Overview
Payson is a town in Gila County, Arizona. Known as the "Heart of Arizona," it is a gateway to the Colorado Plateau and the Mogollon Rim in Northern and Eastern Arizona.
1 sights · 1 things to do · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Payson
Tonto National Forest
The city of Payson is entirely surrounded by the ninth largest national forest in the United States.
Rim Country Museum and Zane Grey Cabin
History of Northern Gila County and the Mogollon Rim.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Nov–Apr. Summer highs reach about 106°F; winter lows dip to about 45°F. Very hot (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Arizona)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- FLG Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, Flagstaff — 65 mi away. Directions
- AZA Mesa Gateway Airport, Mesa — 67 mi away. Directions
- PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix — 68 mi away (major hub). Directions
Payson is located at the junction of two state highways, Route 87 and Route 260.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $75–$75 a night (typical $118), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$120, mid-range ~$190, comfortable ~$240.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Rim Country Museum and Zane Grey Cabin
- Afternoon Tonto National Forest
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The modern town of Payson was founded in 1882. Payson, unlike much of Arizona, has clear seasonal changes and is very temperate. Warm summers, cold winters, and a monsoon season that generally starts at the beginning of July and lasts until September. Payson has an elevation of 5,000 feet.
Get in
By plane
By car
Payson is located at the junction of two state highways, Route 87 and Route 260.
- State Route 87 connects Payson with Greater Phoenix; it is a 75-mile drive along the Beeline Highway to Payson from Mesa. Route 87 continues north to meet Interstate 40 in Winslow.
- State Route 260 connects Payson to Show Low and other destinations in Eastern Arizona. To the west, it intersects with Interstate 17 in Camp Verde.
Get around
By bus
The Beeline Bus offers transportation within Payson, and makes stops in the nearby settlements of Star Valley and Mesa del Caballo.
On foot
Central Payson is small enough to be traversed by foot.
By car
To reach nearby destinations beyond Payson, Star Valley, or Mesa del Caballo, you will need a car.
See
Do
Do Tonto National Forest
The city of Payson is entirely surrounded by the ninth largest national forest in the United States.
Buy
Sleep
Nearby
Pine-Strawberry
Rural area · 13 listings · 12 mi away
Camp Verde
City / town · 9 listings · 37 mi away
Agua Fria National Monument
Park · 2 listings · 43 mi away
Carefree
City / town · 2 listings · 44 mi away
Arcosanti
City / town · 2 listings · 45 mi away
Cave Creek
City / town · 35 listings · 46 mi away
Mormon Lake Village
City / town · 4 listings · 49 mi away
Fountain Hills
City / town · 2 listings · 50 mi away
My experience
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