PAYSON

Visiting Payson AZ means stepping into a place where the mountains meet the pines, the temperatures try to be cooler than Phoenix (and usually win), and every other street name sounds like it was ripped from a cowboy script. You can fish, hike, ride an ATV, and then complain about all the tourists doing the exact same thing. It’s called “The Heart of Arizona” because apparently Arizona needed one—and sure, it’s shaped more like a rugged boot, but we’re rolling with it.

Rim Road – Off Road and Camping

Forest Road 300 in Payson, AZ—also known as the Rim Road because apparently “long, bumpy drive with terrifying drop-offs” didn’t market well. This scenic route stretches along the edge of the Mogollon Rim, offering breathtaking views you can almost enjoy while clenching the steering wheel and praying your brakes hold. It’s a mix of dirt, gravel, and potholes big enough to qualify for their own zip codes, so high clearance is recommended… or at least a strong suspension and no emotional attachment to your alignment. The payoff? Sweeping vistas, scattered campsites, and a very real chance of losing cell service, your dignity, and possibly a hubcap. Though by the time you read this the main Rim Road will probably all be paved. Boo.

Forest Road 300 (Rim Road) Cheat Sheet:
• Length: 45 miles of “just a little further” vibes.
• Road Type: Mostly well-graded dirt… until it’s not.
• Elevation: 7,000 feet above sea level—where the air’s thin and so is your cell service.
• Attractions: Epic rim views, endless forest, occasional wildlife.
• Time: Budget 3–4 hours one-way because washboards, photo stops, and “where even are we?” breaks.
• Vehicle: High-clearance recommended, unless you enjoy testing AAA’s limits.
• Camping: Dispersed camping okay in the west; eastern side requires designated sites—because rules.
• Weather: Road can go from “no problem” to “snowpocalypse” real fast. Bring snacks, layers, and mild survival skills.

Blue Ridge Reservoir

A lake that’s more like a sneaky river hiding in a canyon. The water’s long, narrow, and wrapped in towering pines like nature’s own secret swimming pool. Sure, it’s a bit of a drive, and sure, the boat ramp is basically a paved cliff, but hey—that’s all part of the charm. Once you’re floating along those glassy waters, you’ll forget all about the hair-raising launch and the fact that there’s almost no shoreline to speak of.

Why go to Blue Ridge Reservoir?

• Canoe & Kayak Paradise: Paddle peacefully through winding canyon waters.
• Steep Boat Ramp: Test your trailer skills—or your patience.
• Tiny Shoreline: Not much room to sit, but plenty of room to float.
• Hidden Gem Vibes: Fewer people, more peace (and humblebrags).
• Cooler Temps: A shady, refreshing break from Payson’s heat.

Scout Cave

This is Payson’s answer to “What if we put a hole in the ground way out in the middle of nowhere?” It’s not exactly Carlsbad Caverns, but hey—you’ll feel like an explorer and a detective just finding the trailhead.

Key Facts:

• Hidden Trailhead: Head up NF-65 along the road to diamond point and park to the side when you come up to the cell phone towers. Trail goes down sharp to the right. Hike down and look for a clearing with a tree (34°17’51.6″N 111°11’52.2″W) there will be a barbed wire fence but it is actually a gate. Go past the gate 1/4 mile-ish and look for large flat rocks on the left. That is the opening of the cave.

• 4WD Required: high clearance 4×4 is required to drive all the way to the cave. 

• Flashlight Mandatory: Unless you enjoy mysterious thuds in total darkness.