Payson is a region in Arizona situated at an elevation of 5,000 feet, serving as a gateway to the Mogollon Rim. This area is characterized by its diverse terrain, including the largest contiguous Ponderosa pine forest in the world and the vast Tonto National Forest. The landscape features dramatic escarpments, rolling hills, and numerous waterways, providing a varied environment for several sports like hiking.
Outdoor enthusiasts exploring Payson will find more than 10 routes acrossβ¦
13
Routes
4.3
(10)
Average rating
50
People visited

5.0
(1)
2
hikers
10.9km
02:57
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(1)
3
hikers
3.84km
01:08
120m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
2
hikers
6.68km
01:51
120m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
964m
00:15
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Payson offers diverse outdoor activities, primarily focusing on hiking. The region is situated at 5,000 feet elevation, providing access to the Mogollon Rim and the Tonto National Forest. These areas feature varied terrain suitable for exploration.
Payson offers a variety of hiking trails for different skill levels. Notable options include the Horton Creek Trail, Water Wheel Falls, and trails within Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. The Payson Area Trails System (PATS) also connects various local paths.
Yes, Payson has easy hiking options suitable for beginners and those seeking less strenuous walks. Examples include the Rim Lakes Vista Overlook Trail, which is paved, and various paths within the Payson Area Trails System. For more details, refer to the komoot guide Easy hikes around Payson.
Payson offers several family-friendly hiking trails. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park features trails that lead to and around the natural bridge, suitable for families. Other accessible paths within the Payson Area Trails System also provide enjoyable experiences for all ages.
Payson is surrounded by significant natural attractions. These include the Mogollon Rim, Tonto National Forest, and Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, home to the world's largest natural travertine bridge. The region also features lakes like Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Springs Lake.
The Tonto National Forest surrounds Payson and encompasses nearly three million acres of wilderness. It features Ponderosa pine forests, rolling hills, and dramatic canyons. The forest offers nearly 900 miles of National Forest System Trails for outdoor exploration.
The Mogollon Rim is a 200-mile-long escarpment that marks the edge of the Colorado Plateau. It provides panoramic views and features forested peaks and numerous trails. Payson is considered the gateway to this dramatic geological feature.
Yes, the Payson area features several notable waterfalls and water features. Popular destinations include Horton Creek Trail, which leads to a series of springs and waterfalls, and Water Wheel Falls, known for its accessible cascades and swimming holes.
Payson is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 100 visitors sharing their experiences. The region has 12 routes available, primarily for hiking, which have an average rating of 4.38 out of 5 stars.
Komoot offers several guides to help plan outdoor adventures in Payson. These include a general guide for Hiking around Payson and a specific guide for Easy hikes around Payson.
Official information about Payson can be found on the town's website. The official tourism website is paysonrimcountry.com. For direct inquiries, the Payson Visitor Center can be reached at (928) 474-4515.
The Payson Area Trails System (PATS) includes various paths, some of which offer loop configurations. Examples include the Boulders Loop Trail and the Monument Peak Loop Trail. These trails provide varied terrain and scenic views.

