Payson Pit Stops

Payson’s appeal extends far beyond its plentiful travel services for road-trippers. Here’s your chance to take a second look at this mountain town.

On their way to outdoor adventures in Arizona’s White Mountains, many travelers pass through Payson, which sits at the nexus of Highways 87 and 260 and is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest. Though Payson is an ideal spot to fuel up on gas, grab supplies and stretch road-weary legs, its historic charms and local color are worth deeper exploration. Ready to enjoy Payson’s undeniable Western hospitality? Then park the car and check out the biggest little city on the Mogollon Rim.

Stroll Main Street

One turn off busy Highway 87 leads to Payson’s historic district, which preserves the town’s boom days as a ranching and lumber center in the early 1900s.

See historic wood cabins along Main Street and Frontier Street, many converted into businesses open to visitors.

The primary attraction along Main Street, The Oxbow Saloon, has operated as an inn, watering hole and dance hall since the 1930s. Cold drinks, live music and line dancing attract folks today to this popular bar with the largest dance floor in Payson.

Soak up Rim Country history

Main and Frontier streets lead to Green Valley Park, the site of an excellent two-for-one museum experience.

Start at Rim Country Museum. Inside a former Forest Service Ranger Station, you can meander two levels of displays that chronicle the area’s original inhabitants, and the mining, ranching and pioneer history that followed.

One corner of the museum is devoted to a singular Payson point of pride: The World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo, which dates to 1884. Before leaving, pop into the gift store to shop for books and souvenirs.

Dine at local eateries

When it’s time to eat, try Rim Country BBQ, a ’cue spot that doubles as a wood-fired pizza joint. There’s also Beeline Café, a retro diner that serves breakfast all day.

Only have time for a pick-me-up? Common Grounds is the go-to for coffee and pastries. If the crew votes for sugar over caffeine, head to Danzeisen Dairy Creamery Store; they use Arizona-produced ice cream to mix spoonable milk shakes.

And Sweet Country Charm makes fudge (more than 180 rotating flavors!) and candies inside a store stocked by local makers.