Location: Payson
Top Things to do in Payson
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Payson, Arizona (AZ)
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. 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 !!!
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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!
7. Horton Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By MarcusandKimmy - Glendale, United States
The tall trees and mountain stream are a perfect place to get away as a family. My daughters loved playing in the creek searching for creatures, throwing rocks and just being silly. Easy place to get to and feel like we were all by ourselves.
8. Diamond Point Quartz Crystals
9. Rim Lakes Vista Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By KatWat39 - Canton, United States
This is a short paved trail with pullouts to see different views of the edge of the Mogollon Rim along the way. It's the best view of the rim that we saw during our visit. You can see great views from the parking lot. Or, walk a few steps down the rocks to take in the entire view. These are steep rocks with drop offs, so use caution at the edge. It is a short drive, so you can take as little or as much time as you want.
