Payson: Rodeo, lakes and trails

Payson brings together rodeo, parks and trails amid the scenery of the Mogollon Rim. If you’re looking for a hotel in Payson, the reason for your visit may shape your plans: for the rodeo, the dates change each August, while for excursions, trail conditions matter. You can also plan a visit to the Rim Country Museum; its tours are self-guided.

Rodeo and event dates

The “World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo” takes place every August at the Payson Event Center. Dates vary from year to year. If the rodeo determines when you travel, check the event dates in advance. The first Payson Rodeo took place on the third weekend of August 1884 at Mid-Town Pasture. This historical date and today’s annual August event are two different points of reference: one marks the first venue, while the other helps you plan a visit.

Parks and cycling trails

Green Valley Park covers 43 acres and includes three lakes, a children’s playground, picnic pavilions, an amphitheater and open spaces. The park’s facilities offer different reasons to visit, from spending time outdoors to having a picnic. Information about park amenities may change over time; if a particular amenity is important to you, check the latest information.

The community-built Ubuntu Trail is a three-mile mountain biking trail in Payson, designed for all skill levels. It opened in April 2026. Check the current trail status before your trip. Another cycling option is the Trek Trails Longhorn Bike Park on the grounds of Rim Country Middle School. It’s for people of all ages and skill levels. Information about public access may change during school activities; take this into account when planning.

Trails along the Mogollon Rim

The Col Devin Trail is mostly singletrack and connects Washington Park to FR300 at the top of the Mogollon Rim. The historic Railroad Tunnel Trail can only be reached via the Col Devin Trail. Check trail conditions and Forest Service restrictions before heading out.

The 50-mile Highline National Recreation Trail runs through the Payson Ranger District. The section from the Washington Park Trailhead to the Pine Trailhead is also designated as part of the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

Scenery and bodies of water

Payson borders the Mogollon Rim, with forested trails, snow-fed streams and waterfalls. Further afield is Woods Canyon Lake: it sits at an elevation of about 7,500 feet, covers 55 acres of water and is surrounded by a shoreline path.

Museum and Zane Grey history

Tours at the Rim Country Museum are self-guided. Check this tour format before your visit. The history of the Zane Grey Cabin involves two distinct dates: Zane Grey had the original cabin built as his hunting lodge beneath the Mogollon Rim by 1921; the replica cabin was dedicated in 2005.

For your trip planning, you can consider these highlights separately: for the rodeo, the specific August dates matter; for an excursion, it’s the trail conditions; and for the museum, it’s the self-guided format.

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