I visited family members in Payson which is up in the ponderosa pine forest area known as the “Mogollon Rim” for the canyon edge around it. Payson is a small town but a favorite vacation spot from the much hotter Valley area as well as a nice camping area. (2005)
A view of the Mogellan Rim and pines around Payson
Just north of Payson is the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, named for the formation you see here.
Also near Payson are the Shoofly Village Ruins, the remains of set of Native American dwellings from 1000 years ago
From the top of one of the overlooks above Payson, you can see that many people build nice homes among the pines in the mountain communities surrounding the town.