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Payson, Arizona

Looking for the best chillin in Payson? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Payson. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Chillin Spots in and near Payson

  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Climb Hanging Garden's on Gardner's Wall

    This is a 2 pitch 5.6 trad climb. About 130 feet in total. Access the Hanging Garden's climbing area off of the Tom's Thumb Trail. About half way up the trail you will see signage for "Rock Climbing Access Route." On the sign you will see an arrow pointing towards Gardner's Wall. This is the dire...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Climb Sphincter Boy Near Tom's Thumb

    5.9 trad route. About 60ft. Can be set up as a Top Rope. To get there you will start on the Tom's Thumb Trail for about .1 mi. Then take the Mesquite canyon trail left (SE) for .2mi. It will connect with the Feldspar trail. Turn left (E) and continue on until you see the climber access sign. Cont...
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  • Fort McDowell, Arizona

    Kayak Saguaro Lake

    4.0
    If you want to enjoy some paddle time on the beautiful Saguaro Lake, launching from Butcher Jones Recreation Area is your best bet.  If you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent from the nearby Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch and they’ll bring the kayaks to the launch point for you (as well as provide...
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  • Fort McDowell, Arizona

    Hike Butcher Jones Trail Around Saguaro Lake

    4.6
    4 mi / 300 ft gain
    Butcher Jones Recreational Area truly has a little bit of everything. However, the highlight of the area is the Butcher Jones Trail, a 4 mile out and back trail that is suitable for all skill levels. With minimal elevation gain and beautiful views, it can't be beat!The trailhead is located right ...
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  • Sedona, Arizona

    Hike or Bike the Hiline Trail in Sedona

    5.0
    8 mi / 480 ft gain
    Start this incredible hike by parking at the Yavapai Point parking lot. Start the short hike (0.13 miles) on the Kaibab Trail which will run into Yavapai Vista Trail (0.27 miles) towards the Slim Shady Trail. Here you will have an incredible view of Bell Rock and Courthouse Vista an excellent pla...
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  • Mesa, Arizona

    Horseback Ride in the Sonoran Desert

    5.0
    This picturesque location is truly unique; featuring Saguaro Lake, the spectacular Bulldog Cliffs and the Salt River winds through the Ranch property, and you’re able to experience it all on horseback. What I loved most is that the horses were well cared for, the handlers obviously adored the ani...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Kayak Canyon Lake Reservoir

    4.5
    Canyon Lake is located in a National Recreation Area. It was created by the damming of the Salt River, in Arizona, specifically by the Morman Flat Dam. The lake sits at an elevation of 1,660' and has a mean depth of 130', and an area of 1.484 mi². We launched our kayaks from the boat launch area ...
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  • Sedona, Arizona

    Hike the Oak Creek Trail

    4.5
    1.1 mi / 26 ft gain
    Great, short hike in Red Rock Crossing. Make sure to check out the hundreds of cairns at Buddha Beach. Beautiful views of Cathedral Rock.  Lots of places to relax and have lunch, with picnic tables near the parking lot.  Lots of parking, good amount of shade down near the creek.   Good for all sk...
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  • Sedona, Arizona

    Hike or Bike Secret Slickrock Trail

    5.0
    0.8 mi / 107 ft gain
    Wanting a short and sweet sunset or sunrise spot in Sedona away from some of the crowds? This easily accessible trail is great for people wanting picnics, a quick photography spot (we saw a couple from their wedding doing a photo shoot here), and a cool spot to watch the sun rise or set with the ...
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  • Sedona, Arizona

    Explore Crescent Moon Ranch

    Crescent Moon Ranch was established in the 1880's, and now serves as a day use facility for the U.S. Forest Service. It lies on Oak Creek directly below Cathedral Rock, one of the most iconic towering monuments in Sedona. The ranch is beautiful, and is popular for picnic's, swimming, hiking, and ...
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