Top Adventures in Payson
Hike to Water Wheel & Ellison Creek Cascades
A short and easy out and back hike for adventurers of all ages with scenic waterfalls along the entire trip!Starting at the Water Wheel day use area you will simply follow the well traveled path that meanders alongside the creek. You will reach th...
1.8 miles
105 ft gain
Hike the Pine Creek Loop in Tonto Natural Bridge SP
There is a fee to enter this area. It was $7 when we went. There are 4 trails with many viewpoints from the parking lot, all of which are out and back. We followed the recommendation of the ranger working at the visitor's center and took the Gowan...
1.8 miles
300 ft gain
Hike Barnhardt Trail
To get to the trailhead, use the turnoff of highway 87 labeled Barnhardt trail (has a marked sign coming from both Payson and Phoenix). Barnhardt road is just over 4 miles and is unpaved. The road can be driven on by lower clearance cars because t...
8 miles
1912 ft gain
Stroll Pine Creek's Lavender Farm
The building was built in the early 1900’s by the first settlers of Pine, the farm was turned into a lavender farm. There’s a little shop, and the owner also does cooking classes! Wonderful way to spend some time in the northern Arizona sunshine...
Hike the Colonel Devin Trail
The hike will begin at Washington Park in Payson, Arizona. To reach Washington Park, take AZ87 to Forest Road 199 (Houston Mesa Road) and turn east. Continue for 10 miles until you reach Forest Road 64 and turn west. Traveling less than a mile you...
4 miles
1116 ft gain
Backpack up the Mogollon Rim via Washington Park
This trail begins at the Washington Park Trailhead which meets up with passage #27 of the AZT. You begin traveling northbound as you ascend the great Mogollon Rim. The trail takes you through a gorgeous forest and rewards you with an awesome clif...
6.5 miles
1500 ft gain
Backpack Horton Springs
This is a more scenic and bit more strenuous loop hike to the spring, taking in the Derrick Trail, part of the Highline Trail, and the Horton Creek Trail.After parking the cars near Upper Tonto Creek Campground follow the Derrick Trail and hike ge...
9 miles
1600 ft gain
Backpack the Cabin Loop Trail
People think Arizona is all just desert, but this hike will show you otherwise. Up on the Mogollon Rim, this trail takes you past old cabins, through lush forest, and near many creeks.Day 1: (10 miles) Drive on Rim Road to the General Springs Tr...
19 miles
Canyoneering at Christopher Creek/Box Canyon
Just a little bit east of Payson Arizona is a canyoneering playground called Christopher Creek Canyon (aka Box Canyon). The water is nice and cold, and is only muddy after rainstorms. Make your way from pool to pool as you descend through the cany...
2 miles
200 ft gain
Hike the Bob Bear Trail
The Bob Bear Trail (formerly Fossil Springs Trail) is a 8.3 mile out-and-back hike that takes you through a challenging, exposed trail to a waterfall in Tonto NF near Pine, AZ. Make sure you bring plenty of water for this hike 2-3L per person and ...
8.3 miles
1505 ft gain
Camp at Knoll Lake
The Campground is seasonal and is located on the left just before the lake. There are 33 well-developed units that offer fire-rings, grills, drinking water and vault toilets. No reservations are accepted and you will need to check in with the camp...
Hike See Canyon Trail
See Canyon Trail #184 is a 7.6 mile trail in the Tonto National Forest that features a creek and spring. This trail is most popular during the fall when the leaves begin to change color and fall along the creek.
The trail runs from the parking lo...
7.6 miles
2043 ft gain
Nearby camping, hotels, and more
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Payson, Arizona
Sharp Creek
Overview Sharp Creek is a small campground located in an area of central Arizona known for its pleasant temperatures, spectacular scenery and outdoor recreation. There are tent-only, family and gro... -
Payson, Arizona
Christopher Creek
Overview With an elevation over a mile-high(5640 ft), Christopher Creek Campground's crisp, fresh air and vibrant views are a joy to behold. The facility is tucked along the banks of the spring-fed... -
Payson, Arizona
Houston Mesa
Overview Houston Mesa Campground is located in the forested northern section of Tonto National Forest, just one mile north of Payson, Arizona and less than two hours from Phoenix. With family, eque... -
Payson, Arizona
Rim Campground
Overview Rim Campground is situated close to the edge of the Mogollon Rim. Spectacular 100-mile views are seen from many vantage points along the rim.Recreation Fishing and boating are available at... -
Payson, Arizona
Mogollon Campground
Overview Mogollon Campground, although not directly in the Woods Canyon Recreation area, sits just outside and is only two miles from the lake. For those who like spectacular views, this campground... -
Payson, Arizona
Aspen (Az)
Overview Aspen Campground is a scenic hideaway for anglers, boaters, families and photographers, located in north central Arizona near Heber and Payson. It sits in a dense pine and aspen area fores...
