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Payson, Arizona

Looking for the best hiking in Payson? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Payson. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Payson

  • Woods Canyon Lake, Arizona

    Kayak Woods Canyon Lake

    5.0
    Is there any better way to spend a Saturday, then paddling on a glassy, peaceful lake?  You can rent kayaks at the Woods Canyon Lake Marina, or bring your own (if you’re bringing your own kayak, make sure you bring a PFD too, as it’s Arizona law).  One of the best parts of this lake is that w...
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  • Payson, Arizona

    Hike on Rim Lakes Vista Trail #622

    3.5 mi
    This heavily trafficked, easy trail leads along the edge of the Mogollon Rim, with spectacular views.  There are lots of places for photos, but make sure to be very careful, as it’s more than a 200 ft drop! The first ½ mile of the trail is paved, making it easy for all ages to enjoy.  But again, ...
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  • Mayer, Arizona

    Verde Rim Loop Trail

    14.32 mi / 2631 ft gain
    Verde Rim Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Camp Verde, Arizona.
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  • Camp Verde, Arizona

    The Bull Pen

    5.0
    1.87 mi / 92 ft gain
    This trail starts at the end of Bullpen Rd and your adventure begins in beautiful thickets of trees and plants. The going is easy and the tempting sound of rushing water is on your right as you continue parallel to West Clear Creek. The trail will veer left up a rocky old service road but pay att...
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  • Camp Verde, Arizona

    McDonald Trail

    4.0
    0.83 mi / 351 ft gain
    McDonald Trail is an out-and-back trail that in Coconino National Forest located near Camp Verde, Arizona.
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  • Black Canyon City, Arizona

    Explore Pueblo La Plata

    0.25 mi
    Pueblo La Plata is the largest ancient Indian ruin in Agua Fria National Monument and dates back to before 1200 A.D. The ruin at one time had 80 to 90 rooms for living quarters. Now the sight seems like just a pile of rubble. However there is significant research continuing on the mesa of Agua Fr...
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  • Tonto Basin, Arizona

    Hike to Brown's Peak

    5.0
    6 mi / 1957 ft gain
    Starting at the trailhead you will begin hiking through oak trees and forest. At numerous times throughout the hike Roosevelt Lake can be seen to the northwest. Approximately 3 miles into your hike you will reach a small campsite in the saddle of the mountain. This is your turnaround point if you...
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  • Yavapai County, Arizona

    Bell Trail

    7.12 mi / 591 ft gain
    Bell Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Rimrock, Arizona.
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  • Yavapai County, Arizona

    Hike to Montezuma's Well

    5.0
    0.5 mi / 117 ft gain
    This trail takes you to the rim of Montezuma Well, a massive collapsed limestone sinkhole. The springs at the bottom of the sinkhole feed a large pond which supports a unique aquatic habitat in this dry landscape. Scientists are still baffled as to the origin headwaters of the water within this c...
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  • Young, Arizona

    Camping on Roosevelt Lake Overlook

    5.0
    Stumbled upon this phenomenal spot while dual-sporting through the Sierra Ancha range.Turning off 188 the Globe-Young Highway winds down into a valley and crosses the Salt River before passing some small homesteads and farms. It then climbs into the foothills of the Sierra Ancha mountain range. A...
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  • Camp Verde, Arizona

    Copper Canyon Loop Trail 504

    5.0
    3.75 mi / 384 ft gain
    Copper Canyon Loop Trail 504 is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Camp Verde, Arizona.
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  • Roosevelt, Arizona

    Visit Tonto National Monument

    3.7
    1.5 mi / 305 ft gain
    Explore two remarkably preserved American Indian cliff dwellings that date back to the 13th century. Set within a shelter bluff on the side of steep cliffs, the Upper and Lower Cliff Dwellings are well protected, and have great views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. If you get to the park early...
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  • Cave Creek, Arizona

    Elephant Mountain Fortress Hike

    5.0
    5.5 mi / 867 ft gain
    This hike beings at Spur Cross Ranch in Cave Creek, which is a lush riparian area flowing with Saguaros. Starting at the trailhead, you will start this loop by hiking clockwise on Tortuga trail which will connect with the Elephant Mountain trail at 1.5 miles. As you start to ascend the Elephant M...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Upper Ranch and Brown's Ranch Road Trail

    3.98 mi / 154 ft gain
    Upper Ranch and Brown's Ranch Road Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Scottsdale, Arizona.
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  • Black Canyon City, Arizona

    Badger Springs Wash Trail

    5.0
    1.48 mi / 98 ft gain
    Badger Springs Wash Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Cordes Junction, Arizona.
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  • Black Canyon City, Arizona

    Hike the Badger Spring Wash Trail

    3.5
    4 mi
    Badger Spring Wash is a dry stream bed most of the year. This trail starts from the Badger Spring Trailhead just off Route 17 north from Phoenix. The trail follows the stream bed, sometimes in or along side for 1.5 miles. At about one mile, you reach the spring and a good amount of water which is...
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