A new long-distance OHV route is taking shape across Arizona’s Mogollon Rim and White Mountains. From August 17–21, 2026, UTV Offroad Adventures completed the entire current Arizona Alpine Trail network during the inaugural Rim Runner 700.
The five-day journey took 21 UTVs and approximately 40 riders across more than 700 miles of Eastern Arizona. Beginning and ending in Star Valley near Payson, the supported ride connected mountain communities, remote Forest Service roads, high-elevation viewpoints and portions of the Mogollon Rim into one enormous loop.
Riders traveled from Ohio, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Idaho, California and across Arizona to participate. They encountered elevations above 10,000 feet, rapidly changing weather, muddy trails, rocky terrain, wildlife, flat tires and mechanical problems while experiencing a new OHV network that could become Eastern Arizona’s counterpart to the Arizona Peace Trail.
Arizona Alpine Trail Map
What Is the Arizona Alpine Trail?
The Arizona Alpine Trail, commonly shortened to AZAT, is a developing network of more than 700 miles of connected OHV routes across Arizona’s Rim Country and White Mountains.
Rather than one continuously constructed trail, the AZAT combines existing Forest Service roads, motorized trails, county roads, local streets and community connectors. Together, these routes create a destination-scale riding network through Eastern Arizona.
The concept is similar to the Arizona Peace Trail, but the environment is dramatically different. Instead of western Arizona’s desert washes, mining districts and lower-elevation terrain, the Arizona Alpine Trail takes riders through ponderosa pine forests, mountain meadows, alpine lakes and elevations exceeding 10,000 feet.
The developing network connects communities and riding areas around Payson, Pine, Strawberry, Jake’s Corner, Punkin Center, Young, Forest Lakes, Heber-Overgaard, Taylor-Snowflake, Clay Springs, Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Eagar-Springerville, Alpine and Hannagan Meadow.
These gateway communities give riders access to fuel, food, lodging, supplies and repairs while directing OHV tourism into rural areas across Eastern Arizona.
Individual AZAT routes remain under the authority of their respective land managers and road agencies. Access can change because of weather, wildfire restrictions, seasonal closures, road conditions or agency decisions. Anyone planning an independent trip should obtain the latest route files from the official AZAT website and verify current conditions before departing.
Start of the Rim Runner 700 on the Arizona Alpine Trail
The Inaugural Rim Runner 700
UTV Offroad Adventures designed the inaugural Rim Runner 700 as a five-day loop that completed the current Arizona Alpine Trail network while returning participants to their original staging location in Star Valley.
The event officially began Sunday, August 16, with registration and a drivers meeting at Johnny’s Midtown Yard in Star Valley. Arizona Adventures, located across the street, provided trailer and camper parking for participants during the event.
Organizers reviewed the route, safety procedures, communication, fuel stops and the logistical challenges of moving 21 UTVs through remote mountain terrain over five consecutive days.
The estimated daily mileage added up to approximately 745 miles:
- Day One: Star Valley to Heber — approximately 175 miles
- Day Two: Heber to Hannagan Meadow — approximately 180 miles
- Day Three: Hannagan Meadow to Eagar — approximately 85 miles
- Day Four: Eagar to Heber — approximately 165 miles
- Day Five: Heber to Star Valley — approximately 140 miles
Jake’s Corner – AZAT
Day One: Star Valley to Heber
At 6:00 a.m. Monday, 21 UTVs departed Star Valley for the first 175-mile leg of the Rim Runner 700.
The route traveled through Jake’s Corner, Tonto Basin, Young and Forest Lakes before continuing to Heber. Riders quickly left the lower elevations surrounding Payson and climbed into the pine-covered high country.
The opening day included rocky sections, winding mountain roads, technical terrain and remote two-track. It also demonstrated the mechanical toll that can accompany a large-group, long-distance UTV ride.
Flat repair on the Arizona Alpine Trail
By the end of Day One, the group had dealt with eight flat tires, a belt problem, a fuel-pump error code, a smoking vehicle, two blown fuses and a leaking fuel system.
Weather became another factor as the group approached Forest Lakes. Rain moved across the higher elevations and temperatures dropped into the 60s. Riders also encountered wild horses, cattle and deer before reaching Heber and gathering for dinner at Casa Ramos.
AZAT – Greens Peak at approximately 10,115 feet
Day Two: Heber to Hannagan Meadow
Day Two took the group approximately 180 miles from Heber through Show Low and Big Lake before continuing deeper into the White Mountains.
The landscape opened into faster mountain roads as elevations increased. Planned fuel and supply stops allowed riders to prepare before entering more remote sections of the AZAT.
One of the day’s highlights was Greens Peak. At approximately 10,115 feet, it offered a high-elevation lunch stop and panoramic views across the surrounding forests and mountains.
The group also passed fire towers and an old cabin while continuing toward Hannagan Meadow. Wildlife sightings included deer and horses, while riders encountered bear hunters traveling with several hunting dogs.
A Night at Hannagan Meadow Lodge
UTV Offroad Adventures reserved the entire Hannagan Meadow Lodge and its cabins for the group. After approximately 180 miles of riding, participants gathered for dinner at the lodge before spending the night in one of the most remote locations on the route.
The lodge provided more than accommodations. It gave the entire group a common place to eat, compare stories and prepare for the next stage of the ride.
AZAT – Hannagan Meadows
Day Three: Hannagan Meadow to Eagar
After breakfast at Hannagan Meadow Lodge, riders continued toward Alpine and Eagar.
At approximately 85 miles, Day Three was the shortest stage of the Rim Runner 700. The reduced mileage allowed more time to explore the White Mountains and appreciate the cooler temperatures, forests and wildlife.
Riders saw deer, elk and two separate herds of pronghorn. The route also included a stop at the gravesite of Oscar Shultz, who was shot in the area on May 17, 1922.
That evening, participants gathered at Trail Riders in Eagar for dinner, awards and raffles. Recognition included the riders who traveled from Ohio and the event’s oldest participant, an 80-year-old rider.
Bill Nash, owner of Nash Powersports and title sponsor of the Rim Runner 700, joined the group on the trail and celebrated his birthday during the ride.
AZAT – Eager to Heber
Day Four: Eagar to Heber
The return toward Heber began with almost ideal post-rain trail conditions.
Moisture from the previous days had eliminated much of the dust, but it also created deep puddles and slick, muddy terrain. Riders encountered fast roads, rocky sections, tight turns and technical areas that required four-wheel drive.
Vehicles and riders accumulated plenty of Eastern Arizona mud as the group covered approximately 165 miles. Elk continued to appear along the route before the UTVs arrived in Heber for dinner at the Red Onion.
AZAT – Heber to Strawberry
Day Five: Heber to Star Valley
Approximately 140 miles remained when the group departed Heber on the final morning.
The last stage traveled through Chevelon Crossing and across fast two-track surrounded by pine forest. Distant views extended toward the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, while elk, deer, wild horses and cattle appeared along the route.
The group stopped in Strawberry for fuel and supplies before continuing to Pine for lunch at Pinewood Tavern.
From Pine, the ride continued onto the Mogollon Rim. The final portion delivered rocky terrain, technical downhill sections, slow-speed riding and faster flowing roads before the group returned to Star Valley.
Five days after departing—and after approximately 745 miles of Eastern Arizona backcountry—the inaugural Rim Runner 700 was complete.
Planning a Supported 700-Mile UTV Ride
The Rim Runner 700 required far more preparation than mapping a route and assembling a group of riders.
UTV Offroad Adventures arranged four nights of accommodations, including three hotel stays with breakfast and the group’s private stay at Hannagan Meadow Lodge. Organizers also coordinated four dinners, daily fuel locations, supply stops and trail support.
Those logistics allowed riders to arrive with their UTVs and concentrate on the trail rather than independently arranging lodging, meals and fuel across more than 700 miles of remote terrain.
Fuel range was especially important. The AZAT passes through isolated mountain country where services and cellular coverage can be limited. Each day had to be planned around mileage, terrain, group pace, weather, fuel availability and the possibility of mechanical delays.
Reid from Rugged Radios provided additional support during the ride, helping diagnose mechanical problems and keeping the group’s communication systems operating.
Supporting the Arizona Alpine Trail
The Rim Runner 700 included a poker run, with a portion of the proceeds designated for Arizona Alpine Trail Inc.
The donation helps connect the event to the organization responsible for developing, documenting and promoting the route network that made the five-day journey possible.
The trail organization’s broader mission includes responsible OHV recreation, improved route information, rural tourism and continued coordination among the communities and agencies connected by the AZAT.
A New Destination for Arizona UTV Riders
The inaugural Rim Runner 700 demonstrated what the Arizona Alpine Trail can offer long-distance UTV riders.
Participants traveled from Arizona’s lower elevations into pine forests and mountain terrain, rode above 10,000 feet and experienced everything from fast two-track to rocky descents, mud, rain and changing temperatures.
More importantly, the ride demonstrated how the AZAT can connect trails with communities, fuel, lodging, restaurants and other services across Eastern Arizona.
Much as the Arizona Peace Trail established western Arizona as a multi-day OHV destination, the Arizona Alpine Trail has the potential to bring riders from across the country to the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains.
The Rim Runner 700 provided an early real-world demonstration of that potential: five days, 21 UTVs, approximately 40 riders and a complete journey around Arizona’s newest long-distance OHV network.
For current Arizona Alpine Trail maps, route files and trail information, visit AZAlpineTrail.org. Riders should always verify current access, closures, road requirements and land-manager regulations before departing.
For upcoming organized rides and events, visit UTVOffroadAdventures.com.
Story information and photos provided by Kim Krause and UTV Offroad Adventures.
