Located near the geographic center of Arizona, Payson has many great attractions and outdoor events. This town is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, which offers a variety of outdoor activities. There is also a Verde Hot Springs. If you are traveling with your family or friends, make sure to include some outdoor activities on your itinerary!
Mogollon Rim
The Mogollon Rim, a few miles outside of Payson, offers amazing views of the surrounding area. Visitors can hike or bike along the trails, or even take a ride on an ATV. Popular routes include the East Verde River Trail, Pyeatt Draw, and Rim Road. Some tours even include guides.
The area around Payson has nearly nine hundred miles of trails to explore. Some of the locals prefer to hike the Boulders Loop, Peach Orchard, and Railroad Trail. While the latter is more strenuous than the others, it provides great views and insight into Payson’s railroad history.
Payson is home to a number of restaurants and cafes. The city has several fast-food options and local favorites. Visitors can dine at El Rancho Mexican, Crosswinds, Macky’s Grill, Beeline Cafe, and Common Grounds. There are also several grocery stores and Starbucks throughout town.
The Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery is another popular place to visit. The facility produces more than 50 pounds of trout every year. You can also take a self-guided tour. This facility has rainbow, brook, and tiger trout. The facility is surrounded by beautiful woods, so you will have a chance to see plenty of wildlife.
The Rim Country Museum is an outdoor and indoor museum illustrating the history of the area. It has replicas of historic buildings and a replica of the famous blacksmith’s cabin. It is also home to the Zane Grey Cabin, which was rebuilt after the Dude Fire of 1990. A full guided tour is 90 minutes long. Located at 700 N. Green Valley Parkway, the Rim Country Museum is an excellent place to spend a couple of hours.
Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery
When it comes to fishing in Arizona, the Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery is one place you don’t want to miss. Located in a deep canyon below the Mogollon Rim, the hatchery produces a great line of fresh fish. It’s not only a great place for fishing, it also provides a home for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Visitors can catch rainbow, cutthroat, and Apache trout.
Located in the heart of the Arizona Rim Country, the Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery is also a great place for a day trip. It’s located about 14 miles east of Payson on State Hwy. 260. The fish hatchery produces nearly 50,000 pounds of trout annually. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to learn about the hatchery’s work.
Another great place to go fishing is Canyon Creek, which flows through the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation. The stream is home to a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout. The Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks this area with these fish, which can grow to as large as a man’s leg.
Another great place to visit in Payson is Green Valley Park. Located on West Country Club Drive, Green Valley Park features 17 acres of walking trails, a lake, and covered picnic areas. It’s free to visit and offers plenty of parking. It also hosts regular events such as live music.
Water Wheel Falls
If you’re looking for a scenic hike, head to Water Wheel Falls in Payson, AZ. This 1.6-mile trail takes you to the base of a breathtaking waterfall. It’s a perfect spot for a family outing and the views are worth the trip, especially during autumn.
Water Wheel Falls is a great place to take a short hike, but be prepared for some mud and slick rocks. You’ll be rewarded with a waterfall and a beautiful swimming hole. This area is also popular for cliff jumping. This hike offers spectacular views and a great opportunity to cool off.
Another great attraction in Payson is the Rim Lakes Vista Trail. This trail runs along the edge of the rim, and is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Payson. It’s about three miles long and provides beautiful views and fresh air. Payson’s Green Valley Park is another wonderful destination to spend time with the family.
A water fall, Water Wheel Falls is a beautiful and scenic destination in Payson, Arizona. It’s perfect for families and hikers of all ages and abilities. The name of the waterfall was derived from an old wooden water wheel that was built by a miner in the early 1900s.
Verde Hot Springs
One of the best things to do in Payson is to visit the Verde Hot Springs. This natural hot spring is located along the Verde River, past the Fossil Creek area. The hot spring is ideal for therapeutic relaxation in a natural setting. It’s also pet-friendly and allows dogs on a leash.
The hot springs are situated outside the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Recreation Area, and can be reached via Fossil Creek Road. This dirt road is about 8 miles from Camp Verde and Antelope Canyon. There’s no permit required to visit the hot springs.
To reach Verde Hot Springs, you will need to drive through a dirt road and cross the Verde River. A permit isn’t required, but it’s recommended to have good clearance on your vehicle. The main hot spring is located on a cliffside overlooking the Verde River and has water temperatures of 98 degrees.
A scenic destination near Payson, Arizona, Water Wheel Falls is a stunning site to visit. Located near the Mogollon Rim, it features shimmering pools and flowing waterfalls along the East Verde River. It features a carved log staircase near Ellison Creek, which is surrounded by a long cascading waterfall. It’s named for a Depression-era mining wheel that powered an ore crusher.
Payson is also home to many beautiful natural attractions. Green Valley Park is a beautiful place to enjoy with the whole family. Not only does this park have a playground and picnic ramadas, but it has cultural sites and free concerts.
Willow Springs Lake
If you’re looking for a great place to fish in Payson, Willow Springs Lake is a great choice. This lake is heavily stocked with bass, trout, and other small fish. The lake is also a great place to try your hand at fly fishing. You can fish with a variety of lures, from woolly worms to Senkos, or even try a wet fly.
A boat ramp and picnic areas are available at Willow Springs Lake, and there’s no need to rent a boat to enjoy the lake. You can also camp at Sinkhole Campground, which is located close to the lake. Since Willow Springs is relatively remote, it is more popular with locals than with tourists. However, the area is not very well developed and there aren’t many traditional lodging options nearby.
The area is well-known for its hiking trails and wildlife. It’s a great way to escape the desert heat. There are several campgrounds in the area, so you’ll need to find the right one for you. While camping at the lake, make sure to check out the different recreational opportunities available.
Another popular destination in Payson is Fossil Creek Natural Springs. Locals and visitors alike love this place for the fun activities it offers. You can hike, cliff jump, sunbathe, and swim in the water. The hike will also give you an amazing view of the Verde Valley.
Macky’s Grill
If you’re looking for a fun place to eat in Payson, look no further than Macky’s Grill. The Cowboy-themed burger joint opened in 1997 and offers a variety of casual bites and beer and wine. It even has a dog-friendly patio.
Macky’s Grill is a local favorite and has won Best of Payson awards year after year. The menu features American classics, and prices are reasonable. Service is friendly and the food is tasty. You’ll love the atmosphere at Macky’s, and if you’re traveling with a dog, you can even bring it along for the ride.
Payson has a large variety of local restaurants to choose from. From fast food chains to homestyle favorites, Payson has something for everyone. Local favorites include El Rancho Mexican, Crosswinds, Macky’s Grill, Beeline Cafe, Old Country Inn, Pinewood Tavern, and Common Grounds. You’ll also find grocery stores and Starbucks in Payson.
If you’re in the mood for some old-fashioned Western music, you’ll want to check out the Oxbow Saloon. This bar and grill features live Western music acts on a regular basis. The food is cheap, and the atmosphere is laid-back and casual. In addition to the food, you’ll be able to relax and play horseshoes outside.
If you’re a history buff, the Northern Gila County Historical Society is another interesting location in Payson. There are several exhibits that tell about early settlers, native Americans, and Payson’s culture. If you want to get your hands dirty, the historical displays are well worth visiting.
