Payson, Arizona

Top Spots in and near Payson

  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Pinnacle Peak Trail

    4.4
    3.87 mi / 896 ft gain
    Pinnacle Peak is a 3.8 mile out-and-back hike along a beautifully groomed trail with a moderate gain of ~1,000ft. This distinctive 600ft granite summit can be seen from most of the surrounding valley and offers spectacular views of the McDowell Mountains, iconic Four Peaks, Granite Mountain and t...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Pima and Dynamite Loop

    5.0
    50.27 mi / 3983 ft gain
    Pima and Dynamite Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Scottsdale, Arizona.
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  • Fort McDowell, Arizona

    Butcher Jones Trail

    4.6
    5.24 mi / 906 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 righ...
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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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  • Sedona, Arizona

    Baby Bell Rock

    5.0
    1.03 mi / 112 ft gain
    At roughly a 1 mile loop, the Bell hike is a short but very sweet hike with high reward, it's an amazing spot to sit an watch the sun dip below the horizon and if you're lucky, may even have the view to yourself. Accessing the hike is best started at the Bell Rock Parking lot, if you're heading ...
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  • Sedona, Arizona

    Bell Rock Trail

    4.6
    0.78 mi / 210 ft gain
    The Bell Rock Trail in Sedona is a relatively easy hike with a majestic reward. It is a well maintained trail that with plenty of views to keep your eyes happy. Don't be surprised if you catch yourself turning around every 5 minutes and saying, "wow, this is gorgeous!" The trail itself is only ~...
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  • Sedona, Arizona

    Courthouse Butte Loop

    5.0
    3.83 mi / 331 ft gain
    While most people stop to hike the Bell Rock Trail, you can get away from the congestion and madness by tackling the nearby Courthouse Butte trail. This moderate hike is 4.5 miles roundtrip over relatively flat ground on a well maintained trail. To get to the trailhead, park in the Courthouse V...
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  • Sedona, Arizona

    Hiline Trail

    5.0
    6.66 mi / 1621 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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  • Sedona, Arizona

    Yavapai Vista Trail

    4.0
    0.54 mi / 95 ft gain
    Yavapai Vista Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Sedona, Arizona.
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  • Black Canyon City, Arizona

    Zig Zag Trail

    3.0
    4.61 mi / 436 ft gain
    Zig Zag Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Canyon City, Arizona.
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  • Black Canyon City, Arizona

    Government Springs Trail

    5.0
    11.04 mi / 741 ft gain
    Government Springs Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Mayer, Arizona.
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  • Cave Creek, Arizona

    Hike the Go John Trail

    5.0
    5.6 mi / 804 ft gain
    As you park at the trailhead, you have the option to take this trail in either direction. I recommend that you travel north, which will immediately provide 0.75 miles of elevation gain. You will then reach a pass with panoramic views of the Tonto National Forest. A bench in this area provides the...
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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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  • Mesa, Arizona

    Kayak the Lower Salt River

    5.0
    It's not an Arizona summer without time spent on the Salt River!  And there's no better way than by kayak.  Summertime on the Lower Salt is full of people, mostly in tubes and on SUP's.  Getting on the river in the early hours of the morning help avoid some of the crowds. The best launch point by...
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  • Black Canyon City, Arizona

    Castle Creek Road to Cleator

    4.0
    10.59 mi / 1677 ft gain
    Castle Creek Road to Cleator is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Black Canyon City, Arizona.
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  • Fountain Hills, Arizona

    Hike the Dixie Mine Trail

    2.0
    5.5 mi / 591 ft gain
    The MineDixie mine was established in 1877, when mining scouts noticed the large amount of quartz in the area. The Dixie Mine was sold many times throughout the 20th Century and was ruled no longer efficient in 1977 when it was sold to the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. The PetroglyphsThe area ...
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