Arizona's High Country refers to elevations above 5,000 feet with cooler temperatures and more diverse landscapes compared to the lower desert. Winter often brings snow and freezing nighttime lows. Despite this, summer temperatures in places like Payson can reach the 90s Fahrenheit. North of Payson, the Mogollon Rim marks the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau, spanning 200 miles across Arizona and New Mexico, offering scenic views of forests and valleys.
Forest Service Road 300, known as the Rim Road, traces an 1880s Army supply route from Fort Verde (now Camp Verde) eastward to Fort Apache located on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. Today, the Rim Road offers access to historical sites, camping areas and stunning vistas along the Mogollon Rim. The region also boasts iconic natural attractions like the Grand Canyon, national forests, historic towns, Native American reservations, and ancient ruins.
Winter scene of Sedona's spectacular sandstone formations.
One of many stunning views atop the Mogollon Rim and Arizona Highway 260.
Tranquil view of fall colors in the vast expanse of the Coconino National Forest.
Horton Creek is a scenic hiking destination in the Tonto National Forest, southeast of Payson, Arizona.
Twisted Juniper tree trunks with iconic Monument Valley sandstone buttes in the background.
The Three Sisters rock formation in the Monument Valley region of Arizona's Navajo Nation Reservation.
Picturesque reservoir, Woods Canyon Lake is located northeast of Payson, Arizona in the Coconino National Forest.
The West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon is uniquely beautiful year round.
A snowy day at the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona.
A view west across the Hart Prairie. A prescribed burn by the Forest Service makes for a beautiful sunset.