The Mogollon Rim marks the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau and is thousands of feet high in some areas. The average elevation of the rim is about 7000 feet and the area is known for its ponderosa pine forests that form the largest stands of this tree in the United States.

The lakes of the Rim Lakes area were created by damming small canyons that drain northward from the Mogollon Rim. Although modest in size, the lakes occupy a lovely forested setting. Woods Canyon Lake is the most popular and easily accessed. A general store and several campgrounds are near the lake.This area offers several easy nearly level trails for wildflower viewing; see Rim Lakes Map (PDF, 103 KB).

There is a short nature trail near the Rocky Point Picnic Ground and a trail that goes around Woods Canyon Lake. The Rim Lake Vista Trail (Trail 622) offers great views and lots of rocky sunny exposures for wildflower habitat. This trail is 3.5 miles long and easily accessed from several points. July and August are the best months for wildflower viewing because summer rains freshen-up the vegetation, but you will find some wildflowers anytime from late May to early October.

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From Payson, Arizona, go east on Arizona Highway 260 for 30 miles to Rim Road (Forest Road 300, which is located across from the Rim Visitor Center). From Heber, Arizona, follow Arizona Highway 260 west for 26 miles to Rim Road. This road is the main access to the Rim Lakes area. To reach Woods Canyon Lake, travel about 5 miles west on Forest Road 300, and then travel about 1 mile north on Forest Road 105.

Located on the San Carlos Reservation, Peridot Mesa is absolutely extraordinary.  The hills are a blaze with poppy fields starting in late February and carrying on through March. This area is annually one of the real highlights for bloom chasers.

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Mainly poppies, but also some blue dicks, lupine, and budding globemallow, blanket the basin in between Peridot Mesa and Peridot Hills.  With the cooler temperatures, the poppies began closing up quite early (about 2 hours before ‘sunset). So the best time to view is mid morning to early afternoon if you want to see them in all their splendor.

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To get there, take U.S. 60 east to Globe, then continue east on U.S. 70 to the reservation. Just past mile marker 268, turn left on a dirt road marked by a cattle guard framed by two white H-shaped poles. Drive a half-mile and you should start seeing flowers along the road and sweeping down hillsides.

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A $10 tribal day-use permit is required. Pick one up at convenience stores at the Bashas’ on the reservation or at the San Carlos Recreation & Wildlife Office in Peridot.

Details: 928-475-2343, www.sancarlosapache.com/Permits_Information.htm.

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A nice long day trip along the SR 88 Apache Trail can also yield some wildflower results.

The historic road takes you 40 miles on an adventure path from Tortilla Flats, past Canyon Lake, Apache Lake and finally reaching the Roosevelt Dam and Theodore Roosevelt Lake. Along the way the desert reveals it's beauty with ample places to stop for a break, or spend the night camping.

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Another road that yields some great color is route 288 from the east end of Roosevelt Lake and follow it up into the mountains.  This is a fabulous day trip, as the road quickly rises from the Sonoran Desert floor up into the pines.

Tonto National Monument  is a wonderful place for viewing the showy spring wildflowers. In a good year, the hillsides are covered with gold poppies. Blooms of purple lupine, red firecracker penstemon, and white desert chicory along with many other species are scattered among and above the gold.

Though some flowers were of use, the Salado people looked forward to harvesting the fruit and plant parts. The desert was their grocery store, and each plant a shelf of foods, medicines, and other items supplementing their cultivated crops. They also had to compete with the many animal species relying on the same plants for their food. A bountiful flowering season meant a bountiful harvest for both animals and humans.

Spring is not the only time for wildflowers in the desert, just the most abundant. Many cacti bloom at their appointed time during the year. The bright pink blooms of the hedgehog arrive in March and April, while Arizona's state flower, the white saguaro blossom, opens in May and June. The agave family of plants, including yuccas, bloom from late spring through the summer months. These and other perennial plants continue to live from year to year with their blooms not as dependent on the timing of the rain.

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Discover these amazing perennial flowers and take a tour of the Tonto National Monument Ruin.  

Young is located in northeastern Gila County at 34°6′42″N 110°55′45″W (34.111688, -110.929208),[4] along Arizona State Route 288 (which becomes Gila County 512 to the north). SR 288 is paved within and north of the town, totaling about 10 miles (16 km) of pavement, but there is no fully paved road connecting Young with other highways.

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Young is small ranching community tucked way back in time.  Life is a lot simpler here as things are more relaxed and not so rushed here.  It wasn't until the mid 90's that cell service was introduced.  But it is quite possibly one of the most beautiful places on the planet when you are looking for wild sunflowers.  

The rolling hills come alive commonly blooming during summer and a portion of fall, with the middle of summer as the peak season.  As far as your eye can see you will find these breathtaking beauties perched with their heads towards the Arizona Sun soaking it all in.  

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Take a drive to Young and see them on display.  While there, visit the Pleasant Valley Museum and discover the history of the Pleasant Valley War between the feuding Tewksbury's and Graham's  - thought to be one of the bloodiest family feuds in Western history.  Also don't forget Young is home to Bruzzi Vineyards, so taste some wine and grab some gourmet pizza during your stay.