Mountain breezes sing through towering pines on Arizona's Mogollon Rim, which overlooks the town of Happy Jack. At first glance, the small community is in the middle of nowhere, but you'll have no trouble finding it along 45 to 50 miles of paved highway running from Flagstaff, Payson or Camp Verde. If relaxing in natural surroundings is high on your list of vacation priorities, you'll find plenty of ways to do just that.
Blue Ridge Reservoir lies 10 miles southeast of the Happy Jack Visitor Information Center. Brown, brook and rainbow trout lurk under its glassy surface, making a prime spot for anglers to get their hook wet. The long, winding lake snakes like a river through tree-lined canyon walls, with coves and nooks to explore. Set off in a canoe, kayak, paddle board or other small watercraft from the lake's boat ramp to view wildlife or find a spot for a remote picnic.
Saddle your horse, mount your bike or lace up your hiking boots and head out on the Happy Jack segment of the Arizona Trail. Access the trail at Highway 87's intersection with Forest Road 138 for about 30 miles of forested scenery punctuated with rocky vistas, meadows and wetlands. Bring a camera to photograph the abundant wildlife, which include herds of elk and whitetail, and keep your eyes peeled for mule deer, osprey, hawks, eagles and red foxes.
Coconino National Forest has five campgrounds in the forest immediately southwest of Happy Jack. The closest -- Clint's Well Campground -- lies along the southern edge of the community but has a tucked-away feel in the tall pines. Towering ponderosa pine shade the campgrounds, which provide vault restrooms and potable water. Sites at each include large cement picnic tables and fire rings with fold-over grills. The campgrounds are suitable for tents and small trailers or RVs, with size restrictions varying from 22 feet to 32 feet due to limited maneuvering among the trees.
If you prefer more amenities and activities for the kids, book a spot at Happy Jack Lodge and RV. The 100-acre campground has its own steak house, wedding chapel and banquet facilities in addition to the full service campsites. Back-in RV sites provide water, sewer and electric with nightly, weekly, monthly and seasonal rates available. Tent campers have their own area on a grassy meadow beneath tall pines. Laundry, showers, flush restrooms, a playground and ball field round out the resort's amenities.
