Plan Your Payson Golf Trip in 60 Seconds

Mountain escape golf 90 minutes north of Phoenix

Payson sits at 5,000 feet under the Mogollon Rim, 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix in summer. Three excellent courses make it a legit golf destination, and the pine forests and mountain air feel like a different state. It is the anti-Scottsdale — small-town, laid-back, and built around the outdoors.

The best courses, bars, and rentals in Payson — curated for groups.

3 coursesSpring, Summer, FallPHX (90 min drive)10-50k population

Courses

Payson Golf Club

Solid

Public mountain course with ponderosa pines lining every fairway — gorgeous and affordable

$45-$85mountainPar 71 · 6,483 ydsWalkable

The Rim Golf Club

Premium

Tom Weiskopf design perched below the Mogollon Rim — dramatic elevation changes through pristine pine forest

$80-$150mountainPar 72 · 7,005 ydsHIDDEN GEM

Chaparral Pines Golf Club

Premium

Semi-private David Graham & Gary Panks design through thick pine and juniper forest — a hidden gem

$75-$140mountainPar 71 · 6,800 ydsHIDDEN GEM

Where to Stay

cabinSleeps 10-16

$350-$1200/night

Cabins in the pines east of town near Rim Club and Chaparral Pines

hot tubfire pitpine forest settinggame roomBBQ grill

lodgeSleeps 8-16

$200-$600/night

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino or local lodges along Highway 87

restaurant on-sitepoolfire pitmountain views

Dining

Fargo's Steakhouse

$$$

steakhouse

Payson's go-to steakhouse with a saloon vibe, big cuts, and a solid whiskey selection

Macky's Grill

casual

Local favorite with burgers, ribs, and a sports bar atmosphere — perfect post-round spot

La Sierra Mexican Restaurant

mexican

Family-run Mexican joint with massive portions and cold margaritas at small-town prices

Buffalo Bar & Grill

bbq

Smoked meats and cold beer in a no-frills mountain bar — exactly what you want after 36 holes

Nightlife

Buffalo Bar & Grill

Late Night

saloon

Classic Western bar with mounted game, pool tables, and a porch under the pines

Mazatzal Casino Bar

Late Night

casino bar

Small tribal casino with cheap drinks, slots, and poker — the late-night option in Payson

Olde Payson Pub

Late Night

dive

No-frills local pub with darts, pool, and the kind of regulars who buy you a round

Activities

Mogollon Rim Overlook Hike

hiking2-3 hours$0-$0/pp

Walk to the edge of the 2,000-foot Mogollon Rim for jaw-dropping views across the Tonto Basin

Tonto Creek Fishing

fishing3-4 hours$0-$40/pp

Stocked trout creek running through pine forest — bring a rod or hire a local guide

Mazatzal Casino

casino2-4 hours$0-$200/pp

Small Tonto Apache tribal casino with slots, poker, and table games

Horseback Riding at Kohl's Ranch

horseback2-3 hours$60-$120/pp

Trail rides through ponderosa pine forest below the Mogollon Rim

ATV Trails on the Rim

atv3-4 hours$75-$150/pp

Rent ATVs and rip through miles of forest trails in the Tonto National Forest

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