outdoors

Majestic Mountain Inn

by Phoenix Magazine

Exploring Rim Country is a snap from the confines of this Payson pensione. Payson’s premier luxury property exudes cozy cabin vibes at every turn, from pine ceilings and stone fireplaces to the hotel’s floor-to-ceiling A-frame windows. The amenities check the boxes for a flawless summer retreat – outdoor swimming pool,

Exploring Rim Country is a snap from the confines of this Payson pensione.

Payson’s premier luxury property exudes cozy cabin vibes at every turn, from pine ceilings and stone fireplaces to the hotel’s floor-to-ceiling A-frame windows. The amenities check the boxes for a flawless summer retreat – outdoor swimming pool, in-room hot tubs, pet-friendly – but it’s the property’s proximity to downtown Payson’s restaurants and grocery stores that make it ideally suited for pre- and post-adventuring needs. From $189/night, 602 Hwy. 260, Payson, 928-474-0185, majesticmountaininn.com

Swimming Hole Spotlight: Fossil Creek

Beneath a canopy of sycamore trees wedged in a deep-set canyon, the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River cascades turquoise waters over a travertine streambed, stilling its rush in tranquil pools. Fossil Creek, one of two Wild and Scenic Rivers in Arizona, is fed by an underground spring that pumps 20,000 gallons of water a minute – ensuring a cool 70-degree temperature year-round. fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/recreation/fossil-creek-wild-and-scenic-river

Fee: $6/vehicle day-use permit

If You Go: Located between Camp Verde and Payson. Take I-17 north to SR 260. Drive east for 10 miles to FR 708/Fossil Creek Road, then go south. Between mile markers 228 and 229, drive 14 miles on a dirt road to FR 502 to reach the parking lot.

High clearance vehicle recommended.

Photos Courtesy Majestic Mountain Inn, top; Adobe Stock Images, bottom

3 Rim Country Excursions

Cracker Jack Mine Trail

Off-roaders love this 12.6-mile trail for its scenic transitions from pines to desert scrub, thrilling river crossing and moderately difficult technical tracks. Free, alltrails.com

Diamond Point

Twenty miles northeast of town on FR 65, rockhounds hunt for Herkimer diamonds, ancient quartz crystals billions of years in the making. You’re guaranteed a treasure, as these sparkling gems seemingly burst from the earth. Free, fs.usda.gov/r03/tonto/natural-resources/geology/diamond-point

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

This family-friendly park shows off the world’s largest natural travertine bridge, looming 183 feet high over a 400-foot-long tunnel. Multiple viewpoints offer sightlines to the bridge, but visitors can also hike one of four trails, each no longer than a half-mile. $10/person, azstateparks.com/tonto

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