Book your private Jeep tour and travel off-road to view the beautiful fall colors and the changing of the leaves. You have a few location options to choose from. The Mogollon Rim and Aztec Peak offer some of the best views of the changing of the leaves here in Arizona. Both of these trips are "Full Day Trips". Hiking

Option I - Mogollon Rim Tour

The Mogollon Rim is a topographical and geological feature cutting across the northern half of the state of Arizona. It extends approximately 200 miles! The highest point of the rim sits at 8000 feet in elevation. We will travel on-road north up to Payson and first visit and hike through the beautiful See Canyon. Then we will continue on and travel to make a stop at Woods Canyon Lake. One of a number of forest lakes on the Mogollon Rim. We will then begin our off-road travel along the FR 300 and various side trails to explore the upper reaches of the majestic Mogollon Rim. We will eat lunch together either cliffside along the rim or amongst the beautiful fall leaves. There may be an opportunity to exit the rim trough the towns of Pine and Strawberry to view the herd of Elk that frequent the back streets of these mountain towns. You may choose to stop for dinner in the downtown areas of either Pine, Strawberry, or Payson before we head home.

Option II - Aztec Peak Tour

Aztec Peak (7,694 ft) is the highest point in the Sierra Ancha Wilderness. The fire watchtower on top of the peak gives some incredible, 100-mile views. Sierra Ancha Wilderness wraps around Aztec Peak on the east and south, dropping away into the deep canyons below. This untamed region has more deer, bears, mountain lions, and other big game than virtually any other area in Arizona. Departing from Fountain Hills, we will first make stops at Roosevelt Lake, Bridge, and Dam Vista points. You will enjoy the "Dam" bathroom! We will then travel along the very scenic Highway 288 to make a stop at Parker Point. This offers us great views of Roosevelt Lake and Four Peaks mountain range in the distance from the Salome Wilderness. Parker Point is a beautiful red rock cliffside vantage point. We will then continue to travel through the Sierra Ancha Wilderness to travel off-road to make a stop at the Workman Creek Waterfalls. The side road leading to Aztec Peak is an easy drive for the first couple of miles. After which, the trail gets narrow and hugs the cliff face as it rises through a series of hairpin turns until you reach just below the upper peak. At the summit of Aztec Peak is a Firewatch tower and an all stone Flintstones like picknick area with a large fireplace, stone chairs, and benches.

Bathrooms - There are bathrooms available during this trip once we reach the Tonto Basin community and also at Roosevelt Dam. However, you should bring TP, baby wipes, and hand sanitizer in case you need to make like a bear.

Changing of the Leaves Day Trip

Depending on the tour destination option you have chosen, the below itinerary times may vary due to the involved driving distances.

Travel Policy

1. Those who have current back or neck injuries will not be permitted to travel.
2. If you are pregnant you are not permitted to travel.
3. All younger passengers must be of age to fit in a regular seat. No car seats are allowed.
4. Pets are not allowed.
5. Prohibited Items: firearms, weapons of any kind, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or any drugs.

What to Bring

1. Food: You may bring a cooler for food, snacks, and drinks to enjoy during your trip.
2. Drinks: All drinks must have a top that you can close to avoid spilling while on bumpy off-road trails.
3. What to Wear: You should bring a jacket, sweater, or rain jacket as higher elevations will be colder and windy or in case of rain and you decide to hike.
4. Hiking: If your tour includes a formal hike, please read my Hiking Essentials guide to learn how to pack for hiking.
5. Swimming: If your tour requires swimming or a water hike, you will need to bring a bathing suit, water shoes, towel, and change of clothes and footwear.
6. Medications: If you are taking any medications, be sure to bring them with you that you may require within a half-day’s time.

Cancellation Policy

• Private Jeep Excursions has a 48-hour cancellation policy in order to receive a refund. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will not be refunded.

Rescheduling and Weather Policy

1. You may reschedule your trip up to 48 hours in advance to book a new date with no additional charge. You can not reschedule on the same date of your trip. You will need to pay a rescheduling late fee in this case.
2. PJE will not travel during dangerous storms and severe bad weather. Your tour may need to be rescheduled if mother nature is angry on your trip date.
3. Rainfall is often very short and may offer the chance for you to see trail-side waterfalls. Your trip will continue as planned.
4. PJE reserves the right to modify, shorten, or cancel any tour to prevent damage to trails or avoid unsafe conditions.
5. Severe Weather: If severe weather makes it so you have to cancel your trip prior to your departure, PJE will issue you a full refund.