Exploring the Unusual in Payson, Arizona
Payson, a charming town nestled in the heart of Arizona, serves as an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure. Located approximately an hour and a half from the Phoenix campervan rental site, Payson offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat in the summer and a winter destination for Phoenix residents to experience snow.
Horton Trail
One of the most popular trails near Payson is the Horton Trail, a beginner-friendly, 3.4-mile hike. This trail offers an accessible nature experience with some interesting terrain variations, making it suitable for less experienced hikers. Crossing over the river is necessary on the Horton Trail, and water levels may reach the waist or ankles, so appropriate footwear is essential. Swimming and climbing rocks are possible at the bottom of the waterfalls on the trail, and some hikers bring picnics and stay for the day. The trail features a beautiful waterfall, which can be found about 0.35 miles into the trail, and another waterfall can be found after crossing over the river.
Water Wheel Trail
The Water Wheel Trail is another favorite among visitors, providing scenic views and a moderate hiking challenge amid Payson's natural surroundings. This trail leads to a historic waterwheel, hence its name, and offers a rewarding hike for those seeking a bit more of a challenge.
Cypress/Boulders Trail
The Cypress/Boulders Trail stands out for its location in Tonto National Forest just north of Payson. It offers a combination of forest and boulder landscapes, making it a popular choice for day hikes to experience diverse terrain and cooler mountain air.
Passage 26 (Highline Trail)
Passage 26, part of the Arizona Trail, runs 17 miles along the Mogollon Rim. This trail segment is noted for its moderate difficulty and impressive escarpment views. The trail has historical significance, following a National Recreation Trail established in the late 1800s to connect homesteads and ranches. Seasonal water sources are available but require purification.
The Mogollon Rim and Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
A 30-minute drive from Payson offers stunning views of the rolling layers of mountains known as the Mogollon Rim. The Rim Top Trail is an easy, 3.5-mile hike one-way with mostly paved and flat terrain, offering a beautiful view of the Mogollon Rim. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, located 25 minutes north of Payson, costs $10 per vehicle for parking and offers various hikes, including a 2.5-mile trail with boulder climbing and a .75-mile trail to the bottom of the natural bridge, believed to be the largest in the world at 183 feet high.
Payson's proximity to these trails, the Mogollon Rim, and Tonto National Forest makes it an ideal destination for hikers seeking diverse ecosystems, historical context, and relatively accessible trailheads close to town and services. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, Payson offers trails suitable for all levels, ensuring an enjoyable and unforgettable hiking experience.
- Embarking on the Horton Trail near Payson, one can enjoy a beginner-friendly, 3.4-mile hike that features interesting terrain variations and beautiful waterfalls.
- For those seeking a more challenging hike and historical context, the Water Wheel Trail, leading to a historic waterwheel, provides scenic views and a moderate hiking difficulty.
- The Cypress/Boulders Trail in Tonto National Forest offers a unique combination of forest and boulder landscapes, making it a popular choice for day hikes with diverse terrain and cooler mountain air.
- Beyond the trails, a trip to the Mogollon Rim and Tonto Natural Bridge State Park offers stunning views, easy hikes, and a chance to explore the largest natural bridge in the world, all within a 30-minute drive from Payson.
- Payson's strategic location near these diverse trails, ecosystems, and historical sites makes it an ideal destination for adventure-travelers and campers, enriching their camping lifestyle with unforgettable experiences.
