Rim Road East - Level 2
Rim Road East is a long forest road in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, in the high country of east-central Arizona near Show Low. It is the eastern part of a route that follows the Mogollon Rim country. Much of the road runs along the northern edge of the White Mountain Apache tribal lands, so stay on the road and respect the boundary.
The road is mostly a quiet forest drive with scenery showing now and then through the trees. It sees less traffic than the popular Rim Road overlooks farther west. It makes a good half-day outing, with dispersed camping and room to turn around.
Trail Summary
- LocationShow Low, Arizona
- Distance18.8 miles
- DifficultyLevel 2
- Elevation6,282 ft to 7,037 ft with a 755 ft change
- Travel Time1 hour 12 minutes
Difficulty
Typically suitable for high clearance 2WD
This trail is rated Easy (level 2), typically suitable for a high clearance 2WD vehicle. Stock equipment is enough, but expect the surface to test tire traction and ground clearance in places. Obstacles such as rocks, dips and ruts should stay under about 9 inches, and any small ledges or shallow water crossings under about 12 inches. The road is unmaintained after rain or snow and is generally one to two vehicles wide. The driver's log calls out no specific obstacles on this route. Check recent weather before you go, because wet conditions can change how the surface drives.
Terrain
The road is a dirt forest road running through ponderosa pine country on and near the Mogollon Rim. Published descriptions of the full Rim Road East route say the western end is packed dirt, the middle is bumpy with embedded rock, and the eastern end can have deep ruts that are best avoided after heavy rain. In wet weather the surface can turn to slick mud. Snow can also close or block roads on this part of the Rim in winter.
Highlights
Parts of the longer route show the effects of the 2002 Rodeo-Chediski Wildfire. Where the burn thinned the canopy, views open up over the forest. The area has many places to pull off and camp, and the elevation keeps summer temperatures cooler than the desert lowlands.
Trail GPS File
Map
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