Mount Ord – FR 626
The landscape along this road is dotted with scrub oaks, piñon pines and agaves then dramatically shifts to a forest of pine trees. It is a good place to look for mountain warblers.
Follow Forest Road 626 to the locked gate near the top, stopping to bird along the way (12.2 miles round trip).
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Maricopa
Directions: From Fountain Hills, take State Route 87 (the Beeline Highway) northeast toward Payson. Turn right (east) at the clearly marked turnoff for Mount Ord, Forest Road 626, near Milepost 223. The road goes from pavement to graded dirt in a matter of seconds. Although it’s well maintained, there are a few bumps in this road, and a standard SUV is your best bet. In inclement weather, a high-clearance vehicle is an absolute must.
Latitude: 33.922135
Longitude: -111.414574
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Mid-March through October
Habitats: Mixed Conifer-Aspen Forest, Pinyon-juniper Forest, Pine-oak Forest, Pine forest
Know Before You Go
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Acorn Woodpecker, Bridled Titmouse, Hepatic Tanager, Painted Redstart, Zone-tailed Hawk
Charismatic: Anna’s Hummingbird, Lesser Goldfinch
Contact Information
Tonto National Forest - Payson Ranger District
US Forest Service
2324 E. McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Phone: 928-474-7900
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L345933
Additional Resources:
Birder from Maricopa
