How to Tour Payson, Arizona

Known as “Rim Country” and “Zane Grey Country,” Payson is almost in the exact geographic center of Arizona–a scenic area rich in Arizona history and outdoor recreational activities. Founded in 1882 as Union Park, but known by early residents as “Green Valley,” Payson got its name from Senator Louis Edward Payson, responsible for the establishment of the town’s first post office.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Hike, bike and camp along the Mogollon Rim. As the southern limit of the Colorado Plateau, and with drop-offs as far down as 2,000 feet, the Mogollon Rim has one of the best scenic views in Arizona.
2. Go back in time at the Rim Country Museum. Located in a forest ranger station built in 1907, the museum chronicles the timeline of events that made the Payson area what it is today–from its natural and cultural history, to American adventure writer Zane Grey who once called Payson home.
3. Explore Green Valley Park, home to the Concert Under the Stars series and the Zane Grey Cabin, a historically-correct replica of the cabin he lived in under the Mogollon Rim. Green Valley Park also has three man-made lakes, fishing, walking paths, picnic ramadas and a playground.
4. Soak in the Verde River Hot Springs. The main pool is naturally heated to 98 degrees, big enough for several people, and deep enough for stretching out. There’s also several smaller hot springs you can try in caves inside the cliff.
5. Cross Tonto Natural Bridge, the largest natural travertine bridge, meaning it’s made of sedimentary rock. First documented by a Scotsman who was hiding from Apache Indians, this natural bridge is located in what’s now called Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
6. Get back to school at the historic Strawberry Schoolhouse. Built in 1884, it’s the longest-standing schoolhouse in the state.
7. See where the Mogollons lived thousands of years ago in the Shoofly Indian Ruins, believed to be inhabited from 1000 to 1250 AD.
8. Tour the Tonto National Monument, the ruins of two cliff-dwelling habitats of the Salado Indians that called this area home back in 1300 AD.
9. Boat, fish and swim in Roosevelt Lake. Formed in 1911 by the creation of Roosevelt Dam, this lake is named after President Theodore Roosevelt and is the oldest and largest reservoir in Arizona.