Mogollon Rim for Thanksgiving

99Yota

Observer
Having stopped in Prescott to have Adventure Trailers install a fridge slide and drawer set up in my vehicle, I was off to Mogollon Rim with my girlfriend. (pictures actually start from Phoenix since I had to make a trip to the airport.) Here's a cell phone pic of the new set up- kind of hard to see it with all the stuff packed in there but as I've since refreshed some gear with lighter weight backpacking gear, it's a lot less cluttered now.
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Random picture of an old barn
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Roads were well maintained; 2WD friendly at this point. Really no need for 4WD but as some of the puddles were of unknown depth and iced over, I played it safe and used 4WD a few times.
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Here's a panoramic shot from the Rim:
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We located a site a friend shared which is about 25 miles from Rim Road and took some pictures. Words do not do this place justice. There were some earlier primitive camping spots further back but with 4 or 5 vehicles all within close proximity of one another, I'm glad I followed the map Martyn of AT provided. Trust me when I say that the scenery from this spot is better than the other.
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Here's where we camped for the night:
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My favorite picture- same spot as previous but with more interesting lighting:
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Getting the campfire started- not exactly macgyver but hey, it works.
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First sunset:
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Worth mentioning were the temperatures. During the day, the temperature was about 28-34F. By nightfall, the temperature would slowly drop such that by early morning, it would be closer to 17-18F. Once temps drop to the low 30s, I like to wear a balaclava. Rothco makes a nice one and I'm familiar with their gear. To me, it's more convenient than a shemagh. This particular week, the winds were pretty fierce. Lots of wind advisories with gusts upwards of 45-50mph but being as close to the rim as we were, the winds went right over us.
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Next morning, we decided to take a short walk to a nearby cliff
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Last pic of the campsite before heading off to do some exploring for another campsite
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There's a nearby lake too (Knoll Lake):
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The second spot wasn't quite as scenic as the first but it was a great spot nonetheless- nestled between trees with plenty of space to set up camp
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And then, the the drive back to Tampa...
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upndown

Adventurer
Spent many nights camped on the edge of the Rim, watching distant Monsoon light shows, while dining on trout compliments of Knoll lake. Great pics!!
 

bat

Explorer
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Spectacular views from the rim, we came in from Sedona up Schnebly hill and over to the rim and down to the Apache trail.
 

al415

Observer
Looks fantastic. Timely post as I have nothing on my plate for the next three weeks and I'm thinking of taking the dog on a road trip from NJ. I've saved your camp spot to my gps!
 

mkitchen

Explorer
BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

Great pics and I am guessing that you didn't have to share it with too many people.
Mikey
 

99Yota

Observer
There was barely enough room to hold the gear itself! Once kids come, I agree it will be time for a trailer of some sort.
 

99Yota

Observer
Yep, I couldn't believe there weren't others. There is actually another area to the left or 1/10 mile north- similar elevation but it was full of melting ice and mud puddles. In summer or warmer months, this would definitely be an option.
 

99Yota

Observer
Looks fantastic. Timely post as I have nothing on my plate for the next three weeks and I'm thinking of taking the dog on a road trip from NJ. I've saved your camp spot to my gps!

You'll have a blast. I've also been researching trips- Big Bend National park in Texas looks like a strong contender if you don't feel like driving all the way to AZ from NJ.
 

shawnr

New member
Great trip report. I love that area. I even moved to Payson, AZ for awhile so I could spend some time photographing the Mogollon Rim a few years ago. I recognize some of the locations you photographed. I might have to make a trip out there this winter now. Your trip report has inspired me.
 

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