Heber-Overgaard

Perched at 6,627 feet above sea level is a town steeped in history and religious affiliations. Heber-Overgaard was settled in 1883 by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The town's unique name stems from the amalgamation of Heber and Overgaard, two neighboring communities. 

Heber was named after prominent LDS Church figures Heber J. Grant and Heber C. Kimball. At the same time, Overgaard, established in 1936, pays homage to Kristen Kristensen Overgaard, the owner of the first sawmill.

The town's early economy thrived on dry farming and ranching, evolving over the years to embrace tourism, retirement, and timbering. 

Today, Heber-Overgaard is a peaceful haven, offering a range of community facilities. The area boasts a public library, a 40-acre park, an astronomical observatory, and an aviation airpark. Sports enthusiasts will find parks for baseball, football, Little League, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and racquetball.

The scenic Mogollon Rim, just south of Heber-Overgaard, provides mesmerizing views and lakes perfect for fishing. Beyond the rim, adventurous souls can partake in hunting for elk, deer, turkey, antelope, and bear. Trout streams nearby offer excellent fishing opportunities and picnic and camping facilities.

If you're a fan of quirky tales, Heber-Overgaard has its fair share. The town is mentioned in the book "Weird Arizona" as a prominent site for supposed encounters with the Mogollon Monster, aka Bigfoot. Additionally, the area gained notoriety in the 1970s when logger Travis Walton claimed to have been abducted by a UFO while working in the nearby national forest.

Fun Facts and Cool Features

Heber-Overgaard captivates with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences. In the early 1980s, the town became the birthplace of the country rock band Mogollon. Inspired by the geological formation Mogollon Rim, this band of high school buddies soon transcended local boundaries, morphing into one of the premier country rock entertainment groups in the entire Western region.

Heber-Overgaard is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a myriad of activities. The adventurous can explore the expansive Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, with camping, hiking, and wildlife-watching opportunities.

For those passionate about angling, the town's proximity to various lakes, including Black Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, and Woods Canyon Lake, makes it a fishing paradise. Whether a seasoned angler or a novice, these serene lakes offer the perfect setting to cast your line and unwind.

Additionally, history buffs will appreciate the intriguing tales associated with Heber-Overgaard. The town gained notoriety in the 1970s when logger Travis Walton claimed to have been abducted by a UFO in the nearby national forest. His story, popularized by the book "The Walton Experience," later inspired the movie "Fire in the Sky."

Whether it's the songs of Mogollon, the scenic beauty of the Mogollon Rim, or the adventurous spirit embedded in the town's history, there's something for every Rim Lakes traveler at Heber-Overgaard.

Getting There 

Here are step-by-step driving directions from Rim Lakes to Heber-Overgaard:

• Start by heading west on AZ-260 W toward Woods Canyon Lake Rd.
• Continue on AZ-260 W.
• Drive from Chevelon Canyon Ranch Rd and Bourdon Ranch Rd to Heber-Overgaard.

Cost 

Visiting is free!