Strawberry, Arizona

By AZ Leisure Staff Writers

Last updated on May 3, 2026.

Nestled along the scenic Mogollon Rim in north-central Arizona, Strawberry is a charming mountain community known for its cool climate, forested landscapes, and year-round outdoor recreation. Sitting at roughly 6,000 feet elevation, Strawberry offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat, with mild summer temperatures, crisp mountain air, and seasonal beauty that ranges from spring wildflowers to vibrant fall foliage. Surrounded by the vast Tonto National Forest, the area provides easy access to hiking, mountain biking, off-road trails, and scenic drives, along with nearby creeks and lakes for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Just minutes from Pine and Payson, Strawberry serves as a convenient base for exploring the Mogollon Rim Country, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, weekend travelers, and nature lovers alike.

Strawberry, Arizona is a popular weekend getaway place for the desert-dwellers that escape the summer heat from the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. Strawberry offers meadows of springtime wildflowers, cool refreshing summer temperatures (often below 85 degrees), brilliant autumn colors, an abundance of wildlife and tranquility. Strawberry AZ shares the pristine scenic beauty of the Mogollon Rim Country with its sister towns of Payson and Pine, Arizona. The Rim Country boasts the largest stand of Ponderosa Pine forests in the world.

A Quick History of Strawberry

There is an aura of history here. The area of Strawberry was once home to large numbers of Native Americans like the Tonto Apaches and the Yavapai. An increased presence of soldiers in the area during the 1860s unfortunately forced the Tribes to migrate to other locations. The area eventually was resettled by Mormon settlers beginning in about 1875. They named the area "Strawberry" due to the abundance of wild strawberries that grow in the region. Gold discovery became a magnet to new settlers that embodied the pioneering spirit that is still evident in Strawberry's rustic atmosphere.

Why Visit Strawberry, Arizona

Visitors are drawn to Strawberry for its peaceful setting, cooler weather, and authentic small-town mountain atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy cities of central Arizona. Whether relaxing in a cabin among the pines, exploring nearby hiking trails, or enjoying scenic overlooks along the Mogollon Rim, the area offers a slower pace and a strong connection to nature. The combination of easy accessibility from Phoenix, abundant outdoor activities, and four-season appeal—including mild summers and occasional winter snowfall—makes Strawberry an ideal destination for weekend getaways, family vacations, and outdoor adventures throughout the year.

Things To Do in Strawberry AZ

• Hiking Mogollon Rim trails
• Fishing nearby creeks & lakes
• Scenic drives through Tonto National Forest
• Camping & cabin stays
• Wildlife viewing & photography
• Day trips to Pine & Payson

The Strawberry Experience

The historic charm remains today as exemplified by the oldest schoolhouse in Arizona which was built in 1885. As a relic of the old pioneering days, the Strawberry schoolhouse still stands and is a frequent stop for visitors to Strawberry. It is a must-see spot on any visit to the region.

Although the population of Strawberry is less than 1,000 very lucky residents, that number dramatically swells during the summer and weekends when vacationers flock to the area to escape the hectic pace of big city life. Many vacationers buy summer homes and cabins and make Strawberry their home away from home, due to the great Strawberry AZ weather. Strawberry is a serene, tranquil place where outdoor lovers will enjoy the hiking trails, lush area campgrounds and fishing the mountain blue lake waters that surround the area.

Outdoor Recreation Around Strawberry and the Mogollon Rim

Strikingly scenic and pristine. Lushly green and undisturbed wildlife and tons of mountain crystal blue lake waters that are remote. Lakes like Chevelon Canyon, Woods Canyon, Bear Canyon and Black Canyon Lake.

Hiking or horseback riding the network of trails around the Mogollon Rim is a rich experience filled with outstanding scenery. Be sure to take a scenic drive on the Rim Road and General Crook Trail Scenic Loop. The Woods Canyon Lake Loop also offers spectacular views. There are many places along the rim where the elevation drops by two thousand feet. These sights offer an incredible viewing experience that must be experienced on any visit to the area. One of the most scenic and historic spots in the area is the Tonto Natural Bridge which is only about 10 miles south of Strawberry, Arizona.

Many visitors prefer Strawberry over its sister communities for its rustic atmosphere. However, towns like Payson and Pine offer more amenities for travelers. In any case, visitors to this charming town will find nearby motels, rental cabins, and campgrounds for lodging.

Best Times to Visit Strawberry Arizona

• Spring: Spring brings mild temperatures, wildflowers, flowing creeks and comfortable conditions for hiking, sightseeing and exploring nearby forest roads.
• Summer: Summer is one of the most popular times to visit Strawberry because the higher elevation offers cooler weather than Phoenix, Scottsdale and the desert valleys.
• Fall: Fall is a beautiful season in Strawberry, with cooler air, changing leaves, fewer crowds and excellent conditions for scenic drives along the Mogollon Rim.
• Winter: Winter can bring occasional snow and quiet mountain scenery. Road conditions can vary, so check weather before traveling through higher elevations.

Best Things To Do Near Strawberry Arizona

Strawberry is a convenient base for exploring Rim Country, with nearby hiking trails, lakes, historic sites, scenic drives and small mountain communities all within a short drive.

• Visit Pine, Arizona: Explore shops, restaurants, cabins and scenic mountain neighborhoods just a few miles south of Strawberry.
• See Tonto Natural Bridge: Visit one of Arizona’s most unique natural landmarks, located about 10 miles south of Strawberry.
• Drive the Mogollon Rim: Enjoy forest roads, overlooks, picnic areas and dramatic views from the edge of the Rim.
• Fish nearby lakes: Woods Canyon Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Black Canyon Lake and Chevelon Canyon Lake offer fishing and cool-weather recreation.
• Explore Payson: Head south to Payson for restaurants, lodging, shopping, events and additional Rim Country attractions.

Directions to Strawberry Arizona

Strawberry is about 100 miles north of Phoenix, 17 miles east of Payson AZ and just 3.5 miles from Pine. Depending upon travel plans, what you want to see and your origination point in the Phoenix area will determine which route to Strawberry is most convenient.

From North and West Phoenix. Take Interstate 17 North to Highway 260 which is just before reaching Camp Verde. Take 260 East to Arizona 87 and then South on 87 into Strawberry.

From Scottsdale and East Phoenix Areas. Take Highway 87 (Beeline Highway) Northeast to Payson AZ. Upon reaching Payson, stay on Highway 87 for about 16 miles to Strawberry.

Strawberry, Pine & Payson Area Map

Strawberry Arizona FAQs

Where is Strawberry Arizona?
Strawberry is located in north-central Arizona near the Mogollon Rim, about 17 miles east of Payson and only a few miles from Pine.

What is Strawberry Arizona known for?
Strawberry is known for cool mountain weather, forest scenery, the historic Strawberry Schoolhouse, nearby hiking trails, cabins, camping and access to the Mogollon Rim.

Is Strawberry Arizona a good summer getaway?
Yes, Strawberry is a popular summer getaway because its higher elevation provides cooler temperatures than Phoenix, Scottsdale and other desert areas.

What are the best things to do near Strawberry?
Popular things to do near Strawberry include visiting Pine, exploring Tonto Natural Bridge, hiking Rim Country trails, driving the Mogollon Rim and fishing nearby lakes.

Does it snow in Strawberry Arizona?
Yes, Strawberry can receive snow in winter, especially during colder storms that affect the Mogollon Rim and surrounding high country.

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