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Payson Ranger District
The Payson Ranger District is located on all four side of the town of Payson, and continues north to the Mogollon Rim. It consists of approximately 450,000 acres (approximately 182,000 hectares) of Chaparral, Pinyon-Juniper, and Ponderosa Pine types of vegetation. The Verde River and several trout streams pass through this district. The Payson Ranger District is notable for its campgrounds, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities.
Contact Information:
Address: 1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, Arizona 85541
Phone: (928) 474-7900
Fax: (928) 474-7966
Activities
Campground Camping
Areas for Campground Camping at Payson Ranger District
- Christopher Creek Campground and Group Site
- Houston Mesa Campground and Equestrian Sites
- Lower Tonto Creek Campground
- Ponderosa Campground and Group Sites
- Sharp Creek Campground and Group Sites
- Upper Tonto Creek Campground
RV Camping
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Areas for RV Camping at Payson Ranger District
- Christopher Creek Campground and Group Site
- Houston Mesa Campground and Equestrian Sites
- Ponderosa Campground and Group Sites
- Sharp Creek Campground and Group Sites
Group Camping
Areas for Group Camping at Payson Ranger District
- Christopher Creek Campground and Group Site
- Houston Mesa Campground and Equestrian Sites
- Ponderosa Campground and Group Sites
- Sharp Creek Campground and Group Sites
Dispersed Camping
River and Stream Fishing
Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Payson Ranger District
Day Hiking
Areas for Day Hiking at Payson Ranger District
- Abbey's Way 151
- Abert Nature Trail 3
- Babe Haught Trail 143
- Barnhardt Trail 43
- Bear Flat Trail 178
- Bob Bear (formerly Fossil Springs) Trail-No. 18
- Brody Seep Trail 264
- Brush Trail 249
- Bull Spring Trail 34
- Colonel Devin Trail 290 and Railroad Tunnel Trail
- Deadman Mesa Trail 17
- Derrick Spur Trail 32
- Derrick Trail 33
- Drew Trail 291
- East Webber Trail 289
- Fisher Trail 230
- Half Moon Trail 288
- Hell's Gate Trail 37
- Highline Trail 31
- Horton Creek Trail 285
- Horton Spring Trail 292
- Mazatzal Divide Trail 23
- Mescal Ridge Trail 186
- Midnight Trail 272
- Myrtle Trail 30
- North Peak Trail 24
- Oak Trail 16
- Pine Canyon Trail 26
- Pocket Trail 38
- Promontory Trail 278
- Pump Station Trail 296
- Red Rock Trail 294
- Saddle Ridge Trail 14
- Sandy Saddle Trail 231
- See Canyon Trail 184 & See Spring Trail 185
- Sinkhole Trail 179
- Turkey Trail 217
- West Webber Trail 228
- White Hills Route
Horse Camping
Areas for Horse Camping at Payson Ranger District
Horse Riding
Areas for Horse Riding at Payson Ranger District
- Abbey's Way 151
- Babe Haught Trail 143
- Bear Flat Trail 178
- Bob Bear (formerly Fossil Springs) Trail-No. 18
- Derrick Spur Trail 32
- Derrick Trail 33
- East Webber Trail 289
- Fisher Trail 230
- Hell's Gate Trail 37
- Highline Trail 31
- Horton Creek Trail 285
- Mescal Ridge Trail 186
- Midnight Trail 272
- Myrtle Trail 30
- Pine Canyon Trail 26
- Pocket Trail 38
- Pump Station Trail 296
- Red Rock Trail 294
- Sinkhole Trail 179
Viewing Scenery
Interpretive Areas
Picnicking
Areas for Picnicking at Payson Ranger District
- Christopher Creek Campground and Group Site
- East Verde Picnic
- First, Second, Third Crossings and Water Wheel
- Flowing Spring
- Lower Tonto Creek Campground
- Ponderosa Campground and Group Sites
- Sharp Creek Campground and Group Sites
Group Picnicking
Alerts & Warnings
- 03-12-03-24-57 Whitlow Fire Emergency Closure Order Reduction
- 03-12-02-24-51 Oak Flat Ceremonial Closure
- 03-12-04-24-04 Colcord Campground Public Safety Closure
- 03-12-03-24-52 Forest Road 287 Area Closure
- 03-12-01-24-53 Jojoba Boat Launch Temporary Closure
- 03-12-03-24-50 Siphon Fire Trails Closure Order
- 03-12-03-24-47_Boulder Fishing Pier Temporary Closure
- 03-12-01-24-45 Wildcat Reduction Closure Order
- 03-12-00-24-43 West Fire Emergency Closure
- Equestrian Users Please Be Aware
- 03-12-06-24-27 Tonto Creek Crossing Road Closures
- 03-12-03-24-13 State Route 88 FishCreek Closure
- Federal Holiday: offices closed Monday, October 14.
- 03-12-00-23-36 Target Type Restrictions Order
- Amended - Apache Lake Closure - Lower Burnt Corral Campground remains closed
- Bald Eagle Seasonal Closures
- Occupancy and Use Restrictions
- Update on State Route 88 (Apache Trail) - August 18, 2021
- Redmond Fire Road Closure