What to see and do in and around Payson
Recreation Opportunities in the Rim Country

Within the Town of Payson
 

Antique shops: Located along Main Street, Beeline Hwy (87) and Hwy 260

Museum of the Forest: 1 mile west on historic Old Main Street. Open Friday thru Monday.

Mazatzal Casino:½ mile south of Payson on Beeline Hwy (87) at Tonto Apache Indian Reservation. Slots, Keno, video poker, and table games.

Payson Golf Course: 2 miles west on Old Main Street.

Rim Country Museum: Set in Green Valley Park at the west end of Payson’s historic Main Street. The museum is comprised of several historical buildings and objects of local significance. These include a replica of the two story Herron Hotel, Payson's original Forest Ranger's Station, built in 1907 (believed to be the oldest station still standing in the West), and a bronze memorial statue honoring those fire fighters who've lost their lives protecting our forest.

Rumsey Park: North on Beeline Hwy (87), left at Chapman auto to McLane Rd, turn right. Park entrance is approximately ½ mile. Picnic tables, playground, tennis court, outdoor public pool.

Swiss Village Shops: 1 mile north on Beeline Hwy (87) to Airport Rd, turn left. Drive 1 mile for a panoramic view of the rim.

Zane Grey Museum: 408 W. Main Street. 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Closed Wednesdays.

North of Payson to the Mogollon Rim on Highway 87
(Mileage is approximate distance from the intersection of Highways 260 & 87 in Payson)

Houston Mesa Road:2.6 miles, turn right, then 9 scenic miles to the village of Whispering Pines. Along the way are undeveloped camping areas, swimming and fishing in the East Verde River. The river is shallow and great fun for the kids. Marked hiking trails beyond Whispering Pines at Washington Park.

Shoofly Indian Ruins Archeological Site: 2.6 miles, turn right on Houston Mesa Rd. approximately 3 miles to ruins. Short marked trail through the ruins.

Flowing Springs Road:5.2 miles, turn right. Approximately ¾ mile to the Verde River crossing for fishing and swimming. Water is shallow and great fun for the kids. Undeveloped camping.

East Verde Estates Road: 6 miles. Turn left to parking on right. Fishing and water fun in the East Verde River. Water is shallow and great fun for the kids.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park:10 miles, turn left 3 miles down into canyon. Largest travertine bridge in North America with viewpoints and trails down to the creek. Picnic tables, hiking, bird watching, gift shop. Fee for entry is $3.00 per vehicle. Additional fee for larger groups.

OK Corral: 14 miles on right. Horse rentals for guided tours in the Rim Country.

Pine Trailhead:14-1/2 miles on right. The west end of the 51-mile-long Highline National Recreational Trail with trails ascending to the Mogollon Rim. The historic trail was established to link early homesteads and ranches in the late 1800s.

Village of Pine: 15 miles. Museum, restaurants, cabins, antiques, and crafts.

Village of Strawberry: 18 miles. Restaurants, guest lodges and home of the state's oldest standing school house.