Payson is one of Arizona’s most beloved mountain escapes. Known as “The Heart of Arizona,” this charming high-country town sits at nearly 5,000 feet elevation, surrounded by sweeping pine forests and the vast wilderness of the Tonto National Forest. The air is crisp, the scenery is spectacular, and the pace of life slows down in exactly the right way.
Located at the geographic center of the state, Payson is within easy reach of some of Arizona’s most iconic landscapes, making it a perfect destination for hikers, anglers, history lovers, and anyone looking to swap the desert heat for cool mountain air. Whether you’re chasing a weekend escape or planning a longer adventure through Arizona’s high country, Payson delivers.
Alice Lodging is growing its Arizona portfolio and looks forward to bringing vacation homes directly to Payson soon. In the meantime, our vacation rentals in Gold Canyon, Scottsdale, and Flagstaff put you within striking distance of everything this remarkable region has to offer.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Just 11 miles north of Payson, this state park is home to one of the world’s largest natural travertine bridges. A true Arizona gem.
The Mogollon Rim
Arizona’s most dramatic geological feature stretches over 200 miles across the state, with lakeside campgrounds and the renowned Highline Trail, a long-distance hike through pine forests and canyon country.
Tonto National Forest
With nearly 3 million acres on Payson’s doorstep, the Tonto National Forest offers endless hiking, mountain biking, ATV trails, and wildlife watching. Elk, mule deer, and bald eagles are frequently spotted throughout the region.
Rim Country Lakes
Green Valley Lake, Willow Springs Lake, and Bear Canyon Lake sit within easy reach of Payson, offering peaceful fishing, picnicking, and paddling set against a backdrop of canyon walls and towering pines.
The World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo
Established in 1884, Payson’s annual August rodeo is recognized as the world’s oldest continuously running rodeo, a piece of living Western heritage that draws competitors and fans from across the Southwest.
Parks & Relaxation
History & Culture
Events & Entertainment
Leisure Activities
While we work to bring Alice Lodging homes directly to Payson, our closest properties make an excellent base for exploring Rim Country and beyond.
Closest to Payson- Gold Canyon (~55 miles)
Our Gold Canyon vacation homes sit at the foot of the Superstition Mountains, just over an hour from Payson via US-60, making them the nearest Alice Lodging option for a Rim Country trip.
Our Scottsdale homes offer world-class amenities and easy access to the AZ-87 Beeline Highway, one of Arizona’s most scenic drives straight to Payson.
A. Payson sits in north-central Gila County, northeast of Phoenix along the Beeline Highway and 55 miles north of Gold Canyon. It lies near the geographic center of Arizona at an elevation of nearly 5,000 feet.
A. Payson is best known for the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo (est. 1884), Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, excellent fishing and hiking in the Tonto National Forest, and its cool, refreshing summers, a popular escape from the heat of the Phoenix Valley.
A. Payson is a year-round destination. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and the most vibrant scenery. Summer is ideal for escaping the Phoenix heat, while winter brings occasional snow along the Mogollon Rim.
A. Alice Lodging has vacation homes in Gold Canyon (approx. 55 miles) and Scottsdale (approx. 75 miles), both an easy drive to Payson via scenic Arizona highways.