The Mogollon Rim: Scary Monsters or the Perfect Arizona Fly-in Community?
Should This Legendary Beast Be of Any Concern?
AZ – Monster stories have always intrigued young and old alike, but what of the tale of the Mogollon Monster? More importantly, should this legendary beast be of any concern to those searching for the ideal Arizona fly-in airpark community?
The Colorado Plateau
The Mogollon Rim is a unique geological feature in the highlands of Arizona. It is perhaps best characterized as a rough and rugged escarpment that forms the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. Stretching around 200 miles from the New Mexico border to the central region of Arizona, the rim has modestly high elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet above sea level. This geological formation is a demarcation or boundary between the higher-lying forests of the Colorado Plateau and the lower, more arid deserts of Arizona.
The Rim is Dotted with Pristine Lakes
The Mogollon Rim is likely best known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes below, including majestic pine forests and deep gorges. It is a frequented destination by seasoned outdoor trekkers and nature enthusiasts, offering hiking, camping, and wildlife observation opportunities. Equally impressive is that the rim is dotted with clear and pristine lakes, enhancing its appeal for recreational enjoyment. The rim is a natural wonder, providing a striking transition between Arizona’s most diverse topography and ecosystems.
The World’s Largest Gathering of Ponderosa Pines
At an elevation of nearly 7,000’ MSL, Mogollon Airpark is situated about 50 miles east of Payson, Arizona, or 35 miles west of Show Low. It’s an impressive Southwestern fly-in community surrounded by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and tucked deep within the world’s largest gathering of Ponderosa pines. This one-of-a-kind Arizona airpark is quite popular among those who appreciate exceptional fly-in communities where your plane is parked where you live.
A Hairy Hominid-Like Creature
But what about this “monster,” and does the tale of its existence detract from such a wonderful place where owning a home on a runway is so desirable? Rumor has it that the monster has been occasionally reported in the eastern part of Arizona, where people have described it as a hairy hominid-like creature that puts off a strong, pungent smell or foul stench. Like Bigfoot, the Mogollon Monster is usually portrayed as a big, hairy, ape-like creature that walks upright. Anyone crossing paths with this “urban legend” of sorts talks of an eerie silence at the outset of the encounter.
Footprints Measuring Nearly Two Feet in Length
Word has it that the monster is around ten feet tall, sporting a bulky, muscular build. This supposed hairless-faced creature is otherwise covered with a long, coarse, and thick coat of dark reddish-brown hair. He moves along with a wide, non-human-like stride, often leaving footprints measuring nearly two feet long in his path.
The Mogollon Rim Region of Arizona
With spookily eerie and unusual sounds and vocalizations, this creature would be well worth avoiding if it does indeed exist. According to legend, the Mogollon Monster has a long history of secretly inhabiting the Mogollon Rim. However, in the final analysis, reasonable-minded people and those exhibiting good common logic would not make this a deal breaker, especially when considering buying property in what may very well be one of the best airparks in the Southwestern United States.
Phoenix Can Soar to 120 Degrees
All bigfoot-inspired creatures aside, the Mogollon Airpark (AZ82) in Overgaard, AZ., is well worth exploring as an excellent choice in airparks. With its lofty elevation and evergreen trees, the annual temperature is far more inviting than the much hotter Arizona lowlands. This is especially true during the summer months, when the temperature, for example, in Phoenix, can easily soar to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
A Woodsy Rustic Background
Most residential homes within the airpark feature a unique signature-style cedar siding. This is intended to maintain a consistent architectural theme and flow harmoniously with the natural surroundings. There are several dozen private aircraft on the field, most of them protected from the elements by hangars that are all similar in design and construction. These custom hangars blend nicely with their woodsy rustic background. Each year, the Homeowner’s Association hosts a summer fly-in that includes exhibitions and a well-appointed breakfast and lunch.
A Great Place to Call Home
Anyone searching for a truly unique and inviting airpark in Arizona’s high desert must look no further than Mogollon. It’s a wonderful place to call home and the perfect location in the Southwestern United States to park your treasured aircraft. Visit soon, as you are sure to be sold, too!
Mogollon Airpark FAA Identifier: AZ82 (Source – Airnav.com)
Lat/Long: 34-23-50.1370N 110-31-47.4450W
Elevation: 6657 ft.
Variation: 12E
From city: 1 mile NE of OVERGAARD, AZ
Time zone: UTC -7 (year-round; DST not observed)
Airport Operations:
Airport use: Private use. Landing permission is required.
Control tower: no
ARTCC: ALBUQUERQUE CENTER
FSS: PRESCOTT FLIGHT SERVICE STATION
Attendance: UNATNDD
Pattern altitude: 7507 ft. MSL
Segmented circle: yes
Airport Services:
CTAF: 122.9
Runway Information – Runway 3/21
Dimensions: 3420 x 50 ft. / 1042 x 15 m
RWY 03 OVRN 30 X 700 FT; RWY 21 OVRN 30 X 1200 FT.
Surface: asphalt (good condition)
Operational restrictions: RWY 21 CALM WIND RWY. TALL TREES ON BOTH ENDS
RUNWAY 3 RUNWAY 21
Traffic pattern: left traffic
Airport Ownership and Management from official FAA records:
Ownership: Privately-owned
Owner: MOGOLLON AIRPARK HOMEOWNERS ASSOC
PO BOX 1778
OVERGAARD, AZ 85933
Phone 928-535-3071
Phone 928-535-3071
Additional Remarks:
>NIGHT OPS NOT AUTHORIZED
>DENSITY ALT CAN EXCEED 10000 FT. EXP WIND SHEAR & TURB DURG HIGH WIND.
>LN OF SIGHT BTN RWY ENDS NA. ACTVT AWOS REBCST TO ANNC TKOFF INTNS – FOUR CLICKS.
>FOR CD CTC ALBUQUERQUE ARTCC AT 505-856-4861.