Location: Payson
Top Things to do in Payson
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Payson That You Shouldn't Miss
Payson is a town in northern Gila County, Arizona, United States. Its location puts it very near to the geographic center of Arizona. Payson has been called "The Heart of Arizona". The town is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest and has many outdoor activities year round. As of the 2010 census, the population of Payson was 15,301.
Restaurants in Payson
1. Mogollon Rim
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 260 reviews
This 2,000-foot-high escarpment stretches 200 miles across central Arizona into New Mexico.While sightseeing is the favored pastime along the Rim, it also boasts a historic system of hiking and horseback trails, a couple of picturesque lakes for boating and fishing, plus backcountry skiing for the truly adventurous.
Reviewed By whatagreatlife - Charleston, United States
Stunning views!! Amazing landscape and how different to the lower desert! AZ is such a diverse state!!
2. Rim Country Recreation Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP and Mountain Bike Rentals OPEN DURING COVID 19
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
KAYAK,STAND UP PADDLEBOARD AND MOUNTAIN BIKES DELIVERY OR RENTALS! We offer the only Kayak, SUP and bike delivery service in Northern AZ! Come and kayak or SUP on a beautiful mountain lake in Northern Arizona(many to choose from) Also Roosevelt or Saguaro Lake. We deliver your kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards directly to the shore of your Arizona lake of choice (Willow Springs, Canyon Lake, Black Canyon Lake, Verde River,) and pick them up after your amazing day! OR you may RENT your kayaks, Stand Up Paddleboards or Mountain Bikes from us in Payson ( text or call for directions-address not listed) and enjoy them as many days as you need at any lake you choose! Bring family, friends and groups for an unforgettable outdoor mountain experience. Located just over an hour outside of Phoenix. Escape the heat of Phoenix in the cool pines of Northern Arizona! We provide all of your needed equipment. Call, text or email to schedule your adventure! OPEN DURING COVID 19! Call Michelle!'
3. Rim Country Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Located in Green Valley Park, this museum features exhibits that reflect the natural and cultural history of the greater Payson area called the "Rim Country."
Reviewed By SueL41589 - Ashford, United States
For the nominal price of $4 per senior, we had a personal history lesson about the area of Payson, it's industry over the years, and stories of the Native Americans in the area provided by an extremely knowledgable docent. The admission also included a tour of a reproduction of the cabin that Zane Gray had in the Tonto National Forest. During that tour we were treated to interesting facts of his life and career. This is a "don't miss" stop if you are a history buff.
4. Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By Dexteramericus
Very nice!! was very excited to see this, and WOW, the Thousands upon Thousands of fish, in different growth stages.... EXCELENT place to visit... AND, IT'S FREE !!!
5. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 902 reviews
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is located in central Arizona near Payson. It is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. The bridge stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point. There are three hiking trails, a picnic area, and a group use area. Goodfellow Lodge at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is a one-of-a-kind rustic hideaway in the middle of some of the most picturesque scenery in Arizona’s Rim Country. Nestled deep within Pine Canyon, this three-story cabin-style lodge was built in the 1920’s and has kept much of its early 20th-century charm. The lodge has 10 furnished bedrooms with private and communal restrooms, as well as a furnished basement suite with a private kitchenette with sink and refrigerator. The first floor features our beautiful wood cabin group dining area with picnic table seating, fireplace, and a large kitchen big enough for your group or catering company. Entertain on the outdoor veranda or the grass event area outside, or sit and spot any of our regular wildlife visitors, like deer and javelina. We invite you to visit Goodfellow Lodge and consider it for your next group visit, wedding, or overnight event.
Reviewed By 805williamm - Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Located off State Route 87 just 10 Miles from Payson AZ, this park is very easy to find. The park itself sits in “Pine Creek Canyon”, the drive into the park has some wonderful views as the road twists and turns down the side of the canyon. When you reach the entrance to the park there is small car park on the right-hand side, there are only a few spaces and you are limited to a just a few minutes parking whilst you pay the entrance fee. Opposite the small car park is the visitor centre, it is worth a visit, there is a small book / gift shop, and the rangers can give you a lot of interesting information. Outside the visitor centre we found some beautiful humming birds, the rangers have put feeders out for them, but they are very difficult to photograph due to the speed they move at. We managed to take a few pictures, some of which are attached to this review. Once you enter the park itself there are plenty of parking spaces and there are numerous picnic areas with tables and seats. The scenery is beautiful and don’t be surprised if you see some of the local wildlife, just wondering through the trees along the edge of the park. There are various trails, the first one we found was the “Waterfall & Cave” trail. It is approximately 300 feet long, takes about 15 to 20 Minutes, the trail and the steps are very steep, and can sometimes be wet, so care needs to be taken. There is a handrail in places, but this trail is definitely not wheelchair accessible, however the glimpses into the canyon below is like looking into a lost world and made the effort of getting there worthwhile. Unfortunately, the last part of the trail had been closed due to erosion making the path dangerous, this was in September 2018 and the Rangers said they were actively trying to get repairs done and re-open that part of the trail as soon as they could. The other trails include the: - The Pine Creek trail, it is approximately ½ Mile long and is undeveloped in places, but once again the views and the wildlife we saw were really good. The Gowan Trail which is over 2200 feet long, it leads to the bottom of the canyon right down to the creek, the trail is steep and very rough in places, we recommend wearing sturdy footwear or hiking boots. Once again some of the views are wonderful, so don’t forget your camera, you will need it. The Anna Mae Trail is approximately 500 feet long, it joins up with the Pine Creek Trail. The actual bridge is awesome, if you get the chance to actually go through the archway then we recommend you do it. You can see the different colours of the minerals, and how the arch was created by erosion and some of the minerals being dissolved by the running water. We were told by the Rangers that the park can get busy at weekends. We visited it mid-week in September 2018, the park was quiet and peaceful. There were some wonderfully colored birds, red, yellow & blue, you might also see some dragonflies, (See some of the pictures attached to this review). There were also lots of rabbits & deer. We recommend a visit to this park, it really is a very beautiful and quiet park. Take your time and explore the various trails. We will definitely be visiting again the next time we get chance.
6. Green Valley Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By Kibogoye
Very cool place with lots of space for different activities. The lake, the museum and the gift shop...awesome
7. Ellison Creek Waterfall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By RayB1918 - Payson, United States
The area from the waterwheel parking area to the waterfalls is a beautiful easy hike and there are many more waterfalls to see if you keep going after Ellis creek
8. Water Wheel Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By Akkapo - Sydney, Australia
I wasn’t sure if we should go here but am so glad we did, it was so beautiful!! You do have to pay $10 in cash to park. Would be lovely to go and spend a few hours or picnic. My dog loved it although he wasn’t able to cross the stream where the trail heads that way (although there is no particular place marked). Short trail but a lovely place to stop by!
9. Kohls Ranch Stable
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 60 reviews
Horseback Rides in the Forest, Trail Rides, Adventure Rides. Horseback Riding Lessons every day on site. Rides ARE 1.5 HOURS FOR $75. Riders are taken up the mountain on a very beautiful trail with through the woods and to the top of the mountain where there are some very very old growth trees. Great place for pictures as you can see the rim from there and all the mountain tops. We often see deer and some elk and many squirrels and birds.
Reviewed By 594cliffordl
Joe our guide was great. The ride was scenic and absolutely beautiful. The horses were selected based on his conversations with the riders and he did a great job. We didn't get to see any elk but he tried to call them out. We did get to get wild horses and they were amazing to see. The trail was beautiful and not just a flat walk around. We got to the the rim like no others get to see it! Highly recommend. Wish we lived closer.
10. Paleo Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By SharrieKay - Mesa, United States
Wow! Collect ancient shells on a beach that's now a mile above sea level. You will not find large size specimens nor will you find a T-Rex. You will find, without much trouble, many small shells, bits of coral and other plants and animals that lived millions of years ago when Arizona was a shallow sea. In about 15 minutes, I had a handful of complete shells about as big a thumbnail and husband found a cool conglomeration of shells and other creatures. Kids will love the paleontology. This was an Eagle Scout project. Wonderfulj gift to the state. Look sharp on the south side of AZ260. Plenty of parking.
