Payson -

Payson

Payson is a town in northern Gila County, Arizona. Due to Payson's location being very near to the geographic center of Arizona, it has been called "The Heart of Arizona". The town is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest and has many outdoor activities and events to enjoy in all seasons.
The Tonto National Forest, encompassing 2,873,200 acres, is the largest of the six national forests in Arizona and is the ninth largest national forest in the United States. The forest has diverse scenery, with elevations ranging from 1,400 feet in the Sonoran Desert to 7,400 feet in the ponderosa pine forests of the Mogollon Rim (pronounced MOH-gee-on). The Tonto National Forest is also the most visited "urban" forest in the United States.
As the gateway to Arizona's dramatic high elevation Mountains, Payson offers four-season recreation. It also offers the dramatic seasonal weather including snow.
Arizonans call it “The Rim.” The rugged, far-reaching landscape of the Colorado Plateau. Cutting across the state, the Rim is a picturesque destination for wilderness adventurers of all ages. Fishing in mountain lakes and streams, riding ATV’s, hiking, swimming, hunting and every other outdoor activity can be enjoyed in the higher country.