Day tripping to Strawberry
Day Trip to Strawberry, Arizona from Wooden Nickel Cabins
If you’re staying at Wooden Nickel Cabins in Christopher Creek and looking for an easy mountain day trip, Strawberry, Arizona is a perfect choice. Located just about 20–25 minutes west along Highway 260, Strawberry offers scenic hikes, a natural wonder, small-town charm, and some seriously good food — all without long drives or crowds.
Here’s how to spend a relaxed and memorable day exploring Strawberry.
Morning: Explore Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Start your day with one of Arizona’s most impressive natural landmarks: Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Home to what is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world, this stop alone makes the short drive from Wooden Nickel Cabins worthwhile.
You can hike down below the bridge for an up-close look or enjoy scenic viewpoints from above. The trails are moderately challenging in sections, so good shoes are recommended.
Official Website:
https://azstateparks.com/tonto-natural-bridge
Plan about 1–2 hours here depending on how much hiking you want to do.
Midday: Wagon Wheel Hike
Next, head out for the Wagon Wheel Trail, a scenic forest hike with creek crossings, pine trees, and peaceful surroundings. It’s a quieter experience compared to larger parks and gives you that true Mogollon Rim forest feel. Lots of places to go swimming. Always be aware of flash flood warnings however.
The trail offers rolling terrain and shaded stretches — great for families or anyone wanting a moderate outdoor adventure without extreme elevation changes.
Trail details and maps can be found through the Tonto National Forest recreation page:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recarea/?recid=35395
After your hike, you’ll definitely be ready for a good meal.
Lunch: Pizza in Strawberry
For a casual and satisfying lunch, head to Mama Joe’s Italian Restaurant in Strawberry. It’s known locally for hearty pizza, classic Italian dishes, and a relaxed mountain-town atmosphere.
It’s the kind of place where hikers, families, and weekenders gather after a morning outdoors. Simple, filling, and exactly what you want after trail time.
Website:
https://www.mamajoesitalianrestaurant.com/
Afternoon: A Stop at The Pie Bar
Before heading back to Wooden Nickel Cabins, make one more stop at The Pie Bar in Strawberry. Think empanadas, not grandmas pies.
Without overselling it — it’s amazing. Many visitors say it’s worth the drive to Strawberry on its own. From sweet fruit pies, cream pies and savory seasonal specials, everything is homemade and thoughtfully crafted. We went back twice in one weekend just to get more!
It’s the perfect way to wrap up your day trip.
Website:
Back to Wooden Nickel Cabins
After a full day exploring Strawberry, it’s just a short and scenic drive back to Wooden Nickel Cabins in Christopher Creek. You can spend the evening relaxing under the pines, sitting by the fire pit, or enjoying your pie with cool mountain air all around you.
Strawberry makes for an easy, no-stress day trip packed with natural beauty, forest hiking, good pizza, and unforgettable pie — all just minutes from your cabin basecamp on the Mogollon Rim.