Back Way to Mt. Ord

Atop Mt. Ord at nearly 7100 ft in elevation, is the Mt. Ord fire lookout. Originally placed in 1936 at 60 ft in height, the tower was replaced in 1983 and is currently approximately 102 ft tall. The original fire lookout cabin can be seen at the Rim Country Museum in Payson, Az. It makes for an interesting side trip and can be accessed by turning left/south at the intersection of FR 27 and FR 626. If the gate is open at the end of FR 626, continue on up to the end of the road, and if you're lucky, maybe you will be invited up into the tower. If the gate is closed you can hike the approximate 1 mile uphill to the tower. Also sitting atop Mt. Ord are local radio towers and amateur radio repeaters.