Black Canyon Rim Campground

   Located at an elevation of 7600 feet, Black Canyon Rim Campground is 3 miles south our Highway 260 at the junction with Forest Road 300 (approximately 13 miles west of Heber). The campground is generally open early May to November and boasts 21 family campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, or small motorhomes up to 16 feet. Facilities include campfire grills, picnic tables, vault toilets, garbage facilities and drinking water. The fee is $8.00 per night.

   Fishing and boating (electric motors only) opportunities are popular at Black Canyon Lake which is located 3 miles northeast along Forest Road 86. A historical grave site is located within walking distance of the campground. The campground is set among the ponderosa pines.

Sinkhole Campground

   Located at an elevation of 7560 feet, Sinkhole Campground is ¼ mile north of Highway 260 towards Willow Springs Lake on Forest Road 149 (approximately 21 miles west of Heber). The campground is generally open mid-May to the end of October and contains 26 units suitable for tents, trailers, and small motorhomes up to 32 feet. Facilities include tables, campfire grills, toilets, garbage facilities and drinking water. Road is paved and fee is $8.00/night/vehicle.

   Located in the ponderosa pine forest, this campground is within walking distance of Willow Springs Lake which provides boating (motors up to 8 hp) and fishing opportunities. Hiking and mountain biking opportunities are nearby in the non-motorized Wildlife Area. The General Crook National Recreation Trail is also within a mile of the campground. Be prepared for rain, often heavy, through July and August. Expect cool to cold nighttime temperatures.

Aspen Campground

   Located at an elevation of 7610 feet, Aspen Campground is just off Woods Canyon Lake , approximately 4 miles north of State Highway 260 at mile marker 282, located directly across from the U.S. Forest Service Rim Visitor Information Station or 25 miles west of Heber, Arizona. The campground is generally open May through October.

   One of the areas larger campgrounds, Aspen offers visitors 136 family campsites and can accommodate tents, trailers and motorhomes up to 45 feet. Amenities include campfire grills, picnic tables, vault toilets, garbage facilities, drinking water, a boat ramp and launch at Woods Canyon Lake , RV sanitary station (near-by), paved roads and campground hosts. Fees are $14.00/night for overnight stays, and $3.00/vehicle/day in the picnic area of the campground.

   Nearby Woods Canyon Lake offers boating (electric trolling motors only) and fishing opportunities. An interpretative nature trail is located at the north end of lake. The campground is situated in ponderosa pine, oak, aspen, and Douglas fir. This is the only rim lake that has its own store and boat rentals. Consequently, it can get quite crowded in summer months. Reservations are recommended – call 1-877-444-6777, or online at http://www.reserveusa.com/

Canyon Point Campground

  Located near one of the highest points on the Mogollon Rim, Canyon Point Campground is 7680 feet above sea level. The entrance is located on Highway 260 less than 2 miles west of Forest Lakes or 17 miles west of Heber. The campground is generally open mid-May to mid-October, has 88 family camping units, 32 with electricity. The site can accommodate tents, trailers and motorhomes up to 75 feet. Special amenities such as quad sites, a large group campsite, and an amphitheater are available. Other facilities include campfire grills, picnic tables, drinking water/shower facilities and flush toilets, vault toilets in campground loops, an RV sanitary station, campground hosts, and paved roads. Fees are $16.00/night/vehicle with or without electric, and $8.00/night for a second vehicle. Quad sites are $28-32/night, group sites $75-100/night, dump station $5.00, and showers $3.00 per person.

   There are hiking trails to Sinkhole and the edge of the Mogollon Rim. This campground is approximately 5 miles from Willow Springs Lake which provides boating and fishing opportunities. It is located in a ponderosa pine forest. Be prepared for rain, often heavy, through July and August. Expect cool to cold nighttime temperatures. There is a public telephone near the entrance, although the nearest full service community is Overgaard 20 miles east via Hwy 260. The campground phone number is 928 535-9233, and reservations are available and recommended in summer months by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.reserveusa.com.

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest offers a complete listing of Mogollon Rim campgrounds on their website.

   Pine Meadows Country Club provides golfing enthusiasts nine holes of golf and breathtaking views of the area surrounding Overgaard. In addition to golf, the site offers golf carts, a clubhouse, restaurant and bar.

www.pinemeadowscc.com

  Mormon pioneers first settled in Heber in the late 1800’s. Heber was named after Heber J. Grant, a prominent member of the Mormon Church. Many settlements were located in the fertile ranching and farmland in Black Canyon. The neighboring community of Overgaard was settled in the 1930’s and was named after the owner of the first sawmill. Horses were used to haul logs up until 1965. Logging and ranching were the predominant industries here until 1991.

    There are over 15 different hiking trails within 30 minutes of Heber and Overgaard, ranging in difficulty from easy to “most difficult” as classified by the U.S. Forest Service. All boast an abundance of beauty in and around the Mogollon Rim at elevations ranging from 7900 feet down to 6500 feet. Here are a few examples listed by difficulty.

  Rim Lake Vista Trail #622 (easy) This 3-1/2 mile trail meanders along the Mogollon Rim and provides spectacular views overlooking the Rim. Interesting rock outcroppings can be seen along the way. The main trailhead is located just west of State Highway 260 along Forest Road 300. Forest Road 300 is located approximately 26 miles west of Heber, immediately across from the Rim Visitor Center. Be careful in July and August during thunderstorms – get out of the open and off the rim to avoid lightning strikes.

   Willow Springs Loop Trail (moderate) For a moderate trail, try the Willow Springs Loop Trail. Approximately 22 miles west of Heber-Overgaard, the trailhead is located just ½ mile north of Hwy 260 off Forest Road 237. Elk and deer can often be observed, especially in the summer, along this system of old logging roads. The trail is located in a Wildlife Habitat Area which is closed to motorized vehicle use to provide a "quiet" area for a variety of wildlife species. In October, the leaves of the aspen and oak trees provide a golden yellow contrast to the evergreens. The trail provides access to the edge of Chevelon Canyon for a beautiful view of the canyon. Hidden Lake and Jacob Well sinkholes can provide additional exploring opportunities and are accessible off Willow Springs Loop.

   Drew Canyon Trail #291 (difficult) This old pioneer trail, which was built prior to 1909, starts high in the ponderosa pine and firs. It originates at the Crook Trail, crosses the Hole-in-Ground gravel pit road and drops off of the Rim. The level trail from the Crook Trail to the road is flagged and blazed to aid in locating the trail. The trail down the Rim winds its way through pinyon pine, juniper, manzanita, and more. Dramatic views off of the Rim occur throughout the length of the trail and is one of the best trails to experience the scenic Mogollon Rim. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and take plenty of water on this rather steep trail. To access the trailhead from Heber-Overgaard, drive west on Highway 260 for 24 miles to Forest Road 300; follow Forest Road 300 for 5.4 miles to Forest Road 9350. Turn south on 9350 and travel one mile.

   Horton Spring Trail #292 (most difficult) The first 1/4 mile of this trail is mostly level and very beautiful; then the trail drops steeply (a total of 1200 feet) giving some fantastic views. Pine, fir, and wildflowers grow along the upper portions of the trail. Just a short hike down offers scenic views. The trail connects with the Highline Trail 1 mile below. Take Highway 260 west from Heber approximately 24 miles, turn west on Forest Road 300. Travel west 15.7 miles, and the trailhead will be on the south side of the road.

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest offers additional trail information on their website.