Hiking, OHV, & Horseback in Payson
Explore the Rim Country Trails with Dennis Riccio!
For hiking lovers, the Rim Country is the perfect place to live! You’ll find tall pine trees, beautiful creeks, and high-country views here. Plus, you can also enjoy driving your 4*4 down fun roads, or have a relaxing horseback ride whenever you like! Here’s what you can look forward to –
- Easy hikes and shaded walks
- Big Rim views
- Beginner-friendly OHV roads
- Amazing horseback rides
So, if you love the fresh air and fun, Rim Country is your best choice. And no one is better than Dennis Riccio, a local realtor in Payson, AZ, to help you find a home close to these trails.
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Off-Road Activities You’ll Enjoy in the Rim Country!
Rim Country has several off-road trails that can take you through forests, canyons, and Rim views. Several locals ride straight from their cabins and spend the entire day exploring backcountry spots. Dennis Riccio, a real estate agent in Payson, AZ, can help you buy a home that’s near these trails.
- Control Road (Forest Road 64)
If you’re new to off-roading, Control Road is a great place to start. This easy 30-mile dirt road runs along the base of the Rim, with big views, a few shallow creek crossings, and lots of spots to stop for photos. Most SUVs can handle it, making it a fun, low-stress adventure for families and anyone wanting a scenic drive. - Pyeatt Draw Trail
Pyeatt Draw is one of Payson’s most challenging 4×4 trails. You’ll climb a rocky wash filled with boulders, ledges, and a tough obstacle called “The Filter.” There’s even a small waterfall along the route. It’s short but slow, and only experienced, well-equipped drivers should run the full trail. If you’re newer, drive in, enjoy the scenery, and turn back when it gets rough. - Cracker Jack Mine Trail
Cracker Jack Mine Trail is between Payson and Pine and gives you a fun mix of scenery and challenge. You’ll climb nearly 2,000 feet, cross boulder fields and small creeks, and hit a few difficult rocky sections. It’s best for experienced drivers. But some tough spots have bypasses. The ridge views are incredible, especially if you go early when the trail is quiet.
Besides these, you can also cruise Rim Road (FR 300) for huge Rim views, visit Diamond Point for scenery, and quartz hunting.
Payson doesn’t have an OHV park, but you get access to tons of forest trails, ATV loops, and even snowmobiling in winter. And with the new Arizona Alpine Trail in the works, you may soon be able to ride a massive multi-day loop right from town.
hiking videos
Horseback Riding in Rim Country
Horton Creek and Horton Creek Trail
Oak Springs Trail
Railroad Tunnel Hike
Watch the Perfect Off-Roading Areas Here!
Find the Best Hiking Trails Near Payson With Dennis Riccio!
Dennis Riccio, one of the best Payson realtors, has insider knowledge about the Rim Country area. And so, he can give you the best tips on how to choose a home that’s near your favorite hiking trail! He’ll tell you in detail about these top hiking trails near Payson!
Horton Creek Trail
It is one of the most loved hiking trails in Rim Country. After you try it, you’ll see why! The 7-mile round-trip trail has a clear, cold creek through tall pines, small waterfalls, & shady forest. You’ll end at Horton Spring, where fresh water pours right out of the Rim. It’s great for beginners, perfect for dogs, and a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy real mountain scenery.
Water Wheel & Ellison Creek Hike
It is a quick adventure that gives you big rewards. You’ll only walk about half a mile from the parking area, and soon you’ll reach clear pools and a beautiful waterfall. If you want more fun, you can climb over rocks and follow the creek to find quieter pools upstream. You need to wear good water shoes, go early to avoid crowds, and enjoy lots of refreshing spots.
Highline Trail (Arizona Trail Passage)
The Highline Trail runs about 50 miles along the base of the Mogollon Rim, but you can enjoy it in small sections. You can start from Pine, Horton Creek, or See Canyon for an easy, peaceful walk with Rim views and tall pines around you. The trail is mostly easy, great for hiking or running, and you might even spot elk or deer along the way.
See Canyon Trail
See Canyon Trail is a great choice if you want a tougher hike. It’s about 7 miles round-trip to See Spring, or longer if you continue to the top of the Rim. The trail climbs steeply, giving you a real workout, but the views at the top are incredible. It’s quieter than other trails, so you may have peaceful stretches all to yourself.
Mogollon Rim Vista Trails
If you want amazing views without a long hike, you can drive up to the Mogollon Rim. From Hwy 260, turn onto Rim Road, and you’ll find short paths that take you right to the edge of the cliffs. You can stop at spots like Woods Canyon Lake Vista or walk a bit on the Military Sinkhole Trail. The views are incredible, especially during sunset.
Payson Area Loop Trails
If you want something close to town, Payson has great in-town trails. Boulders Loop is a 5-mile walk with cool rock formations and nice views of the town. Houston Mesa Loop offers easy paths through pinyon-juniper forest and is shared with bikers and riders. For a quick, relaxing stroll, you can walk the paved path around the lakes at Green Valley Park.
This is only a small sample as Rim Country has over 100 trails waiting for you. You can enjoy the quiet creek walks, waterfall hikes, and big summit climbs. And if you’re dreaming of living close to these beautiful trails, Dennis Riccio, a top realtor in Payson, AZ, can help you find the perfect home.
Know About Horseback Riding - Trails on Hoof!
Dennis Riccio will give you an idea about the horseback riding areas near Payson. As a native of Arizona, he knows the area better than most. So, if you want to buy a home in Payson, AZ, which is near a horseback riding area, he’ll show you the following places.
Guided Trail Rides at Kohl’s Ranch
You can enjoy a relaxed horseback ride at Kohl’s Ranch, minutes away from Payson. The guided rides follow pretty creekside trails and are great for beginners or families. You’ll ride well-trained horses and enjoy peaceful forest views the whole way.
Houston Mesa Horse Camp & Trails
If you have your own horse, Houston Mesa Horse Camp gives you corrals, water, and direct access to easy riding loops. You can enjoy 6 to 9 miles of quiet forest trails, perfect for half-day rides. It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and close to town.
Highline Trail & Other Equestrian Routes
You can ride many Rim Country trails on horseback, including sections of the Highline Trail. Some areas are rocky, so your horse may need shoes. For more adventure, try Rim Road or General Crook Trail, which offer long, scenic rides.
Riding in Pine & Strawberry
North of Payson, you can find quiet dirt roads and local riding paths perfect for easy horseback outings. Many riders follow Milk Ranch Point Road to the Rim. In Pine, you’ll even see people riding straight from their homes into the forest.
Find Your Perfect Lot With Dennis!
Helpful Tips for Outdoor Activities From Dennis Riccio!
Here is some useful advice from one of the best Payson realtors, Dennis Riccio!
- Hiking
You must bring a lot of water, start early in summer, and watch for sudden storms. You need to keep your dog leashed on busy trails. As cell service can drop, you need to let someone know where you’re going. Also, you need to stay alert for wildlife while you enjoy the views. - Off-Road
You need to check road conditions before you start. Also, you can make sure your vehicle has enough clearance for rough spots, and carry a spare tire and basic tools. You can download offline maps, stay on marked trails, & get the required OHV decal if you need one. - Horseback Riding
Hikers and bikers may not always know how to act around horses, so you need to speak up kindly when you need space. You need to ride early when it’s hot, stay alert for wildlife that might startle your horse, and bring a lot of water for both you and your horse.
How Can Dennis Riccio Help You Explore Rim Country Better?
When you work with a local Payson realtor like Dennis Riccio, your home search process will be easy and enjoyable. Here’s how Dennis can help you.
Local Trail & Area Knowledge
You’ll get clear advice on which neighborhoods are closest to trails and horseback riding spots that you’ll want to visit often.
Homes That Fit Your Lifestyle
Dennis helps you find homes with the space, access, and location you need for an easy, adventure-filled life in Rim Country.
Real Local Insights
He will share the insider details, tips, and local rules you won’t easily find online, making your moving process much easier.
Help for Second-Home Buyers & Investors
You’ll get guidance on the best areas, rental potential, and good choices for vacations or investment properties.
AFFILIATION & TRUST PARTNERS
Find a Home Near Your Favorite Trail with Dennis Riccio
If hiking, riding, and off-roading are the activities that you like, the Rim Country is your perfect place to buy a home. One of the best Payson realtors, Dennis Riccio, will help you find a home that is near the hiking spots so that you can enjoy outdoor activities every day.
He’ll give you market snapshots of the area where you want to buy your home so that you can make a confident decision. He’ll be by your side from the start till the end.
So, you can call the local realtor in Payson, Dennis Riccio, now to know more!
TESTIMONIALS
POPULAR TOWNS IN AZ TO CALL HOME
- Alpine Heights
- Alpine Ridge
- Alpine Village
- Alva Drive Area
- Bear Flat
- Beaver Valley
- Bentley Subdivision
- Blue Ridge Area
- Bonita Creek
- Bonita Pines Condos
- Boulder Creek
- Brook Chris Crk
- Brookview Terrace 1
- Brookview Terrace 2
- Blue Ridge Est
- Bonita Mobile Court
- Buena Vista Terrace
- Canyon Shadows
- Bison Cove
- Canyon River Ranch
- Berry Hill
FAQ’S
Yes! Rim Country has trails for all experience levels. You can choose easy options like Water Wheel, Green Valley Park, and sections of the Highline Trail, which are perfect for beginners.
You can also opt for more challenging hikes, like See Canyon or Barnhardt, which are great when you’re ready to level up. Dennis Riccio, one of the top realtors in Payson, AZ, can help you find a home close to the types of trails you prefer!
Yes! Rim Country is one of Arizona’s best off-road destinations. So, you’ll find easy drives like Control Road and more challenging trails like Pyeatt Draw and Cracker Jack. There are also ATV loops and winter snowmobile routes. Dennis Riccio, the best Rim Country realtor, can point you toward neighborhoods with easy trail access if off-roading is part of your lifestyle.
Yes, most Rim Country trails are dog-friendly. But you need to keep your dog leashed in busy areas, bring water for them, and pack out their waste. Some creek areas may have heavy foot traffic on weekends, so early morning hikes are best. One of the top real estate agents in Payson, AZ, Dennis can help you find dog-friendly neighborhoods with easy trail access.