The 17 best things to do with kids in Payson

We stopped in for dinner midweek. The dining room had a few other guests. There has been a price increase. We two ate for $40. I had the Hawaiian Burger. My dining partner had the Blue Moon Burger. Both were good. Parking is common to the strip mall, but there were still places available.

We have been enjoying this lovely retreat from the Valley for fifteen years, and we have never been disappointed with a meal. The patio is truly beautiful, and we were delighted to have live music this evening. A special thank you to Karly for providing such amazing service! If you are seeking a wonderful meal, a pleasant patio, and outstanding service, we highly recommend visiting soon!

Lovely café with super chill servers. We entered standing awkwardly by the entrance because it was busy, but they made us feel acknowledged right away, which was nice. Scott (if I remember his name correctly) took our drink orders quickly and answered all our questions. Even though we didn’t chat much, talking to him felt like talking with a friend — very relaxed and no judgment at all. Food was delicious. I especially loved that they have a half sandwich, half soup option — gives you variety without going overboard on calories.

Macky's Grill in Payson has officially become our new go-to spot for fantastic food whenever we're passing through! We came on a busy Saturday afternoon and received excellent service. Despite the restaurant being bustling, our server was remarkably attentive, checking on us frequently and refilling our drinks without us having to ask – a sign of truly exceptional service. The entire restaurant was spotlessly clean, which always makes for a more enjoyable dining experience. One of the highlights for us was the dog-friendly patio with live music! We both ordered the veggie burgers with all the toppings (even vegan mayo!), and for some reason, they were in a league of their own – significantly better than veggie burgers we've had at most other restaurants. They were served with a generous portion of perfectly cooked French fries, though we noted there were several other tempting side options available for those who are not vegan. Overall, Macky's Grill offers an unbeatable combination of superb service, a clean and inviting atmosphere, and seriously delicious food with vegetarian and vegan options. We can't wait to stop by again on our next trip through Payson!

Love Macky’s Grill! The food, service and atmosphere are top notch. We drive almost 100 miles each way from the Valley to have dinner here and Karly is an awesome server and bakes the BEST pies! And the milkshakes inspire joy in the soul 💜 Get to Macky’s Grill…NOW. You can thank me later 👍🏻

On a day trip to Payson, we were looking for somewhere to eat lunch. Stopped at a few shops and asked the cashier's what are some of the best restaurants in Payson? And Mackys Grill kept coming up as a great place. You walk in and kinda get a Texaz Grill/ Bill Johnson's type of vibe. It took about a minute before we were greeted and a few minutes before we were seated. The restaurant was about half full, so us on big city time were starting to get worried if we had made the right decision. We were starving and the menu looked like it had a ton of great options. Pricing was on par with an Applebee's or Chili's. We started with the tater tot barrels and from the first bite we were hooked. You get about 6 jumbo tater tots that are nice and crispy on the outside. On the inside pure magic,creamy like a mashed potato with a hint of sour cream and some bacon 🤤. The food also seemed to be a little longer than we would expect. I think we are so hardwired for this fast food culture. Maybe it's us that are backwards, it was worth the wait every single bite. Starting with the Mackey's burger,added bacon and American cheese. A perfect burger,every single bite was delicious it also came with an insane amount of fries. Next the half slab of ribs,with meat that falls right off the bone. Partnered with probably one of the best cornbreads I've ever had and I'm not even a fan of cornbread. Also the half sandwich half soup combo. I'm a fan of almost any sandwich and this grilled turkey sandwich was delightful. The soup, THE SOUP was delicious and unique. Chicken Poblano soup had the perfect amount of spice. The entire meal was perfect,every plate was a winner. Not one person was unhappy at the table (which is rare). If you're ever in Payson definitely stop at Mackey's Grill! I only wish we had one in Phoenix too

Great place. Definitely worth the stop before heading back home to Phoenix. Great burgers, Great Service. Would have given it 5 star if they had COCA COLA. Sorry but pepsi is not 😁, oh well, no 1 is perfect. But everything else was great.

It’s a wonderful place to buy natural, genuinely produced products from passionate entrepreneurs. We had the pleasure of purchasing items from Cece’s Remedies, including their herb-infused whipped tallow butter, a favorite for keeping skin moisturized and a soothing lavender lip balm. Both products reflect true quality. We highly recommend visiting their stall at the Payson Farmers Market and seeing the products for yourself you won’t be disappointed!

The Payson Farmers Market is more than a place to shop, it’s a slice of the town’s soul. We dropped by yesterday, the parking lot had transformed into a lively gathering where neighbors catch up, visitors wander, and the smell of fresh baked bread and roasted chilies fills the air. Booths overflow with local produce, jars of honey, handmade crafts, and the kind of small-batch foods you just can’t find in big stores. What sets this market apart, though, isn’t only the goods, it’s the atmosphere. In the middle of the market stands an old cowboy with a guitar, singing live as people weave between stalls. His voice carries across the rows, equal parts weathered and warm, like it’s been shaped by years of sun and desert wind. The music doesn’t just fill the space, it stitches it together, turning the market into more than commerce, it becomes a community. The people are friendly, quick to offer samples, stories, and smiles. It feels less like shopping and more like being welcomed into the rhythm of Payson life. Every table, every note of the cowboy’s song, reminds you that this little mountain town has a big heart. We couldn't help ourselves, we bought far more stuff than we needed; but not too much for the week ahead! Grateful Traveler’s Note

Delicious breakfast bowl and had to get 2 tamales. Music's great, people are so friendly and food is amazing!

Such great stand with amazing and super friendly people. The food was delicious at the Philly cheese steak spot. I personally love to visit the hoppy goat farm. Got their celery salt, some spring onion an beautiful blue an Italian mushrooms.

Love this Farmer's Market!!! Delicious products available! Our favorites are the bread guy, the green Chile awesome sauce lady, Redneck Princess, the cheese guy, Danzeisen Dairy, and the farmer with Garlic Flowers. If you ask at the info booth, they can point you in the right directions. We added a new favorite today, the Prickly Pear Tea guy! These are truly artisan products and local people, please shop local and support local farmers and artisans. These folks work very hard and provide top-notch products.

I love farmers markets. Wish it was bigger though but it was still good to visit

Everyone is so friendly, food is awesome, and each booth has so much to offer

Beautiful park in Payson. Peaceful and calm. We saw a herd of about 30 elk this morning. Everyone is friendly and it is great for dogs. Lots of shade and natural beauty. Ducks and geese galore. Restrooms on site.

Beautiful little lake with walking paths, a boat ramp, and a fishing dock (watch for a couple broken spots on the dock). Dog-friendly and peaceful — not very busy when I visited. It was hot, so bring water! A great quick stop if you’re in Payson.

Lovely lake to walk/bike/run/skate/amble around. Families and neighbors were standing around talking and visiting with each other. The fountain in the middle of the lake changes color at night, and it's relatively safe. It's in a quiet neighborhood, no loud stereos blasting... Just a nice place to bring the family for an evening.

Green Valley Park feels like the town’s open-air living room. It stretches wide with three sparkling lakes, grassy lawns, and tall pines framing the edges, creating a space where the whole community seems to come together. On any given day you’ll see kids chasing ducks, families spreading out picnics, and fishermen casting lines with the kind of patience that only comes when the air is cool and the pace is slow. There’s a walking path that winds around the water, perfect for a morning stroll or an evening reflection as the sun drops behind the Rim. The park also plays host to community events, from art festivals to summer concerts, and when that happens the open lawns fill with laughter, music, and the smell of food drifting from vendors. What makes Green Valley Park special is the balance it holds. It’s quiet enough for solitude if you need it, yet alive with energy when the town gathers. It’s a reminder that sometimes the heart of a place isn’t a restaurant or a shop, but the green space where people come simply to be together. Grateful Traveler’s Note

This park is beautiful I love coming up here, they recently added a splash pad and we just happened to visit on a Wednesday.. which Wednesdays they have the water SHUT OFF IN THE SUMMER?? We stayed and let the kids play and people were coming up with bathing suits to find out it's closed too. Winter I can understand but summer, come on.

Tried fishing here but didn't see a single person including myself catching anything. I dont typically fish at urban lakes but wanted to try this on the way out of town since some of the locals recommended it. Can't say I'll go back to fish there, but other than that it is a nice lake. Good scenery, and great place to walk around or pack a lunch and eat down by the lake.

It was the best 4th of July for me in many years! The large park in Payson is superior for family with kids, adult's and all puppies. I would highly recommend your next 4th of July in Payson, AZ. Also, Payson PD did a great job making us feel safe❣️

Been meaning to try this place for ages but its always Sunday's when I'm near! (They're closed Sundays) Finally here on a Monday and so glad I made it in! Jordan was working the counter and he was patient with my questions and helpful with suggestions. I got a vanilla shake with salted caramel swirl and it tasted so fresh and delicious best shake I've ever had! And I love that they have thicker straws so I'm not fighting to take a drink. They also had a great variety of lemon/limeade and other beverages you can take home.

I stopped in to get my Husky some ice cream for her birthday, fully expecting to have to buy a whole gallon. But when I mentioned it was for her special day, the friendly guy behind the counter—I'm pretty sure his name was Jordan—didn't hesitate. He smiled and said, “How about a pup cup? It’s on the house! Would she like a biscuit on top?” Now *that* is what I call outstanding customer service!

Love this place. Highly recommended.The ice cream & shakes are amazing. Our son loves the fresh milk too.

First thing you notice about this place is the big blue building. You can't miss it! Just don't plan on coming here on Sunday because they're closed. We happened to be in Payson on a Monday so we had to stop in. The place has a very cool, relaxed vibe to it and they have a ton of options. I went with a simple Vanilla cold brew Latte but I had some questions and Jordan was super friendly and helpful. My wife got a salted caramel vanilla milkshake. Both were delicious. I can't wait to come back and try more things.

Finally someone is listening. No one wants too sweet of milkshakes or mystery ingredients in their dessert, and that's why the creamery is wildly successfully. A vanilla milk shake with chocolate sprinkles. It's vanilla soft serve mixed with 2% milk and chocolate sprinkles. That's it! Ridiculously simple and created to help you appreciate THE MILK. It's outstanding, sweetened to ENHANCE the milk fats, and a simple delicious treat. Don't sleep on this place, support local business. Looking forward to my next time here.

The young man named kevin was excellent!!!! He noticed my gummy bears ran out and brought out more for me! Such a young sweet gentlemen. You don’t see that much in today’s day and age. I think he’s been hitting the gym or scooping a lot of ice cream because he had nice arms as well.

Groovy doesn’t even begin to cover my experience at Danzeisen Dairy Store in Payson, AZ, baby! From the moment I strolled in, I felt like I’d stepped into a swinging milk paradise, full of charm, flavor, and good vibes. And let me tell you about our fab order taker, Mackenna. This righteous gal with the shagadelic pink hair was an absolute delight, yeah! Talk about service with a smile—she was friendly, quick, and made the whole experience feel like a far-out party. Mackenna, you’re a star, baby! The dairy treats? Smooth, creamy, and oh-so dreamy—just like velvet on the tongue. Moo-tastic milk, wicked shakes, and snacks that made me want to do a little groovy dance right there in the store. If you’re in Payson and don’t swing by Danzeisen Dairy Store, you’re missing out on some serious mojo, baby. Do yourself a favor—stop in, say hi to Mackenna, and get your dairy fix. Yeah, baby, YEAH! 🕶🥛

Rumsey Park is the heart of recreation in Payson. It’s a big, open space that feels like it was built for everyone, no matter what you’re into. On one side you’ll see kids running across the playgrounds, on another you’ll find ball fields alive with games, and there’s always someone out walking their dog or just enjoying the fresh mountain air. What makes Rumsey Park special is how much it offers in one spot. There are basketball courts, tennis courts, a skate park, picnic areas, and trails that weave through the grounds. It’s the kind of place where you can bring the whole family and everyone finds something to do. When events roll into town, Rumsey becomes a gathering point, with festivals, tournaments, and community celebrations filling the space with energy. Even on quieter days, it’s a good place to stretch your legs, breathe deep, and watch the Rim Country sky shift as the day rolls on. Rumsey Park isn’t just a park, it’s where the town comes together, a hub that carries the heartbeat of Payson. Grateful Traveler’s Note

Great park! Baseball field, 2 playgrounds (shaded), basketball courts, and the pickle ball courts rocked! We will definitely be back!

This place is still beautiful and the same in a few now there is a bocce ball court which is so beautiful thank you to the town of Payson to put that for renzi Park so it's up to the public around renzie Park to step up and keep an eye on the public bathrooms so that we don't have no destroyed toilets or sinks this year please I'll be there thanks Mike Z

Dog park, large area, small wading pool, chairs, picnic table gazebo. Is a all dirt lot.

The place was poppin'! Quite a few people there, birthday parties and whatnot. But we were still able to find a spot for our group. The only negative thing is that there were ants in the mulch on the playground that the 1-year-old wasn't able to outrun. They were a non-issue for the older kids.

Brought our pup to this giant dog park. There's a lot of space. Tables, benches, water sources for the pups, dog bags, disposal areas, and a little dog area. Oh and there was a stickler that was real firm on the rules, so here's a picture of the rules too.

Meh. It needs work but it’s not bad. Supposedly there’s more than one playground, but we could only find the one next to the skate park. It needs a little work and the bathrooms next to it need a lot of work. The water fountains weren’t working and it was summer.

Some of the best Italian food I've ever had, and I come from a line of Italian restaurateurs. Had the ravioli, lasagna and Bianca pizza with artichoke hearts. I can't say enough about the staff, we've had the pleasure of being waited on by Elizabeth and Nicki. We were lucky enough to eat at both locations, Sedona and Payson and both were equally superb.

The food was amazing! I don't like fish and had a bite of my husband's salmon and I loved it! Great atmosphere and the waitress was wonderful! It was a little expensive but worth it!! I will definitely be going back!

Awesome family Italian place. The Italian Mac is pictured below - super cheesy and absolutely delicious. I only wish straws didn't automatically come in the drinks (to reduce plastic waste) and that the to - go boxes weren't Styrofoam (something that could be recycled instead).

Absolutely love this place and will be going back. I think my significant other and I got the most expensive plates they were serving that evening because our tab was over $100 with one appetizer, two entrees, and 2 glasses of wine. So if you are price concise there are more affordable things to order. The food was completely worth it. No complaints.

My husband and I decided to give this place a try for lunch today; and we both were extremely pleased with our meals. I had the Smoked Bacon Macaroni, and my goodness was it delicious! My husband had the Eggplant Parmesan and said it was the best he'd ever had. The lunch portions were dinner sized, in my opinion.... However, we're not complaining because we have leftovers for tomorrow. The prices were decent and the atmosphere was enjoyable. When it cools off a bit more we will enjoy ourselves out on their patio dinning area.

Really lovely ownership and very friendly staff. The food has never disappointed-- but you've got to be in the mood for stodgy, saucy food-- as that's what you'll get! The lobster mac and cheese is a dream. Environment is also quite nice and prices are decent. This place is usually busy, which I take as a good sign.

My family and I went here during a trip to Payson. When I walked in what first impressed me was how clean the dinning area and bathrooms were. The staff was courteous and helpful. The owners wife talked with us and made us feel welcome. We had mac & cheese, chicken fettuccine, meat lovers pizza and an appetizer. Great tasting food. A little to much butter but overall good. This is one place you don't want to pass up.

I had the worst care I've ever had in my life , the nurses were unprofessional and rude and left me with no call light and I sat in a room without care for a long time. I then began to just leave after telling the nurses I was going to leave," the doctor then ask me to stay and then hurried the nurses to get me fluids and testing done after being their hours. The doctor was very pushy and stated that because I was crying I needed CBI . I came in for coughing up blood not behavioral. He had no idea how to treat me . He gave me two diagnosis that were very inaccurate just to pass me off and get me out of the ER. After misdiagnosing me I exposed many people to a contagious RSV virus that he said I didn't have. After being told I had bronchitis and a UTI. Which I was wrongfully admitted for something I did not have. I was then treated like a prisoner for not having health insurance. I requested to be taken care of like everybody else. The nursing staff were so disrespectful I had to beg for any fluids or medication. I then stated I wanted to leave again they said they would call security if I wanted to go AMA. They all took an oath to do no harm to their patients After experiencing this care I will never go to Payson banner hospital. I requested to talk to the CEO and he is ignored every phone call. And the nurses share your private information with family members at home this is not a safe place for you. Please If you love your family member please don't take them to the hospital. This is not a safe hospital

My wife recently broke her ankle. I took her to Banner Payson Medical Center where she had excellent care. The check in person was very welcoming and told us not to worry that we didn't have our insurance cards with us. We were able to call our son and she took the information from him. The ER nurses were very kind and gentle with her. Dr. Kolb was very kind and efficient in speaking with the orthopedic surgeon and splinted the injury. We were very pleased with the excellent care my wife received.

A Nightmare of a Digital Consent System – Unethical and Coercive I am writing this review on behalf of my elderly father, who recently needed a CT scan at Payson Banner. Instead of being able to provide informed consent in a reasonable manner, we were forced to contend with a so-called "digital assistant" that was nothing short of coercive, vague, and deeply unsettling. This system does not allow for genuine patient autonomy. It pre-populates responses, effectively removing any real choice in the matter. Worse, it forces patients and their representatives to agree to sweeping and overreaching consent terms that go far beyond the procedure at hand. The language is ambiguous, but the implications are chilling—essentially signing away the right to refuse future treatments, surgeries, or injections based solely on a doctor's recommendation. This is NOT informed consent; it is digital strong-arming. Patients should never be placed in a position where they must "agree" to excessive, blanket authorizations just to receive basic care. The absence of an alternative to this system makes the process even more egregious. It is unacceptable to demand that patients and families sign vague, all-encompassing consents under duress. I strongly urge Payson Banner to reconsider this unethical system and return to a process that respects patient rights and informed decision-making. Patients and their families deserve better.

Staff seemed quick to pass us off and get rid of us. Your ER doctor said the burn doctor in pheonix wanted to see and treat my baby and I'd have to go by ambulance or air. We get here just for the doc to say he never said that and they can't really help, but they can give ointment and clear care instructions. We were cleared to go home within 1 hour. Wasted an entire day now I'm 3 hrs from home with no ride. The staff at payson did not want to deal with us. I feel like I was sent all over AZ for no damn reason other than for their own convenience.

Everytime we go to this emergency room it's a terrible experience. This time I have my daughter here and the triage nurse was so rude then they place us in a hallway right in front of the patient bathroom. I'm kinda thinking that's not to sanitary. They made her feel like her problems were minimal to the point she is crying when they even come and talk to her.

19 hrs and still no plan other than charge up my insurance. Got here they had a plan,couple hours later no plan now. Staff went thru my belongs and removed things . Because they won't practice contemporary medicine the patience pay the price. Staff are bottom of the barrel. If you must go here transfer as soon as possible to dignity health 5x better medical care

Banner Payson is by far the best treatment I have received in a hospital and I have been to quite a few over the years. I appreciate how well they treated me. Great nursing staff.

Leash law Not enforced here! Dogs off leash all the time. A pit bull came up the hill trying to get at my little dog! Horrible experience! Everyday dogs off leash! Can't enjoy walking my little dog. Not Safe!

This park is a real hidden gym. It’s spread out over what looks to be 2 acres and has something for all ages. Great picnic spots and a clean restroom to boot.

This park has great exercise equipment. Pull ups, dips, low rings, plyo boxes and it's beautiful and well maintained. There are even elk there working out as well.

This park is nice to sit at a ramada and eat some lunch, play at the playground, explore the trails. We came 5/23/20. Its a little bit of an older park but still cool. My 19 yr old daughter and my hubby enjoyed themselves on the swing equipment. I highly recommend it.

We visted this park after camping , super cute park!

Such a cute park! We stopped here with our dog on the way out of town and she also loved it. There is a small splash pad that is open 10-4.

Awesome place clean the kids absolutely loved it,they have benches and grills to BBQ there. An not to mention saw this was hanging out there lol

My hygienist, Sarah, gave me the best teeth cleaning I've ever had. I'm impressed. I like Dr. Anderson, too. Very personable. Highly recommend.

What a wonderful experience. We just recently moved to Payson and I was in need of a dentist. I found Anderson Dental Group on line and was able to set up appointments for the following week. I am so pleased with all the staff at Anderson Dental. This is by far the nicest, most efficient office I’ve ever been to. The front staff is wonderful, Dr Church is amazing and I’m so glad to be in their care.

I had a very nice first experience here. Called to make an appointment as a new client on a Friday morning, they scheduled me a month out (very typical) but added me to the call list for possible cancellations. They had me in less than a week later! Nice office, well maintained spaces, friendly people. My teeth feel great - happy to be back on track with my dental care.

Friendly, professional, relaxed, and ultra accommodating! I have been going to Anderson Dental for about 3 years now. Even though I originally lived and saw a local dentist in Buckeye, AZ; my spouse asked me to just try his dentist in Carefree. While it was a drive from our home and I was okay with my current Dentist something told me that just being "okay" with one's Dentist was not okay. From the ease of making my first appointment to their schedule availability; working with Anderson Dental was a breeze. Just having Saturday hours available periodically is a Fantastic way to brighten your smile! Dr. Anderson and her staff have made themselves available to both me and my family sometimes at a moments notice, and all awhile with the most friendly and professional service. They have squeezed me in multiple times when those unforeseen emergencies arose. Keeping up to date with all of the latest Dental procedures and practices certainly adds to their acumen. Even though we have moved closer to the West Valley since those Buckeye days; I would still not mind the drive to see Dr. Anderson and her Staff. What a class act they are and so much appreciated by my family! Truly, service with a "SMILE"!

I want to let you know how impressed I am with your office and your staff. From the moment I walked I was welcomed by the very nice lady at check in.She always has addressed me by my first name. It makes me feel comfortable hearing it. Don't know why, but it does. I have always felt comfortable and have always been treated with respect and kindness by the staff. Dr. Church is exceptional and Anna has been so helpful in informing me on my treatment and helping me through this major change in my life. I am very grateful for the care and their kindness that I have received. BO

Anderson Dental Group is AMAZING!!! I was so nervous for no reason, I had Dr. Church do 6 veneers on my top front teeth. It was pain free, I honestly almost fell asleep getting them prepped. And they look AWESOME!!! I love them, my husband and family keep commenting on how much more I'm smiling! So happy with their friendly, affordable, and amazing service. I highly recommend them!

Very cold but very beautiful and the cave was icy right now and very cold in there but an epic adventure and site worth seeing. Be careful though can easily twist your ankle. Bring headlights on your hat and flashlight. Be safe and have fun.

LOVED this hike! It was smooth walking the majority of the time with short steps over a beautiful creek. Driving there, We followed google maps to this trailhead. About 2 miles before arriving to the road, it turns to dirt. My Civic did just fine, just took it slow. We drove until a brown gate blocked the road, parked on the side of the road, and walked past the gate to the trail head. We took one half of the loop (south trail) out, hit cypress trail, hiked the 2.5 miles till it ended, then turned back. Coming back, there’s a sign showing where the north / south boulder trail splits. We took the north route back. Basic math shows that is 8 miles, but our step counter showed much less. There were lots of dogs on the trail and The trail was really beautiful. Tons of good mountain views mixed with shaded creek walking. Make sure to listen for water falls in the distance so you can walk off trail to see them, that was our favorite part.

Absolutely no trail? We found a closed gate so we parked outside, we walked until we found a sign about the boulders loop trail. We looked around only to find rocks and gully's with ATV tracks. We went on a little further to find a ranch called R1? It was fenced off with a sign private property. We went back looking but with no avail to finding the trail other than homeless nearby, so we left. Do not go here there is nothing cool or fun at this location.

We went in February when the gate to the main trailhead was closed. There is enough room for a few cars to park in front of the main trailhead gate however. No one was there but us. Beautiful scenery. We saw fresh Black bear poop and decided to turn around early into the hike. I didn't have my fire arm on me and I didn't want to risk running into a Black bear. It's a nice little dirt road that takes you to the trailheadoff the main highway. About 3 miles.

The boulder loop trailhead is a wonderful trail to do when it not to hot outside. Maybe you can try it when there some snow but probably be to cold and to icy in winter. It is also a great place to take pictures if that's some you like to do. It is also a great place to just go to get away from City Life and be in nature and still be close to civilization. So definitely would recommend this trail head to anybody who enjoys nature and taking pictures and exercising.

Boulders Loop as accessed from E Phoenix ST (NOT this trailhead) is lovely. This trailhead here on E Granite Dells Rd, on the other hand is awful. Hard to find. No actual parking lot, and the side of the road dips down steeply so there's no shoulder on which to park. No restroom, picnic table, bench or trash can facilities. Homeless encampments nearby. The Cypress Trail as accessed here is a rough, slippery road for ATV's. The surrounding woods are nice but you're walking in the deep gully on the ATV track. Lots of litter strewn about. What a shame that in such a nice natural area, this ugly motorized off-road vehicle trail is the only trail on which to hike. Don't recommend.

Beautiful hike! The trails weren’t marked at all that we could see and the gate was closed I’m not sure why. I don’t think it was supposed to be but we got some funny looks from the people that live by the trails like we were invading their privacy. Don’t let that deter you!

We loved being able to rent from rim country recreation! Michelle was so kind and helpful and assisted us even though we reached out last minute. thank you for helping make our experience at the Blue Ridge reservoir so much more fun! We look forward to using your services again!

Michelle came in clutch when we realized we forgot our paddles and could not find a place to buy them. She was a savior for renting out paddles so we could enjoy our getaway from the Valley. Very easy to work with in getting them and dropping them off. I highly recommend using Rim Country Recreation for your rental needs!! Thank you for helping my son and I create more wonderful memories!

Michelle at Rim Country Rec is amazing! She responded qucikly and had a paddle board available with short notice. It was so easy to pick up and drop off the rental! While I was there I watched her and her brother help another customer with loading their kayaks and taught them best practices to secure them. Great service, right price! Had just the right thing for me and my little tribe!

Great experience! So helpful and communicative during our visit. Matthew and Michelle are incredibly kind and went above and beyond. 🛶

Michelle provides excellent services! I have rented from Michelle three times and each time it has been a great experience. She is very communicative and accommodating. We always have a fun experience kayaking even our dog enjoys it too! Highly recommend her services.

We rented two kayaks for 24hrs($50each). Last minute order, picked up right away, was shown how to tie down to roof rack, and given great recommendation for the afternoon! Highly recommend.

The Wife and I, very last minute, decided to see if we could do some kayaking and reached out to Michelle. Fortunately for us she was super accommodating and got us set up with two kayaks and all the necessary gear as well as getting it strapped to our car with no roof rack. Definitely recommended!

I have or had a mom that is 73 years old who lives here. I have lost contact with her for many months. So I called the manager and asked if she could check up on her and tell me if she is still alive or not. She said they can’t do that because of privacy rights. 4 months later I still don’t know if she has passed away or not. Rated 1 star for rudeness

Excellent place to live.

Absolutely stunning park. Trails are perfect length for a nature-filled workout without being too strenuous. An utterly ridiculous amount of beauty, where a lovely green forest and water meets the desert. Note: hike to the very end of every trail and I would recommend going in order. We did - it’s just spectacular how the trails were designed.

Very cool. The park is super nice. Staff was very helpful at the beginning to explain the options. We liked the first little waterfall hike down, and then went to all the viewpoints. Then, we hiked down into the arches. It was midweek at the end of the day, and so we had the place mostly to ourselves. Just beautiful. All the formations on the ceiling are really cool. Very slippery down there, so we didn't go through. A little tough hiking back up, but not bad. Saw almost everything in a couple hours. Just a neat place...!

Wonderful state park with completely unique views unlike anything I’ve seen in Arizona. Worth the trip. The only reason I put at 4 out of 5 is that $10 per person (not per car) is a bit high of a price. It is a smaller park one could enjoy in a couple of hours or half a day. Highly recommend just be aware of pricing.

Incredibly more than I was expecting. One of the neatest hikes I've ever been on was walking down to the base of the bridge and walking through it out to the other side. Not an east pass through the bottom, climbing over slippery rocks etc. Lots of parking and a nice gift shop. 20$ for 2 of us seemed pricy though. Great map and very short trails.

This a must visit when visiting the area. There is a challenging area if going under the bridge from Anna Marie Trail over to the other side. Follow the yellow arrows and on the climb over a boulder stay to the right side (see first video). Water is straight down on the left.

Mother Nature really shows off on what she can do at this stunning natural wonder. A short hike to the bottom is definitely worth the uphill climb back up once you see the spectacle that was naturally created. Rocks can be very slippery if you decide to go under the natural bridge so be careful. Worth the visit

The State Park near Payson was a pleasant surprise. I'm glad I came across it. Being a solo traveler, I would have preferred to go earlier in the morning, but I arrived in Town in the afternoon. Park hours are 9-5pm which gives you plenty of time to hike the unpaved, more challenging trails. Temps were in the high 90°s so plenty of water is a must. Parents with children and ALL others! People HIKING UP THE TRAILS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY. Stop, move to the side, and allow hikers to continue hiking up hill, then you proceed hiking down trail.

That was such a fun hike. The water was super cold, which actually felt great since the weather wasn’t too hot. There were these smooth rocks with water running over them that worked like natural slides—you could literally slide down! I saw a few wildflowers here and there, not a ton, but still nice. Overall, the trail had good vibes, a bit of adventure, and some really cool spots to chill. Definitely worth checking out if you’re into hikes with a little extra something.

Please make sure to wear the proper footing...lots of boulder climbing and rocks...smooth rocks..so we're something with grips...and no crocs! The trail is visible in segments and then you have to trust the instincts and listen for the people coming and going. Its beautiful and incredible that its in this state.

Gorgeous Trail featuring Multiple Swim Holes and Waterfalls. The trail definitely requires some scrambling and relatively easy rock climbing to get to the "Big Falls"

Nice area for a pleasant walk on a warm spring day. Suitable for all ages but the rocks may sometimes be slippery. Hike to the end. Careless people often litter and throw plastic bottles and other trash in the streams. A very bad habit. Other than that, it is worth a visit.

Great summer hike! Shaded trail for the most part. plenty of swimming options all the way from the parking to the falls! It gets packed quick on the weekends so be sure to get there early. Don’t forget to grab your parking pass on the way there. There is a turn off point with some porter johns (bathroom) prior to the trailhead parking area. There you will find the kiosk to grab your passes. I suggest using the porter potties on any of the two stops before the actual trail head (much cleaner)

It was so beautiful! Even though it got very difficult and hard to traverse near where I came back, The whole trail was based off a creek, And the water wheel was very cool, but the water wheel was covered in graffiti.

This is not an easy hike at all.With children especially difficult alot of rocks to climb very slippery if you dont have right shoes.But it is absoluteley beautifule and serene.Just be prepared for a pretty difficult hike not long distance but terrain wise.

Pretty neat place. The only treasure I found was human made and took it down with me. There were other folks up there, but they didn't find anything. I think it's cleaned out.

Had a good time playing in the dirt. Big paved lot right off the highway. Found some goodies! Worth a visit if you're in the area.

The Paleo site monument is a very simple roadside stop with good access to a land site point where is shall see once existed. Today this land point is filled with sedimentary stone that contains many fossils. small bivalves, worms, and other mollusks. The easy access and ease of finding simple fossils is a good pleasure that children or adults may enjoy parking is easy and plentiful. It’s a fairly quiet place for a picnic or a nap.

It's a nice stop, right off the highway, great place for a break and stretch out your legs on a long trip. The site is informative on the fossils found there , and if you take your time and do a little digging in the grey material you can find some nice fossils, or come after a good rain and you can find some on the surface . Being this accessable means it gets picked over pretty good, but you can still find some if you put in a little work . Definitely worth the stop !

Fantastic easy hike with great history. Such a nice short hike for leisure and pictures, plus the fossils are so much fun to search for! Up the slope you'll see a ton in the layers of rocks, but there's also plenty to be found by the identification sign and right around the ground level. Some are really small so it takes a sharp eye to spot, but it's great fun for all ages!

I had a great time looking in the bluff/cliff of lighter color rocks for fossils. Then we followed a wash down and found other fossils and cool rocks. I don't if you could collect there so we left them and I am trying to collect fewer rocks. My friend said 4 stars bc they expected something more like the Trona Pinnacmes, otherwise 5 stars. It rained on and off. There was an old car hood washed down from a higher point.

This was a nice diversion from the highway and an opportunity to stretch our legs. Although I didn’t find any fossils, I had fun looking around and bashing the sandstone together. I really appreciate the work that the young Eagle Scout did to put together the informational sign here; nice work!