and heads west, coming to an end at State Road 260.

While unpaved, the road is surprisingly well-maintained. High clearance vehicles aren't required -- in fact, many have completed trip in a small sedan with no issues.

Hiking trails of various lengths and skill levels abound, presenting an opportunity to get out and stretch your legs for a while.

Several lakes are easily accessible from the road, whether via a short drive or brief trek through the woods. Pictured here is Knoll Lake, widely believed to have some of the clearest, most pristine waters in Arizona.

Even if you never leave the car, Rim Road offers unforgettable, panoramic scenes. There are plenty of overlooks to pull off and take in the sights within the comfort of your vehicle.

On foggy days, the views are more awe-inspiring than ever. Take a look at this haunting scene of low, wispy clouds rolling in from the distance.

The silhouettes of looming mountains are simply ethereal to behold. Stretching up toward the clouds, the lofty peaks command the sky everywhere you look.

One of the best parts about Rim Road is that it's completely free. You can even extend your stay overnight by camping at one of many primitive sites along the way.

Rim Road is point-to-point, so you can either head back the way you came or continue east on 260. It's a choose-your-own-adventure type of situation!

Have you ever driven down Rim Road? If so, tell us all about the experience! Check out our previous article for more bucket list-worthy scenic drives: The 8 Best Backroads In Arizona For A Long Scenic Drive.

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Address: Mogollon Rim, Arizona 85541, USA

Katie Lawrence

Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing. Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.