Fans of Western fiction, you may feel you’ve been here before. The red rocks, jagged cliffs and wide-open views surrounding Christopher Creek inspired many novels of famous author Zane Grey, including Call of the Canyon and Under the Tonto Rim. Even today, streets, restaurants, libraries and schools bear the name of “The Father of the Western Novel.”

It’s clear why Grey found the region so moving. With the Mogollon Rim as Christopher Creek’s backdrop, it makes for breathtaking views, phenomenal hiking and excellent mountain biking. This mountain village, nestled on the banks of spring-fed Christopher Creek is ideal for camping, fishing, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, sightseeing, hunting and bird watching.

Grey hasn’t been the only one to notice the region. Animal Planet featured Christopher Creek in an episode of Finding Bigfoot. The “Mogollon Monster” is Arizona’s kissing cousin to Bigfoot and there have been tales of sightings as far back as 1903.

Christopher Creek has several great local restaurants and places to stay and the scenery is to die for.  Certainly worth a stop when you are in Rim Country!