Crew Driving Directions
The Mogollon Rim itself poses a large obstacle for crewing this race. We have learned over the years that it does not make sense or is actually close to impossible to drive between some aid stations in time to see a runner since you must drive all the way around the rim to go up or down it. While most are easily accessible, they often require a great deal of driving to get to each. We ask that you please abide by our crew locations so that we can all have a safe and enjoyable race experience.
Important! Some crew information has changed from past year’s editions- specifically within the Tonto National Forest which covers Geronimo and Washington Park. Here is the most updated information as of 8.06.19:
NOTE: You are allowed ONE (1) crew vehicle per runner. When you pick up your bib, you will be supplied with a crew pass with your bib number on it that must be present on the dash for the entire race. If we see additional crew vehicles on course for a single runner OR find that a runner is receiving aid from their crew outside the designated aid stations we have the right to disqualify you.
NEW in 2019: There are a handful of new crew instructions moving forward. Please fully read.
1. There will be NO crew access at Geronimo (mile 10, mile 90 for 100M). After the start, head into town and grab some breakfast, a cup of coffee, or the Ponderosa Market for supplies and get ready for your big day/night at the Mogollon Rim.
2. While we've used Washington Park as the bottom of the rim "hub" in the past, we are no longer allowed to offer crew vehicle access here per the national forest. We understand that this can (and will) alter crewing plans and we are actively working on a solution to streamline this new restriction. We will do our best to keep you updated on this new change but as of now, the only vehicle access we'll be offering here is for staff and volunteers.
You will still be able to have pacers start and finish at Washington Park but they will have to be dropped off and walk up the dirt road to the aid station.
3. Three of the top of the rim aid stations are open for crews now. That includes Houston Brothers, Pinchot Cabin and Buck Springs. Directions are listed below, but it is imperative that crews access these aid stations via FS-95 and not FS-300/ Rim Road.
4. 35 Km Runners will have no crew access for their race.
(NEW in 2019) Old Pine Lot Event Parking for Shuttle to/from Start line - We have secured a larger parking area one mile from the Pine Trailhead where the races will begin. The Old Pine Parking Area will allow dispersed camping and vehicles can remain here all weekend.
On race morning we will have Pine Elementary School shuttling runners back and forth beginning shortly before 5 a.m. and continuing until around 7:30 a.m.
For Sunday's 35 Km race, the shuttle will begin at 6 a.m. and continue just after 7 a.m.
Start at Pine Trailhead – Pine Trailhead is just before reaching the town of Pine as you come north from Payson. There is a sign for the turnoff and the right turn takes you to a dead end where the race starts and then later passes through 98 miles later. There is a non-flushing bathroom available here, Porta-potties, and camping is allowed over night if you choose. To reach the Pine TH from Payson, travel 15 miles north on state route 87.
Pine TH: Reached by traveling 15 miles north of Payson on SR 87, turn right onto FR 298. Facilities include toilet, corrals, and large parking area.
Dickerson Flat AS – NO CREWS - Head north on the 87 through Pine and Strawberry towns up to the top of the Rim. Look for the signed junction for the “Rim Road” (Forest Road #300) just after mile marker 280. Take a right and go straight at the first intersections on Milk Ranch Point road. You access Rim Road #300 here (would be left turn and takes you to Buck Springs/Houston Brothers/Pinchot Cabn AS) but for Dickerson Flat AS you want to go straight on Milk Ranch Point Road. This will meet a three way intersection after about a mile and take the right turn following Milk Ranch Point Road. After about 3.3 miles you will reach Dickerson Flat, a large pasture on the right with a row of ponderosas. The aid station is set up on the left by the metal gate leading to Turkey Springs Trail.
Geronimo AS - NO CREW ACCESS! - To reach Geronimo head South on the 87 from the starting line at the Pine Trailhead turnoff you will look for a left turn for “Control Road” #64. This left turn off the 87 is the Control Road that accesses all of the Rim’s lower trailhead’s (Geronimo, Washington Park, and Hells’ Gate.) This road has many mile markers for Camp Geronimo (same as our AS) and Washington Park that allows for easy navigation along this road. This road is improved dirt but windy and often has elk on it. Should you be traveling early morning or evening please be on the lookout for elk near or on the road. For Geronimo you’ll follow the Control Road 6 miles and take a left at the signed marker. The AS is 1.8 miles up the road at the Geronimo Trailhead parking area. We likely won’t run out of parking but should we do, park along the road allowing plenty of space for emergency vehicle traffic to pass.
NOTE: Pacers may be dropped off at this aid station but may not park here. It is the pacer/crews responsibility to arrange transportation to/from the aid stations.
Geronimo TH: Reached by taking SR 87 to FR 64, turn right on FR 64 and travel 6 miles to FR 440, turn north (left) on FR 440 and travel 2 miles.
Washington Park AS - NO VEHICLE CREW ACCESS! - To reach race headquarters, return to the Control Road and turn left to continue back east. This road will take you east to another signed turnoff (left) which says 4 miles for Washington Park and then 30 feet later says 5 miles. Either way, continue north towards the Rim itself, the road brings you to a junction with mailboxes along the road. Merge to the left side and go past the mailboxes. Shortly thereafter the turn for Washington Park points you right and then immediately to the left. This short section is bumpy for cars so take it easy. This last mile passes several great camping spots and dead ends at Washington Park Trailhead. Camping is NO LONGER allowed at Washington Park due to some absolute scumbags who have ruined it for everyone with their total disregard for the area and leaving copious amounts of litter after camping. We have to now get an exception from the NFS just to have an aid station there all night. So no camping any longer, you’ll get a ticket.
NOTE: Pacers may be dropped off at this aid station but may not park here. It is the pacer/crews responsibility to arrange transportation to/from the aid stations.
Washington Park TH
SR 87 to FR 199, 10.3 miles to FR 64, and .7 mile to FR 32 and 3.3 miles to FR 32A (FR 32A is a considered a high clearance road).
FR 199 AKA, Houston Mesa Road begins 2 miles north of Payson on SR 87.
Hell’s Gate AS – NO CREW - Please do not visit this location unless you are the volunteer or are running through in the race. The access road is washed out and not accessible, very small and cannot accommodate additional traffic.
General Springs Cabin CREW ONLY (no aid station) (27.1 Miles/ 1hour 4 minutes from Pine Trailhead)
Runner mileage: 28, 40
Pacer Access: Yes, mile 40 only
From the Pine Trailhead, drive up the AZ-87 for just over 14 miles where you’ll see signs for FS-300 or Rim Road. Within the first quarter mile, you need to turn left onto the Rim Road which you’ll follow for more than 12 miles. This road is all dirt and has lots of twists and turns. Combine that will incredible views and it can be a bit of a dangerous road. There will be OHV’s, 4-wheelers and plenty of other traffic on here so please pay attention on this drive. When you reach the powerlines where there will be a crew of our HAM Radio operators, you’ll turn left toward the cabin. About a ½ mile down this road you will see parking on the left. Be courteous to other runners/crews and only take up one space so we can accommodate as many runners as we can. And of course, be sure to leave plenty of space for an emergency vehicle to access this area AND be able to turn around. Please do NOT park vehicles on both sides of the road should there be no parking in the spots off the road.
You can offer crew access here on both ends of you’re the runners out and back to Bear Canyon. Only on the way back (mile 40) can you have a pacer join you.
NOTE: When you reach the powerline where you turn left, you will be driving on the race course so please be on the look out for other runners and drive slow so as to not kick up a bunch of dust in their faces either.
The next crew access point will be Buck Springs at mile 58. While that is only 18 (running) miles from General Springs Cabin, it may take your runner 6+ hours to complete this.
NOTE: Many of you will be driving these sections in the dark. Keep an eye out for wildlife on ALL of these roads!
-----------------------------------------------
Houston Brothers AS (Pin Drop) - CREW ACCESS - Houston Brothers Directions (50 miles/ 1.5 hours) - To get to the Cabin Loop Aid Stations (Pinchot Cabin, Houston Brothers, Buck Springs) from the Pine Trailhead, you have to drive up the 87 for almost 33 miles (32.7) to the FS-95 turnoff on your right. Once on the 95, there will be a few junctions with other service roads but remain on FS-95 for just under 9 miles to the junction of FS-139 and turn left. Follow the FS-139 for 8.6 miles where there is a small turnoff and the location of the aid station. There is limited parking right next to the aid station so please be courteous of staff/radio/medical crews. If parking on FS-139, you must leave enough space for emergency vehicles to pass and please only utilize one side of the road.
Pinchot Cabin AS (Pin Drop) - CREW ACCESS – Pinchot Cabin Directions (44 miles/ 1hr 8min from Pine Trailhead) – From the Pine Trailhead, drive up the 87 for almost 33 miles (32.7) to the FS-95 turnoff on your right. Once on the 95, there will be a few junctions with other service roads but remain on FS-95 for just 11.1 miles to the junction of FS-139A and turn left. You will see the large white tent on your left about 500 feet after your turn. There is very limited parking here and it is imperative you leave space for emergency access (15+ft wide) and park on one side of the road only. The race course crosses the 139A so please use caution when arriving/departing this aid station. There is also a parking area off of the 95 where it is just a short walk to the aid station.
Buck Springs AS (Pin Drop) - CREW ACCESS - Buck Springs Directions - (48 miles/ 1hr 20min from Pine Trailhead) - From the Pine Trailhead, drive up the 87 for almost 33 miles (32.7) to the FS-95 turnoff on your right. Once on the 95, there will be a few junctions with other service roads but remain on FS-95 for just about 6.4 miles to the junction of FS-96 and turn left. Follow FS-96 for 2 miles before making a slight right onto FS-321. Follow FS-321 for 6.8 miles until you see an opening on your left and the aid station in a field. There is parking off of this road next to the aid as well as on the road itself. Parking on one side and leaving space for emergency access applies here as well.
NOTE: If you are visiting your runner or coming to pace and leaving a car be sure to leave it in a spot where there is PLENTY of space for an emergency vehicle to get through. This is very important.
Finish Line (Pin Drop) - CREW ACCESS - Our finish line is located at the Town Ramada which is off the main road in the center of Pine and just north of the Ponderosa Market. You will see our big metal Mogollon Monster 100 sign on the left that our friend Chris Dame made a few years back. We will have some of our store items available for sale, some shade while you're handing out and some food for the runners. There is a little playground for the kids, ice cream shop next door, and a couple other restaurant options within eye shot of the finish line. Last year the Pine-Strawberry Museum was open right at the finish line too.
Important! Some crew information has changed from past year’s editions- specifically within the Tonto National Forest which covers Geronimo and Washington Park. Here is the most updated information as of 8.06.19:
NOTE: You are allowed ONE (1) crew vehicle per runner. When you pick up your bib, you will be supplied with a crew pass with your bib number on it that must be present on the dash for the entire race. If we see additional crew vehicles on course for a single runner OR find that a runner is receiving aid from their crew outside the designated aid stations we have the right to disqualify you.
NEW in 2019: There are a handful of new crew instructions moving forward. Please fully read.
1. There will be NO crew access at Geronimo (mile 10, mile 90 for 100M). After the start, head into town and grab some breakfast, a cup of coffee, or the Ponderosa Market for supplies and get ready for your big day/night at the Mogollon Rim.
2. While we've used Washington Park as the bottom of the rim "hub" in the past, we are no longer allowed to offer crew vehicle access here per the national forest. We understand that this can (and will) alter crewing plans and we are actively working on a solution to streamline this new restriction. We will do our best to keep you updated on this new change but as of now, the only vehicle access we'll be offering here is for staff and volunteers.
You will still be able to have pacers start and finish at Washington Park but they will have to be dropped off and walk up the dirt road to the aid station.
3. Three of the top of the rim aid stations are open for crews now. That includes Houston Brothers, Pinchot Cabin and Buck Springs. Directions are listed below, but it is imperative that crews access these aid stations via FS-95 and not FS-300/ Rim Road.
4. 35 Km Runners will have no crew access for their race.
(NEW in 2019) Old Pine Lot Event Parking for Shuttle to/from Start line - We have secured a larger parking area one mile from the Pine Trailhead where the races will begin. The Old Pine Parking Area will allow dispersed camping and vehicles can remain here all weekend.
On race morning we will have Pine Elementary School shuttling runners back and forth beginning shortly before 5 a.m. and continuing until around 7:30 a.m.
For Sunday's 35 Km race, the shuttle will begin at 6 a.m. and continue just after 7 a.m.
Start at Pine Trailhead – Pine Trailhead is just before reaching the town of Pine as you come north from Payson. There is a sign for the turnoff and the right turn takes you to a dead end where the race starts and then later passes through 98 miles later. There is a non-flushing bathroom available here, Porta-potties, and camping is allowed over night if you choose. To reach the Pine TH from Payson, travel 15 miles north on state route 87.
Pine TH: Reached by traveling 15 miles north of Payson on SR 87, turn right onto FR 298. Facilities include toilet, corrals, and large parking area.
Dickerson Flat AS – NO CREWS - Head north on the 87 through Pine and Strawberry towns up to the top of the Rim. Look for the signed junction for the “Rim Road” (Forest Road #300) just after mile marker 280. Take a right and go straight at the first intersections on Milk Ranch Point road. You access Rim Road #300 here (would be left turn and takes you to Buck Springs/Houston Brothers/Pinchot Cabn AS) but for Dickerson Flat AS you want to go straight on Milk Ranch Point Road. This will meet a three way intersection after about a mile and take the right turn following Milk Ranch Point Road. After about 3.3 miles you will reach Dickerson Flat, a large pasture on the right with a row of ponderosas. The aid station is set up on the left by the metal gate leading to Turkey Springs Trail.
Geronimo AS - NO CREW ACCESS! - To reach Geronimo head South on the 87 from the starting line at the Pine Trailhead turnoff you will look for a left turn for “Control Road” #64. This left turn off the 87 is the Control Road that accesses all of the Rim’s lower trailhead’s (Geronimo, Washington Park, and Hells’ Gate.) This road has many mile markers for Camp Geronimo (same as our AS) and Washington Park that allows for easy navigation along this road. This road is improved dirt but windy and often has elk on it. Should you be traveling early morning or evening please be on the lookout for elk near or on the road. For Geronimo you’ll follow the Control Road 6 miles and take a left at the signed marker. The AS is 1.8 miles up the road at the Geronimo Trailhead parking area. We likely won’t run out of parking but should we do, park along the road allowing plenty of space for emergency vehicle traffic to pass.
NOTE: Pacers may be dropped off at this aid station but may not park here. It is the pacer/crews responsibility to arrange transportation to/from the aid stations.
Geronimo TH: Reached by taking SR 87 to FR 64, turn right on FR 64 and travel 6 miles to FR 440, turn north (left) on FR 440 and travel 2 miles.
Washington Park AS - NO VEHICLE CREW ACCESS! - To reach race headquarters, return to the Control Road and turn left to continue back east. This road will take you east to another signed turnoff (left) which says 4 miles for Washington Park and then 30 feet later says 5 miles. Either way, continue north towards the Rim itself, the road brings you to a junction with mailboxes along the road. Merge to the left side and go past the mailboxes. Shortly thereafter the turn for Washington Park points you right and then immediately to the left. This short section is bumpy for cars so take it easy. This last mile passes several great camping spots and dead ends at Washington Park Trailhead. Camping is NO LONGER allowed at Washington Park due to some absolute scumbags who have ruined it for everyone with their total disregard for the area and leaving copious amounts of litter after camping. We have to now get an exception from the NFS just to have an aid station there all night. So no camping any longer, you’ll get a ticket.
NOTE: Pacers may be dropped off at this aid station but may not park here. It is the pacer/crews responsibility to arrange transportation to/from the aid stations.
Washington Park TH
SR 87 to FR 199, 10.3 miles to FR 64, and .7 mile to FR 32 and 3.3 miles to FR 32A (FR 32A is a considered a high clearance road).
FR 199 AKA, Houston Mesa Road begins 2 miles north of Payson on SR 87.
Hell’s Gate AS – NO CREW - Please do not visit this location unless you are the volunteer or are running through in the race. The access road is washed out and not accessible, very small and cannot accommodate additional traffic.
General Springs Cabin CREW ONLY (no aid station) (27.1 Miles/ 1hour 4 minutes from Pine Trailhead)
Runner mileage: 28, 40
Pacer Access: Yes, mile 40 only
From the Pine Trailhead, drive up the AZ-87 for just over 14 miles where you’ll see signs for FS-300 or Rim Road. Within the first quarter mile, you need to turn left onto the Rim Road which you’ll follow for more than 12 miles. This road is all dirt and has lots of twists and turns. Combine that will incredible views and it can be a bit of a dangerous road. There will be OHV’s, 4-wheelers and plenty of other traffic on here so please pay attention on this drive. When you reach the powerlines where there will be a crew of our HAM Radio operators, you’ll turn left toward the cabin. About a ½ mile down this road you will see parking on the left. Be courteous to other runners/crews and only take up one space so we can accommodate as many runners as we can. And of course, be sure to leave plenty of space for an emergency vehicle to access this area AND be able to turn around. Please do NOT park vehicles on both sides of the road should there be no parking in the spots off the road.
You can offer crew access here on both ends of you’re the runners out and back to Bear Canyon. Only on the way back (mile 40) can you have a pacer join you.
NOTE: When you reach the powerline where you turn left, you will be driving on the race course so please be on the look out for other runners and drive slow so as to not kick up a bunch of dust in their faces either.
The next crew access point will be Buck Springs at mile 58. While that is only 18 (running) miles from General Springs Cabin, it may take your runner 6+ hours to complete this.
NOTE: Many of you will be driving these sections in the dark. Keep an eye out for wildlife on ALL of these roads!
-----------------------------------------------
Houston Brothers AS (Pin Drop) - CREW ACCESS - Houston Brothers Directions (50 miles/ 1.5 hours) - To get to the Cabin Loop Aid Stations (Pinchot Cabin, Houston Brothers, Buck Springs) from the Pine Trailhead, you have to drive up the 87 for almost 33 miles (32.7) to the FS-95 turnoff on your right. Once on the 95, there will be a few junctions with other service roads but remain on FS-95 for just under 9 miles to the junction of FS-139 and turn left. Follow the FS-139 for 8.6 miles where there is a small turnoff and the location of the aid station. There is limited parking right next to the aid station so please be courteous of staff/radio/medical crews. If parking on FS-139, you must leave enough space for emergency vehicles to pass and please only utilize one side of the road.
Pinchot Cabin AS (Pin Drop) - CREW ACCESS – Pinchot Cabin Directions (44 miles/ 1hr 8min from Pine Trailhead) – From the Pine Trailhead, drive up the 87 for almost 33 miles (32.7) to the FS-95 turnoff on your right. Once on the 95, there will be a few junctions with other service roads but remain on FS-95 for just 11.1 miles to the junction of FS-139A and turn left. You will see the large white tent on your left about 500 feet after your turn. There is very limited parking here and it is imperative you leave space for emergency access (15+ft wide) and park on one side of the road only. The race course crosses the 139A so please use caution when arriving/departing this aid station. There is also a parking area off of the 95 where it is just a short walk to the aid station.
Buck Springs AS (Pin Drop) - CREW ACCESS - Buck Springs Directions - (48 miles/ 1hr 20min from Pine Trailhead) - From the Pine Trailhead, drive up the 87 for almost 33 miles (32.7) to the FS-95 turnoff on your right. Once on the 95, there will be a few junctions with other service roads but remain on FS-95 for just about 6.4 miles to the junction of FS-96 and turn left. Follow FS-96 for 2 miles before making a slight right onto FS-321. Follow FS-321 for 6.8 miles until you see an opening on your left and the aid station in a field. There is parking off of this road next to the aid as well as on the road itself. Parking on one side and leaving space for emergency access applies here as well.
NOTE: If you are visiting your runner or coming to pace and leaving a car be sure to leave it in a spot where there is PLENTY of space for an emergency vehicle to get through. This is very important.
Finish Line (Pin Drop) - CREW ACCESS - Our finish line is located at the Town Ramada which is off the main road in the center of Pine and just north of the Ponderosa Market. You will see our big metal Mogollon Monster 100 sign on the left that our friend Chris Dame made a few years back. We will have some of our store items available for sale, some shade while you're handing out and some food for the runners. There is a little playground for the kids, ice cream shop next door, and a couple other restaurant options within eye shot of the finish line. Last year the Pine-Strawberry Museum was open right at the finish line too.
