Near Payson, Richard drove us to what is sometimes called Arizona's 'Alpine Region' -- the Mogollon Rim Country. An escarpment that rises up to 8,000 feet, it defines the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau.
With cliffs of sandstone and limestone, it affords spectacular views of Ponderosa pine forests and features a number of pristine mountain lakes. The name Mogollon comes from Don Juan Ignacio Flores Mogollón, the Spanish Governor of New Mexico from 1712 to 1715. |
Pam admires the view at the Visitors Center, while we all admire the view on the drive.
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Hard to believe this is Arizona, right? The views take your breath away! |
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Our next stop was Willow Springs Lake, one of seven lakes found in the Mogollon Rim Country.
At an elevation of 7,500 feet, it's surrounded by pine and fir trees, and also home to wildife, as we soon found out. |
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We observe a herd of elk moving through the pine forest near the lake. What magnificent creatures they are! |
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Our next stop was Wood Canyon Lake.
That water is cold ... just ask Pam!
That water is cold ... just ask Pam!
After a full day of exploring the Rim, we head back to Cottonwood to find good food, good drink and good conversation at local favorite, R.I.O.T. (Rendezvous in Old Town).
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