Payson, Pine & Strawberry - Rim Country

Payson, Arizona - the hub of Arizona's Rim Country and the Heart of Arizona. I'm kicking myself that I haven't explored here sooner.

Payson Overview

They call Payson, AZ the gateway to the Colorado plateau. It sits near on the Mogollon Rim. The Rim cuts across the northern half of the U.S. state of Arizona. It extends approximately 200 miles, starting in northern Yavapai County and running eastward, ending near the border with New Mexico. Personally, I had only ever driven through Payson on my way to the white mountains, but luckily my good friend at the gym grew up there and we are always arguing our case of Prescott vs Payson, (Our home towns) He has opened my eyes to Payson and I'm so grateful for that, (Not saying he's right, Nathan if you're reading this, you haven't won yet!)

The population of Payson was only 16,000 people in 2023 and that's one of the reason why I love it so much! There are so few people, you really get to enjoy nature and the peace and quiet that a small town brings. But not so small that they don't have Walmart! ;) They have one in the center of town.

Pine & Strawberry

Only 20 minutes from Payson, lies Pine, AZ the cutest fricking town I have ever seen, and a little further is Strawberry, AZ. Combined, their population is only 2700 residents. Pine has the most charming downtown area with restaurants and a market, we saw fresh Goats milk for sale.

We actually stayed in an Airbnb in Strawberry, that was very secluded and quiet. The Airbnb Host said "Do not feed Elk", and I mean the SECOND we hit Pine there was a Elk herd on either side of the road. Also PSA, drive slow at night because we almost ran into some driving home from one of the trails!

2 Days in Payson, AZ

If you are a weekend warrior like me, let me turn to you on to this two-day Payson Itinerary.

Day 1: Water Wheel Falls

Length: 1.6mi Elevation Gain: 150ft Average time: 1hr      Difficulty: Moderate

From Scottsdale Payson is only an 1hour 20min drive, and from the the heart of Payson, Water Wheel Falls is only a little further. We headed straight there.

The free parking lot was busy but we were able to find a spot no problem. We went in May so not quite the busy season yet.

This trail is not hard physically, but it was a doosy technically. You are walking on very smooth slippery wet rock surface with several water crossing so your shoes will get wet. We slipped, Bella our dogs slipped, but luckily not to the ground. The trail is not groomed well in some places so my backpack kept catching on branches. The path is a little unclear but you basically want to stay on the left side of the creek the entire time. Although you don't even have to go all the way to the end waterfall because there are lots of streams and places to sit and swim! There was a moderate amount of people out including families with small children.

Once you reach the waterfall, you can park it on one of the smooth rocks and watch people slide down the rock surface waterfall into the water below! It was a beautiful 80 degree day and the water felt so nice! Bring food, hangout and enjoy the weather

I would definitely visit again because it wasn't too crowded and easy to access.

End the day with some BBQ at Rim Country BBQ and Wood Fired Pizza, or BBQ at home like we did.

Day 2: Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Length: .25mi Elevation Gain: 184ft Average time: 1hr      Difficulty: Moderate

Located between Pine and Payson lies what is believed to be the largest Natural Travertine Bridge in the world!

The stats above are for the portion of the Gowan trail is from View Point 3, which is very close to the parking lot, down under the cave. It is a very short walk all downhill, and all uphill on the way back, although there are wooden stairs to help. If you just want to go under the Bridge, your visit will only take you about 1hour. There are many trails in the State Park but if you only have time for this, this is the one!

Parking is $10 per person and we had to wait in line for about 10 minutes. I would recommend bringing cash, they can do card but its an extra step of walking into the gift shop.

This park had lots people around near the parking lots just sitting and enjoying the park with their dogs and children. Dogs are not allowed on the actual trails. There is no swimming under the bridge but there are other trails where you can swim in Pine Creek.

There is a metal bridge that will bring you under the cave but once you reach it you're on your own. Similar to Water Wheel, the rock is SO smooth and slippery due the water that drips on it constantly for years wearing it down. I'm surprised we didn't see anyone fall.

To get around under the bridge you will have to use your hands and possibly the help of others hand to navigate the rocks. It was incredible sitting under this huge bridge watching the water fall from above. I would love to go back to explore more of the park someday!

Day 2: Horton Creek Trail

Length: 8.8 Elevation Gain: 2,450ft Average time: 5hr      Difficulty: Hard

Okay before you look at the stats above and think this hike isn't for you, lets get into it. Because we didn't spend much time at Tonto Natural Bridge I fit in two activities for the second day.

Parking is free and the lot was pretty empty. Dogs are allowed. This trail meanders along the creek. You can make this hike and short or long as you want. It is pretty flat most of the way. We only made it about 2miles in and the elevation gain was about 560ft. We decided not to go any further because it was getting late. Most of the elevation gain happens at about 3.5miles in. But in my option you shouldn't go further than this. The end of the trail is easily accessible by a road if you wanted to see the end.

However, the best part about this trail is the stream that you can drink from. Bring an empty water bottle and drink directly from the water coming from the ground! How cool!

There is also lot of camping spots along the creek. I saw quite a few campers. Its perfect for that because of how quiet it is and good the pines smell.

If you made this far thank you for reading! :) Where should I head next? I would love to hear from you.