If you’re in the mood for a hike that’s a bit out of the ordinary, head up to Rim Country and climb the fire lookout tower on top of Baker Butte. One of the best scenic overlooks in Arizona, this historical landmark lets you see all the way to Tucson (200 miles to the south!). You may never want to come back down once you experience these views. This may just be the best hike near Payson, Arizona.

Tucked away in the Coconino National Forest, Baker Butte is one of the highest points along the Mogollon Rim. It sits at an elevation of over 8,000 feet - but the hike to the top is surprisingly not too difficult.
AllTrails/Scott Benjamin
Ascending roughly 650 feet up Forest Road 300, the trail is just over three miles round-trip (or about 1.5 if you begin at the General Crook Trailhead instead of Baker Lake). You'll pass through a dense growth of evergreen pines along the way, which are peppered with wildflowers in the spring and blanketed in snow come wintertime.
AllTrails/Red Queen
Once you've climbed up the hill, you'll turn right at the fire road and make your way to the tower. The 30-foot landmark dates to 1937, replacing the original tower that was built in 1921. It's still manned to this day, so you'll get to meet the lookout and learn more about the area and the history of the tower.
AllTrails/Kimiko Inouye

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You're almost there - the staircase is all that stands between you and some of the most striking views in Arizona.
AllTrails/Kimiko Inouye
The wraparound catwalk offers 360-degree views of the surroundings. On the clearest of days, you can see the distant silhouettes of Picacho Peak and Mount Lemmon 200 miles to the south!
AllTrails/Michael Otradovec
Feel free to stay for a while and soak up the scenery. Just remember to respect the rules of the tower - wait to be invited up, and don't enter the tower if a lookout is not present.
AllTrails/Andrew Shimeall

Have you ever climbed the Baker Butte fire lookout tower? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn about one of the eeriest urban legends in Arizona that will change how you see the Mogollon Rim.

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Baker Butte, Arizona 85541, USA