WELCOME TO RIM COUNTRY

Welcome to Arizona Rim Country, your outdoor adventure headquarters. Rim Country is comprised of the towns of Payson and Star Valley, as well as the communities of Pine, Strawberry and Christopher Creek, which lie along State Highways 87 and 260 in the shadow of the Mogollon Rim. Long known as the “Heart of Arizona,” Rim Country lies in the center of the state, with more trout streams, hiking trails, mountain bike tracks, historic sites, campgrounds and swimming holes than any place in the state. It also boasts cozy cabins, family-oriented hotels, cool summer temperatures, beautiful fall colors, lush spring streams and mild, winter snowscapes.

The town of Payson acts as the hub of activities in Rim Country, and has the title of “Festival Capital of Arizona.” The famous “World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo” heads a long list of events, including the “Mountain High Games,” “Beeline Cruise-In,” “Arizona State Fiddlers Championship,” and more.

The Rim Country lies just 90 minutes from Phoenix, Flagstaff and Prescott. In other words: “It’s a half a tank of gas from just about anywhere,” with easy highway access.

The elevation rises some 3,000 feet from the saguaro-graced shores of Roosevelt Lake, to the mingling of pinyons, junipers and pines in Payson and finally to the ponderosa pine forests atop the Rim. Much of central Arizona’s rain and snowmelt drains through Rim Country, providing a wealth of streams and lakes.

So welcome to Rim Country and our cool mountain forests and the hot seasonal activities. Enjoy our guide highlighting the activities and family-oriented events and attractions that geography and small-town hospitality has made possible — here in the Heart of Arizona.