Payson, Town center in Gila County, United States
The town of Payson sits at 5,000 feet elevation, encircled by the expansive Tonto National Forest and the Mogollon Rim mountains.
Originally named Green Valley in 1882, the settlement received its current name in 1884 after Illinois Representative Levi Joseph Payson secured funding for a post office.
The town maintains a strong rodeo tradition since 1884, with annual events including the Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo and August Doin's Rodeo taking place each year.
Residents and visitors access numerous outdoor activities through hundreds of miles of trails within the surrounding ponderosa pine forest, suitable for hiking and biking.
During Prohibition, the area produced a local spirit called Payson Dew, which gained popularity and reached consumers as far as Los Angeles.
Location: Gila County
Inception: 1973
Website: http://www.paysonaz.gov
Website: http://paysonaz.gov
GPS coordinates: 34.23944,-111.32750
Latest update: October 18, 2025 13:26
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