Area Information

Payson Arizona is located in central Arizona, a very pleasant 90 minute drive from the Phoenix metropolitan area. Payson is known for its beauty, recreational opportunities, its four mild seasons and more recently its dynamic business environment.

At an elevation of 5,000 feet, set amidst one of the largest stands of Ponderosa pine in the world, Payson attracts international visitors year around. Payson is rich in Western heritage with an area population of 24,500 - it offers the atmosphere of rural America with the amenities of a metropolis.

TEMPERATURE (F) AND PRECIPITATION AVERAGES*

Principal Economic

Activities

The local economy is dominated by tourism and retirement industries with a growing emphasis on manufacturing and service firms. Light industry compatible with the community's "High Quality of Life" is being encouraged. Many Arizonans and visitors alike migrate to cool Payson in summer. In the winter, the community attracts many visitors wanting to enjoy the mild climate and rural atmosphere.

Among the area's major employers are the Payson Unified School District, the Mazatzal Casino, the Payson Regional Medical Center and the Town of Payson. In recent years, several manufacturing operations have located in Payson, including Precision Intricast (precision orthotics device manufacturer), Pulau Electronics, Custom Aircraft (airplane assembly/repair firm), Daryl's Precision (precision machine work). Other employers include Gollipops (lollipop producer) and the Payson Candle Factory.

The Payson Economic Development Corporation works actively with new and existing business to provide high quality business and employment opportunities for area residents. It operates a revolving loan fund program for use by local and relocating firms requiring low-interest financing. All of Gila County is an Enterprise Zone.

Scenic Attractions

Nestled in the gently rolling hills of the majestic Mogollon Rim - a 7,000 foot, 200 mile long escarpment - Payson is minutes away from seven Rim Lakes and countless trout streams. popular outdoor activities include hiking, fishing, camping, cross-country skiing and hunting.

Local attractions include the Tonto Natural Bridge, Shoo-Fly Indian Archeological Site, Tonto Fish Hatchery, Rim Country Museum, Pine-Strawberry Schoolhouse, Green Valley Park, Rumsey Park, Mazatzal Casino and  Zane Grey Museum and Counsellor Art.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

The park is located three miles south of Pine in Tonto National Forest. At 183 feet high, 150 feet wide and 400 feet long, Tonto Natural Bridge is the world's largest know natural travertine bridge. In 1877 prospector David Gowan found the bridge while evading Apaches. Gowan later persuaded his family to leave Scotland and settle in the area, and his descendants eventually opened this natural wonder to the public. Viewpoints are available at the parking level, or visitors may take trails down to the bridge and the surrounding canyon.

Tonto National Forest

One of the most visited national forests in the nation, Tonto National Forest covers 2.9 million acres and is one of central Arizona's loveliest outdoor recreation destinations. Elevations range from 1,300 feet to nearly 8,000 feet and more than 860 miles of hiking trails are available. Six reservoirs on the Salt and Verde rivers serve as watersheds and wildlife habitats while offering prime spots for tubing, rafting, fishing, and other water recreation. Picnic areas and five developed campgrounds are are maintained in the forest, where the recreation season generally runs from early May to mid October. Fire restrictions may be in place during the summer season. Payson Ranger District 1009 E. Hwy 260, Payson. (928) 474-7900.

Rim Country Museum

This museum, located in scenic Green Valley Park preserves the natural and cultural history of the region. Exhibits feature ancient peoples of the area, the Tonto Apache, and the cavalry an pioneer period. The museum is accessible to the handicapped. The top of the 1907 Mt. Ord Watchtower and Payson's first ranger station also are on the grounds. The ranger residence has been converted into an orientation center and gift shop. 700 Green Valley Pkwy, Payson. (928) 474-3483

Payson Parks and Recreation

The Payson Parks and Recreation Office is located in Green Valley Park, a 40 acre site featuring an open-space amphitheater, the Rim Country Museum and offices of the Gila County Historical Society. Picnic tables, ramadas, a playground and 10-foot-wide sidewalks are additional amenities. the park's three lakes, part of the Arizona Urban Fishing program, are stocked with rainbow trout every three weeks, October-May. Just beyond Green Valley Park is 18 hole Payson Golf Course, open to the public.

Rumsey Park, at Rumsey Drive and McLane Road contains five ramadas, a basketball court, two sand volleyball courts, four tennis courts, three softball fields, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and an award-winning full-size soccer field.

Payson offers a variety of athletic programs ranging from swimming lessons to softball and other sports leagues. Special events include the Elks Club Easter Egg Hunt, float trips through the Salt River Canyon, golf tournaments, and the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K Walk/Run.