Tonto Natural Bridge

Payson is surrounded by densely wooded hills at around 5,500 feet - half way in elevation between the Mogollon Rim a few miles north and the cactus deserts to the south. All the neighboring land is part of the Tonto National Forest, containing various trailheads and campgrounds, plus one developed attraction at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park (13 miles away), where a small creek has carved a 400 foot-long cavern through a travertine outcrop.

There are three main roads into Payson - Hwy 87 from Phoenix and the south, Hwy 260 from Heber and the east, and Hwy 87 from the north; the town is centered on the intersection, and most facilities are within walking distance, including the small selection of hotels and shops. Payson also has an airport, a medical center, a few RV sites, a country club/golf course, a rodeo ground and several city parks.


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