Imagine visiting a place where alpine air is fresh, clean, and untainted by urban pollution. With the day waning and a long hike at an end, you find yourself standing high up on a rocky ledge. From this elevated perch and set against the backdrop of a brilliant sunset lies a truly vast evergreen valley rolling out below you as far as the eye can see. Daylight fades, and the night sky begins to dazzle and twinkle overhead. For some reason, the stars seem closer—as if you could reach up and touch them. In the darkness, whispering sounds of towering pines jostle and sway above you, while distant cries of coyotes waft up from below. An elk bugles a good distance away…deer rustle through the brush nearby. And amidst this moment of peaceful grandeur, you realize how very small you are–no bigger than a tiny speck of dust in such a magnificent setting. For just a moment, it all takes your breath away. Could this be paradise? No…This is the heart of Arizona.
The lofty 8000-foot elevation described above is part of a unique geological feature known as the Mogollon Rim (pronounced mow-gee-on), one of the longest escarpments on Earth. It stretches about 200 miles across northeastern Arizona, from Flagstaff to the New Mexico border, presiding over abundant wildlife and a scenic landscape that includes astonishing beauty and a handful of hospitable towns offering comfortable lodging and great dining opportunities during your visit.
Begin your high-country adventure in Payson, Arizona, the “Gateway to Rim Country.” At 5,000 feet and tucked into the base of the rim, take the beautiful 90-minute drive up from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport via State Route 87 (the Beeline Highway). With Payson as your base, you can easily reach scenic pine-forest drives, mountain lakes, and standout hiking trails, including the rugged route beneath the world’s largest natural travertine bridge at nearby Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. For dining, locals recommend Duza’s Kitchen—703 W Main St. This out-of-the-way spot has excellent food, ambiance, and eclectic decor. Another nearby favorite is Old Country Inn—3502 AZ-87, Pine, Arizona—known for wood-fired pizza, live patio music, and views of wild elk.
For those who aren’t the hiking type, here’s an interesting Payson connection: western author Zane Grey lived, wrote, and set many of his novels in the area. Fans of his work—and anyone interested in Western history—can explore the region’s past at the Rim Country Museum and Zane Grey Cabin, located at 700 S. Green Valley Parkway in Payson, AZ. To add to its Western heritage, Payson is also known as the home of the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo, held annually every August.
There are many wonderful places to visit on this green earth, and Arizona’s Rim Country is truly one of them. For your next getaway, consider enjoying the intoxicating views, wildlife, and fresh air of paradise in the American southwest. Prepare to be amazed!
Editorial by Kim Amboy; November 2026