Gateway: Payson

The town of Payson lies to the east of the rugged Mazatzal Wilderness. One of the larger communities in the area, it contains all services for trail users.

Access

Mile 381.1 Northbound; 410.4 Southbound (Hwy 87) – Payson is 32 miles North on Hwy 87.
Mile 438.2 Northbound; 359.3 Southbound (Doll Baby TH/Verde River) – Payson is 15 miles East
Payson Map is below.

Elevation

5,000

Population

15,301

Post Office

100 West Frontier Street, 85541, (928) 474-2972

Internet

Payson Public Library (328 N. Mclane Rd.), (928) 474-9260
Payson Campground and RV Resort, (928) 472-2267

Grocery

Bashas’ (142 Arizona 260), (928) 474-4495
Safeway (401 Arizona 260), (928) 472-8208

Food

El Rancho Restaurant (200 S. Beeline Hwy.), (928) 474-3111. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner to satisfy the post-trail craving for Mexican food.
Beeline Cafe (815 S. Beeline Hwy.), (928) 474-9960. Cash-only café that serves up homestyle fare.

Lodging

Majestic Mountain Inn (602 Arizona Hwy. 260), (800) 408-2442
America’s Best Value Inn (811 S. Beeline Hwy.), (928) 474-2283
Payson Campground and RV Resort, (808 E State Hwy 260),(928) 472-2267 offers full hook-up RV sites, tent sites as well as a pool (closed in the off season), clean restrooms with hot showers, and free Wi-Fi throughout the park.

Urgent Care

Banner Payson Medical Center Emergency Room (807 S Ponderosa St), 24hrs, (928) 474-3222
STATClinix: Urgent Care (101 East, AZ-260 Suite G), Mon-Sun, 8am-8pm, (928) 478-8905

Outdoor Gear

87 Cyclery (907 S. Beeline Hwy.), (928) 478-6203
Payson General Store (102 East Main St.), (928) 474-3656

Feed Store

Payson Feed & Pet (101 W. Aero Dr.), (928) 474-4165

Massage

A Simple Touch (805 E. Hwy. 260), (928) 978-4787

Laundry

Payson Campground and RV Resort, (808 E State Hwy 260),(928) 472-2267

Transportation

Vince’s Ride Share, (928) 517-0335

Area Attractions

Rim Country Museum and Zane Grey Cabin (700 Green Valley Parkway), (928) 474-3483
Rim Country Museum contains exhibits about Tonto Apache, pioneers and settlers, ranchers and miners, and the towns of Payson, Strawberry, and Pine. Zane Grey wrote 57 novels, 28 of them set in Arizona. This is a replica of his original cabin, which burned down in the Dude Fire of 1990.