Payson • Pine • Strawberry

Hiking, Eats & Adventures in Arizona's Rim Country

PAYSON & RIM COUNTRY: AN INTRODUCTION

Nestled beneath the Mogollon Rim just two hours from Phoenix, Payson and the surrounding towns of Pine and Strawberry are some of Arizona’s best-kept secrets for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re escaping the summer heat with a shaded creek hike, camping under the pines, or exploring hidden swimming holes, Rim Country delivers in a big way. I’ve been coming up here for years and it never gets old — the elevation drop from desert to forest feels like a completely different state. From easy family-friendly hikes like Water Wheel Falls to more remote adventures on the Mogollon Rim, this is your home base for everything Payson, Pine, and Strawberry.

Rim Country by Season

Rim Country is honestly one of the most underrated places in Arizona no matter the time of year. The landscape shifts dramatically with the seasons — from rushing creeks in spring to snow-dusted pines in winter — and there’s always a reason to make the drive up.

SPRING: Spring is the sweet spot for Rim Country. The creeks are flowing, wildflowers start popping up along the trails, and temperatures are perfect for hiking without the summer crowds. Horton Creek and Water Wheel Falls are especially beautiful this time of year with the extra water flow.

SUMMER: Summer is peak season up here and for good reason — Payson sits at 5,000 feet, making it a welcome escape from the Phoenix heat. Swimming holes are in full swing, dispersed camping on the Mogollon Rim is incredible, and Blue Ridge Reservoir is a must. Expect crowds on weekends but it’s worth it.

FALL: Fall is quietly the best time to visit. The crowds thin out, temperatures cool down, and you get stunning fall color along the Rim — especially around Horton Creek and See Canyon. Pine and Strawberry feel extra cozy this time of year too.

WINTER: Rim Country gets cold — and sometimes snowy — which makes it a completely different kind of trip. Old County Inn in Pine is open year round with a heated patio and fireplace, and there’s something really special about having the trails mostly to yourself in the quiet of winter.

Things To Do Near Payson, Arizona

Payson and the surrounding towns of Pine and Strawberry have way more going on than most people realize. Beyond the hiking and camping, there’s a genuinely charming small town scene worth slowing down for. Start with a full guide to everything the area has to offer, then fuel up at one of Payson’s local coffee shops — Common Grounds, The Shroom Room, and Noley’s Books & Coffee are all worth your time and all locally owned. When you’re ready to eat, head up to Pine and Strawberry for some of the best food in Rim Country: Old County Inn for what might be the best pizza in Arizona, The Pie Bar in Strawberry for a slice of something sweet, Below the Rim Meadery for honey wine on a forest patio, or Fossil Creek Farm for a weekend breakfast you won’t forget. I’ve included some of my favorite instagram content from the area below as well!

👉 10 Things to Do in Payson, AZ 👉 Best Coffee Shops in Payson 👉 Best Restaurants in Pine & Strawberry 👉 Things To Do in Strawberry & Pine

photo of common grounds coffee shop near payson arizona

common grounds coffee shop

photo of a girl walking and text reading things to do in strawberry and pine az

things to do in pine

restaurants near payson

payson in the fall

things to do in payson

meadery in the woods

Hiking, Camping, and Outdoor Adventures on Rim Country

Rim Country is built for outdoor adventure — and this is really where Payson and the surrounding area shine. Whether you’re looking for a shaded creek hike, a swimming hole to cool off in, or a campsite under the pines with views for miles, it’s all here within a short drive of each other.

For hiking, Horton Creek Trail is the crown jewel — a 5.6-mile creekside trail through a canyon that ends at a natural spring, with a waterfall at the 1.2-mile mark that’s worth the trip alone. Water Wheel Falls is the perfect intro hike for families or anyone who wants big payoff in a short distance, with creek crossings, a swimming hole, and a waterfall in under 2 miles. Both trails are dog-friendly and best visited May through October.

When the temps are high, Blue Ridge Reservoir is your spot — kayaking, swimming, dispersed camping right on the water, and views that feel completely removed from the rest of Arizona. It’s one of the most underrated spots on the Rim and gets busier every summer for good reason.

For camping, the Mogollon Rim has options for every type of camper — from developed campgrounds like Mogollon Campground and Spillway near the water, to completely free dispersed camping on FR 9350 and Forest Road 300 with nothing but pine trees and elk for neighbors. This is the kind of camping that makes you want to stay an extra night.

👉 Horton Creek Trail Guide 👉 Water Wheel Falls Hike Guide 👉 Blue Ridge Reservoir Guide 👉 Camping on the Mogollon Rim