Payson

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 the first significant waterfall within minutes which i...

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 gently uphill for 1.4 miles through the rim country to ...

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 canyon, cliff jumping, rappelling, and down climbing. The...

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 cliff side view at the summit. 2.25 miles into the 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 Trail Head. The cabin marks the start of the trail, whic...

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 will turn north on Forest Road 32 and in 3 miles rea...

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 the terrain is not too rocky. Once at the trailhead th...

Dispersed camping with a view! With no site fees and no reservations, this camping spot is incredibly popular. Note that several campsites are bordered by a 200' vertical drop. This area is not recommended for families with young children or people who are uneasy with heights. All campsites have fir...

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 lot up to FS 300 above the rim. The trail starts off eas...

This heavily trafficked, easy trail leads along the edge of the Mogollon Rim, with spectacular views. There are lots of places for photos, but make sure to be very careful, as it’s more than a 200 ft drop! The first ½ mile of the trail is paved, making it easy for all ages to enjoy. But again, make ...