Payson, Pine and all of Rim Country is  the place where you go to elevate your fun!  Rodeos, special events and activities make it one of the most sought after destinations in Arizona.  Click the link below to see the area calendar of events.

Located 90 Minutes from Phoenix, Arizona, Payson is the perfect place to own or build a home.  Known for its access to outdoor recreation and spectacular events, it is the perfect place for your family gatherings.

Stretching 200 miles, the Mogollon Rim provides breathtaking views overlooking an expansive forest of pine trees. The rim is a true geological wonder hosting sedimentary, volcanic and metamorphic rock dating back to the Precambrian era.

Diverse wildlife and varied habitats make fishing near Payson, Arizona lakes an extraordinary adventure.   If you like seclusion, cooler weather and a diversity of mother natures landscaping, then fishing on any of these lakes will leave you wanting more.  From the scenic high country surrounded by pine forests, to the mass of Roosevelt Lake...there is something "Big" waiting for you.  

In addition to its many lakes, there are Dozens of streams, creeks, rivers and reservoirs flowing through, around Payson and Rim Country, Arizona.  They are the very lifeblood of our state. Some of the larger rivers provide us with power, and with water for farming and recreation.

One of the most enjoyed recreational past-times is taking your family and going camping.  Whether you like to rough it, glamping or pulling your RV and you want to be close to lakes, streams, swimming holes and hiking trails then camping in Gila County is waiting for you to define your next adventure and come Explore the Wild!

The Payson Ranger District is located on all four sides of the town of Payson, and continues north to the Mogollon Rim. It consists of approximately 450,000 acres (approximately 182,000 hectares) of Chaparral, Pinyon-Juniper, and Ponderosa Pine types of vegetation. With hundreds of miles of trails, it is perfect for getting away.

Start with a 20-mile Sonoran vista across iconic Saguaro Cacti -- follow your choice of Forest Service Roads, Jeep trails or two-tracks through chaparral and pinon-juniper hills to our high elevation forests of ponderosa pine, fir, maple and aspen.  Whether your chariot of choice is a Jeep, OHV or ATV – Gila County has well-graded dirt roads, 4WD trails, and rock-crawling 4X4 challenges. 

Arizona’s Hunting reputation is world renowned, and much of that has to do with Gila County and its rugged yet beautiful landscape.  This landscape is made up of 8 wilderness areas.  It is in these wilderness ares that much of Arizona’s most desirable big game reside, such as world-class populations of elk and black bear, bighorn sheep (both desert and Rocky Mountain), white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, mountain lion, wild turkey and javelina