Beyond hiking
and picnicking, the Rim area features a handful of additional attractions:
Rim Country
and Payson is known for the Mogollon Rim. The rim itself begins
just east of the New Mexico border and stretches two thirds of the
way across Arizona; the area we refer to as the Rim includes Payson
and its smaller neighbors, the communities of Pine, Strawberry and
Christopher Creek.
To
do the whole Mogollon Rim Loop, head east out of Payson on Highway
260 to Heber, then bear left at Highway 277 and follow it for
about seven miles to the junction of Highway 377. Continue on
to Holbrook and possibly Canyon de Chelly.
Tonto
Natural Bridge - (928) 476-4202 Hwy 87, just 10 miles
north of Payson.
Tucked
away in a tiny valley surrounded by a forest of pine trees,
Tonto Natural Bridge has been in the making for thousands
of years. It is believed to be the largest natural travertine
bridge in the world. The bridge stands 183 feet high over
a 400-foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest
point. There is no photograph that can do it justice.
Tonto
Fish Hatchery - (928) 478-4200 Forest Road 289, 21 miles
east of Payson Just below the Rim, the hatchery farms rainbow,
brook and Apache trout. Visitors learn about the life of a trout
and can peek into the incubator.
Shoofly
Indian Ruins Archaeological Site - Houston Mesa Trailhead,
one mile off AZ 87 This 4-acre site five miles north of Payson
features an interpretive trail and picnic area. The prehistoric
settlement once included a stone wall, courtyards and 80 rooms
but now is in ruins.
