PLAN YOUR VISIT
Everything you need to explore Rim Country — from how to get here to where to stay, eat, and play under the pines.
GETTING HERE
Located just 90 minutes northeast of Phoenix, Rim Country is an easy escape from the Valley heat.
Take AZ-87 (Beeline Highway) north through the Mazatzal Mountains. About 95 miles, roughly 90 minutes of scenic desert-to-forest driving.
Take I-17 south to AZ-260 east. About 100 miles, roughly 2 hours through pine forests and along the Mogollon Rim.
Take I-10 west to AZ-87 north through Phoenix. About 200 miles, roughly 3 hours. A perfect long-weekend destination.
THINGS TO DO
Whether you're here for a day trip or a full week, there's something for every type of visitor.
Seven featured trails from easy family walks to strenuous canyon descents. Explore the Mogollon Rim, Horton Creek, Fossil Springs, and more.
Browse Trails
From the World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo to summer concerts and farmers markets.
See Events
Steakhouses, cafes, Mexican food, and wood-fired pizza in Payson and Star Valley.
View Directory
Explore all points of interest from the state level down to individual towns.
Open MapDON'T MISS
The top-rated natural wonders, historic landmarks, and points of interest that define Rim Country.
The world's largest natural travertine bridge — 183 feet high, spanning a 400-foot tunnel that stretches 150 feet at its widest. Explore four scenic hiking trails, tour the historic Goodfellow Lodge, and enjoy ranger-led nature walks. Just 10 miles north of Payson off Highway 87.
A 200-mile escarpment rising 2,000 feet above the Tonto Basin. Sightseeing, hiking, and horseback riding along a historic trail system with sweeping panoramic views of the entire region.
A federally designated Wild & Scenic creek with turquoise swimming holes, waterfalls, and travertine formations. Permit required April through October.
A stunning cascade along Ellison Creek near the East Verde River. An easy 1.6-mile hike leads to this popular swimming and picnic spot surrounded by towering canyon walls.
Payson's crown jewel — a 17-acre lakeside park with three fishing lakes, four miles of walking paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, and home to summer concerts.
Family-friendly 4-mile round trip through ponderosa pines to a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole. One of Rim Country's most popular hikes.
A legendary 51-mile trail running beneath the Mogollon Rim through pine forests, meadows, and creek crossings. One of Arizona's most scenic long-distance hikes.
Hunt for quartz crystals in the Tonto National Forest. A free, family-friendly activity about 40 minutes from Payson on AZ-260 and Forest Road 64.
A replica of the famous Western author's hunting lodge — now a museum showcasing Rim Country's literary heritage and frontier history.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Guided excursions and outdoor recreation across Rim Country — from horseback rides through the pines to kayaking mountain lakes.
TOP RATED
Guided rides through ponderosa pines and along mountain trails near Payson, Pine, and Kohl's Ranch. Options for beginners and experienced riders.
ADVENTURE
Guided 4x4 adventures through Mogollon Rim country — mountain forests at 7,000 feet, lakes, creeks, and wildlife. Cave spelunking and elk encounter tours available.
POPULAR
Rent kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and pedalboats for mountain lake adventures. Night kayaking with LED lights also available.
THRILL SEEKERS
Rent Kawasaki KRX 1000s and Can-Am Defenders for self-guided off-road trails through the Tonto National Forest and Mogollon Rim backcountry.
RELAXING
Cast for rainbow and tiger trout at five Mogollon Rim lakes. Green Valley Park offers in-town fishing. Lakes stocked April through September.
FREE
Minimal light pollution at 5,000 feet makes Rim Country ideal for stargazing. Spot elk, deer, javelina, bald eagles, and wild turkeys in the surrounding forest.
LAKES & RECREATION
Five mountain lakes along the Mogollon Rim offer fishing, kayaking, camping, and cool forest settings at 7,500 feet.
The most popular Rim lake — 55 surface acres at 7,500 feet with boat rentals, five campgrounds, a nature trail, and stocked rainbow and tiger trout.
The closest Rim lake to Payson with a paved boat ramp, two campgrounds including year-round Sinkhole Campground, and excellent trout fishing.
A more remote, less crowded lake ideal for kayaking and solitude. Surrounded by old-growth pine forest with primitive camping nearby.
HISTORY & CULTURE
From thousand-year-old ruins to frontier history, Rim Country's cultural heritage runs deep.
TOP RATED
Indoor and open-air museum in Green Valley Park featuring replicated 19th-century buildings, Zane Grey memorabilia, a blacksmith shop, and pioneer kitchen exhibits. A Blue Star Museum.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
Walk among the remains of a 79-room village occupied from A.D. 1000 to 1250 by peoples related to the Hohokam and Salado. A self-guided loop trail through the Tonto National Forest.
HISTORIC
Arizona's oldest standing schoolhouse, a restored log building dating from 1885. Located 1.75 miles west of Strawberry on Fossil Creek Road.
LITERARY
A replica of the famous Western novelist's hunting lodge, now a museum inside the Rim Country Museum complex. Grey wrote many of his best-known works while staying in Rim Country.
DAY TRIPS
Charming mountain communities and natural areas just a short drive from Payson.
15 mi north
A quiet forest village with antique shops, craft galleries, and the Pine-Strawberry Museum. Stop for lunch and browse local artisan wares beneath the pines.
18 mi north
Home to Arizona's oldest standing schoolhouse and a gateway to Fossil Creek. A small community with a big history tucked into the forest along Highway 87.
30 mi east
Drive the Rim Road (FR 300) past five mountain lakes, scenic overlooks, and pristine campgrounds at 7,500 feet. A full day of forest exploration.
SHOPPING & LOCAL FLAVOR
Browse local artisan shops, antique stores, art galleries, and the seasonal farmers market.
Fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and local honey from Rim Country growers. A seasonal staple every weekend in Payson.
Discover Southwestern art, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and vintage finds in Payson's walkable downtown and along the Pine-Strawberry corridor.
From a Himalayan Salt Room with salt lamps and wellness products to custom Western wear and handmade gifts — Payson's shops reflect small-town character.
WHERE TO STAY
From forest lodges to modern hotels, Rim Country has options for every type of traveler.
HOTEL
Comfortable mountain lodging with pool, spa, and forest views in the heart of Payson.
602 E Hwy 260, Payson
LODGE
Historic resort nestled on Tonto Creek with cabins, dining, and recreation under the pines.
202 S Kohl's Ranch Rd, Payson
RESORT & CASINO
Full-service resort with gaming, dining, entertainment, and conference facilities.
Hwy 87, PaysonWHEN TO VISIT
Rim Country offers something special in every season at 5,000 feet elevation.
Wildflowers bloom across the high country. Highs in the 60s-80s. Perfect hiking weather. Creeks run full from snowmelt.
20-30 degrees cooler than Phoenix. Highs in the 80s-90s. Summer concerts, rodeo season, and monsoon storms. Arizona's favorite escape.
Golden aspens and cool, crisp air. Highs in the 50s-70s. County fair, book festival, and the best hiking conditions of the year.
Light snow dusts the pines. Highs in the 40s-50s. Cozy cabin season, holiday celebrations, and quiet trails.
Maggie can help you plan your trip, recommend restaurants, suggest trails for your skill level, and answer any question about Rim Country.
YOUR COMMUNITY PORTAL
Browse community events by date and category — festivals, council meetings, outdoor activities, and more.
Discover local shops, services, lodging, outfitters, and dining with search and AI-powered recommendations.
Explore hiking trails with difficulty ratings, distances, trailhead info, and AI-powered trail suggestions.
Interactive map pinpointing restaurants, trailheads, parks, town halls, and points of interest.
Report issues, vote in community polls, plan your visit with AI, and explore relocation resources.
Your local Rim Country guide. Ask Maggie about town services, restaurants, trails, events, or get a personalized itinerary.