One of the best things about living in Arizona is having what I call “the escape factor.” I still find it miraculous that one can drive for a couple hours and be in an entirely different setting. The transition from saguaros to pine trees and snow is a magical experience that never, ever gets old.

So, last week we decided to take a day trip up north to visit the White Mountains, a range located in eastern Arizona. Ambitious for a day trip, right? Nah. Remember, we are road warriors—and this was only an eight-hour roundtrip. Ok, ok, I am fudging a bit. In hindsight it was a long-ass drive for a day, but it worked out fine.

Our first mistake was leaving at 7:30am and spending the next hour getting out of Phoenix. However, once we hit Fountain Hills, we were home-free. The Beeline Highway led to Payson, also known as Rim Country. The Mogollon Rim is accessible from Forest Road 300, and is a destination not to be missed. It is more than worthy of it’s own day of exploration.

We arrived in Sho Low by late morning. Other than on the rim, there was no real sign of fall or snow. Beyond Pinetop/Lakeside, however, it became really beautiful. The road to Sunrise Park Ski Resort was spectacular. Aspens and dappled snow lined the highway.

As we gained elevation, winter appeared. Clouds rolled in, winds picked up and temperatures dropped.

Much of the land was used for ranching—with scrubby and rugged rolling hills bordered by colonies of aspen and stands of pine.

Not too random interesting fact: “One aspen tree is actually only a small part of a larger organism. A stand or group of aspen trees is considered a singular organism with the main life force underground in the extensive root system. Before a single aspen trunk appears above the surface, the root system may lie dormant for many years until the conditions are just right, including sufficient sunlight. In a single stand, each tree is a genetic replicate of the other, hence the name a “clone” of aspens used to describe a stand.” —National Forest Foundation

Within the span of 8 hours, Dave and I experienced the Sonoran Desert to the White Mountains. And back again. Not too shabby for a Wednesday.