Payson and beyond: Rim Country getaways
For many of us, Payson is the gateway, not the destination. It's the crossroads, the top of one hill and the bottom of another, the place we pass through on our way to hike, camp, fish. We stop to get gas, grab a cold drink and keep going.
Spend some time in Payson, however, and you'll find that proximity to outdoor recreation isn't its only attraction. The city has good restaurants and an impressive collection of antiques shops. We recently spent several days in the Payson area and found so much stuff to share that we can't fit it all into one section.
So, here are our favorite things to do outdoors, plus two places to spend the night. Next Saturday, we'll bring you a roundup of restaurants and places to shop.
And remember: Whether you stay in Payson for a few minutes or a while, it's hard to go wrong. You're in Rim country.
Places to explore
Forest Road 300: This is one of the coolest scenic drives in Arizona. It traverses the top of the Mogollon Rim, passing many scenic overlooks and trails, plus several lakes.
It's possible to drive it as a loop. Take State Route 260 east from Payson about 30 miles to the turnoff for Woods Canyon Lake and follow the signs for FR 300. It starts out paved, then turns to graded gravel. Follow it long enough and you'll come to SR 87. Turn south and drive through Strawberry and Pine on your way back to Payson.
FR 300 is rough in spots and slow going for much of the drive, about 50 miles from highway to highway. Allow three to four hours, more if you get out and play.
Details: paysonrimcountry.com/Mountain-Recreation/Sight-Seeing-By-Car.
Green Valley Park: If you pass through Payson without leaving SR 87, you'll miss this gem with three ponds and lots of grassy spaces.
Locals go there to fish, play and walk their dogs. There are walking trails, ramadas, grills and restrooms. It's next to the Rim Country Museum and a rebuilt version of author Zane Grey's cabin, which burned in the 1990 Dude Fire. To reach the park, turn west on Main Street and drive about a mile.
Details: paysonrimcountry.com/The-Town/Attractions/Parks/Green-Valley-Park.
Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery: Fishing can be tough during the dog days of summer. If you're having no luck but want to see masses of trout, come here.
You can't cast a line, but you can dream about it while you learn about the Arizona Game and Fish Department's stocking program. It produces rainbow, brook, cutthroat and Apache trout to release in lakes and streams around the state.
Take SR 260 east from Payson about 16 miles to the signed hatchery turnoff.
If you still want to fish, Tonto Creek downstream from the hatchery is stocked all summer. Woods Canyon, Willow Springs, Knoll and Bear Canyon lakes atop the Mogollon Rim can be productive for anglers as well.
Details: azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/wildlife_area_tonto_creek.shtml.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park: Here you can ponder what is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. It stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot-long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point.
An early settler found the bridge while being chased by Apaches. He was so impressed with the area that he claimed squatter's rights and settled there. The park has four short trails (good footwear is a must), picnic areas, scenic overlooks and a visitor center.
From Payson, take SR 87 for about 10 miles to the signed turnoff.
Details: 928-476-4202, azstateparks.com/Parks/TONA.
Where to stay
Majestic Mountain Inn: This pleasant hotel is conveniently located near the intersection of SR 87 and SR 260. It's dog-friendly and affordable. Our comfortable room had a small patio facing a lawn, perfect for sitting and enjoying the cool weather.
Rooms with gas fireplaces and two-person hot tubs are available. Flat-screen TV. Cable. Pool. Coffee. Gas grill in the courtyard. Rooms from about $65; the pet fee is $10-$15 per night.
The hotel is a few doors away from Fargo's, a steak house.
Details: 602 E. State Route 260. 928-474-0185, majesticmountaininn.com.
Christopher Creek Loop: Remember when SR 260 went past Christopher Creek and the businesses alongside it? Those shops, restaurants and lodgings struggled when the state enlarged and rerouted the highway away from the community about seven years ago, and they all wound up selling to new owners.
Things are better now. Christopher Creek Lodge is usually booked solid on summer weekends. "It took a while," said Angela Lewis, who manages the lodge with her husband. In addition to cabin upgrades, the lodge now has a playground, picnic areas and fire pit.
Business has picked up so much that a new eatery, Landmark at the Creek Bar and Restaurant, has opened. The Creekside Steak House and Tavern now features a buffet. And the Grey Hackle Lodge and Creekside Cabin Rentals offer lodging options for groups of all sizes.
Details: enjoyarizona.com.
World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo
Payson has hosted a rodeo in the third week of August for 130 years. Next weekend, you can cheer as professional bull riders, steer wrestlers, calf ropers and barrel racers compete for more than $50,000 in prize money. The event is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
Gates open at 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday. Friday evening is the Tough Enough to Wear Pink performance. For each patron who wears or buys something pink, $1 will be donated to local breast-cancer support groups.
The rodeo parade will make its way down Main Street from Green Valley Park to Sawmill Theaters starting at 9 a.m. Saturday. Kick up your heels at the rodeo dance Friday and Saturday night.
Details: Various times. Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 14-16. Payson Event Center, 1400 S. State Route 87. $10-22; free for age 7 and younger and active members of the military. www.paysonprorodeo.com.