Quick ride to Payson Az.

[Bruce_C]

I am headed to Payson Az. from So. Cal. next week to look it over as a possible retirement area. Anything I should know about the area, or things to be aware of?
Thanks in advance
Bruce C

[z_bassman]

Recognizing that it's none of my business, but what's in Payson? It just looks like a tiny town in the desert.

[Backmarker]

Sean, Payson is actually up in the pines. From PHX it's like riding up to Placerville. Just not as historic and in my opinion pretty and takes longer to get there. Maybe. Hwy 50 is getting busier and busier...

It's growing there and it may be spendier than you think. If you want a small town feel with the basics, then Payson has it. It also has a great little cafe with some of the best homemade pies. It has the typical chain fast food places, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, etc, but there is no mall, high end restaurants or hotels. Within just a few minutes you have fishing, mtn biking, hiking, hunting... and it's SEVERAL degrees cooler than PHX year round. Yes, that means some snow in the winter.

Payson is kind of the starting off point for summer rides. Once you get there then you can go in a few different directions. Expect a fair amount of traffic in the summer as everyone tries to escape the Valley heat. It's a nice little town. And if you want to buy the bowling alley, it's for sale...

[Bruce_C]

Originally Posted by z_bassman

Recognizing that it's none of my business, but what's in Payson? It just looks like a tiny town in the desert.

I think it's on the edge of the Tonto NF. It's about 5,000ft. elevation. I was looking for someplace else to live and it looked like a good dot on the map. Really, it's a good excuse for a couple day ride, only 600+ mi. from home.
Bruce C

[z_bassman]

Cool. I now know more than I did.

[Backmarker]

This has a couple of photos that are just outside of Payson. Give you some idea of the area.
http://www.pashnitforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=828

[G8ESCAP]

One of the finest twisty rides is a day trip from Payson. The old Route 666, the Devils Hwy. Now Hwy 191. 120 miles of fun just this side of the New Mexico line.

So take 2 wheel transport and check it out. Makes me want to move just thinking about it!

[Backmarker]

Originally Posted by Gixxerdale

One of the finest twisty rides is a day trip from Payson. The old Route 666, the Devils Hwy. Now Hwy 191. 120 miles of fun just this side of the New Mexico line.

So take 2 wheel transport and check it out. Makes me want to move just thinking about it!

We're doing that this weekend! I've never been but the man has. I think one other on the ride has but the other has not. Should be good. Going up 191, staying the night then coming back down the NM side.

[G8ESCAP]

You are in for a real treat. You'll be wanting to return on a regular basis! If you should see a red VFR and triuph playing there tell them I said Hi! A couple friends will be there one from NM and one from LA.

[Backmarker]

Originally Posted by Gixxerdale

You are in for a real treat. You'll be wanting to return on a regular basis! If you should see a red VFR and triuph playing there tell them I said Hi! A couple friends will be there one from NM and one from LA.

Oh man!! I had to take a second look because the other 2 guys confirmed are a red VFR and a Triumph! But they're from Mesa. Will definitely say howdy if we see them!!