Having lived in Payson for nearly 40 years, I have numerous hundreds of miles of FR 300, along with innumerable side roads.
From Hwy 87, you'll access FR 300 near MP 281, and near MP 282 along Hwy 260.
The only really rough spot you'll encounter would be the mid-point around Knoll Lake, mainly to the east.
I've seen many grocery getters (aka vans, beemers, Audi's, etc) on this road, having no difficulty whatsoever. FR300 is well maintained throughout the summer months.
If one were careful, a person could take their Wing across this road and have a grand experience. The only pucker moments would be in the loose gravel, which is a slightly different base than the Apache Trail. But then again, in my 2WD Dodge Dakota, I have roared right along north of 45mph on a freshly graded roadbed.
In the winter months, the same truck would safely bring us in the area of Bear Canyon Lake where the family would load up on Christmas trees.
Places to see? Potato Lake (between Knoll Lake / Hwy 87, north side of road) is cool in the fall colors. White barked Aspen's with leaves ablaze with color, with a dark green Ponderosa Pine background, nestled up close to the lake front.
Kane Springs (hopefully I got the name correct, just had a post-travelling forgetful moment) in the area near Potato Lake turnoff is a cool camping area along FR 300, with colors aplenty during this time of year.
Any vista you'll pass along the Rim, with drop dead views below the Rim.
When you near Bear Canyon Lake (east entrance, MP 33), you'll pass under a USFS fire tower, north side of road. This is pretty much the high point of the Rim, as evidenced with many Blue Spruce trees growing in the area.
I hope these comments were in time for your trip, as we've been travelling the past week and just now getting reacquainted with social media.
Regardless, enjoy your trip!
- David