Trails > Destinations > Payson, AZ

Payson, Arizona mountain bike trails

Sponsored by Adventure Payson

A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail on a cliff ledge surrounded by green vegetation, with mountains and a blue sky in the background featuring scattered clouds.

If you’re looking for scenic and rugged yet approachable mountain bike trails without the crowds, Payson, Arizona, is one of the best-kept secrets in the western USA. With nearly a hundred miles of singletrack in the area — and more on the way — Payson is one mountain bike destination you don’t want to miss! Discover the best mountain bike trails and explore what Payson has to offer.

A mountain biker rides along a rocky trail surrounded by pine trees and rolling hills under a clear blue sky. The terrain features red rock formations and sparse vegetation, highlighting the natural beauty of the landscape.
Sponsored
After $1 million and years of work, this 63-mile Arizona trail might be the best point-to-point MTB ride in the Southwest
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Must ride: Highline Trail

The Highline Trail is a 63-mile backcountry singletrack route that features everything from stunning desert scenery to dark and lush forests crossings. The trail is broken up into roughly equal-length segments known as Gathering Waters, Geronimo’s Call, and Inner Sanctum.

Wooden trail sign indicating directions and distances on Highline Trail No. 31, with arrows pointing to Geronimo Trailhead (12 miles) and Pine Trailhead (22 miles), surrounded by a forested area. Highline Trail: Geronimo's Call mountain bike trail.
Trail NameDifficultyLength (mi)RatingCity
Arizona Trail: Whiterock Mesa (Arizona Trail) Expert difficulty 6 **** Pine
Bearfoot Trail (Pine-Strawberry Loop) Beginner difficulty 6 **** Strawberry
Granite Dells Advanced difficulty 8 **** Payson
Highline Trail: Gathering Waters (Highline Trail) Intermediate difficulty 22 **** Pine
Highline Trail: Geronimo's Call (Highline Trail) Intermediate difficulty 23 ***** Pine
Highline Trail: Inner Sanctum (Highline Trail) Beginner difficulty 22 **** Pine
Houston-Mesa Loop Easiest difficulty 11.0 ***** Payson
Military Sinkhole Trail #966 difficulty 2.0 Payson
Pine Canyon (Pine-Strawberry Loop) Intermediate difficulty 9 **** Pine
Pine-Strawberry Loop Intermediate difficulty 21 **** Strawberry
Two Ravens (Pine-Strawberry Loop) Beginner difficulty 2 *** Pine
Ubuntu Trail Intermediate difficulty 3 **** Payson
White Hills Route difficulty 10.0 Payson

Payson sits at the foot of the Colorado Plateau, giving riders a diverse range of ecosystems to explore. Dry desert landscapes with cacti and red rocks give way to deep ponderosa pine forests. Along the Highline Trail in particular, mountain bikers will find surprisingly lush landscapes fed by year-round springs and streams.

Where to Eat, Drink, and Explore

Planning a mountain bike trip to Payson, Arizona? While the trails are undoubtedly the highlight of any trip, there are several excellent restaurants and breweries in the area. Check out these local picks!

A brewery and pub named "THAT Brewery & Pub" is seen surrounded by tall pine trees. The establishment features a sign indicating it is open and serves locally made beers and food. A colorful mural of a vintage truck is displayed next to the entrance, and several vehicles are parked nearby. The scene captures a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

THAT Brewery & Pub — Located in Pine just down from the main AZT trailhead, THAT Brewery & Pub is a convenient post-ride stop.

Old County Inn — Located in Pine, the Old County Inn is known for wood-fired pizza. Old County Inn also operates a burger joint in town.

K Sushi Bar and Grill — This is the place for sushi and Japanese food in Payson.

Buffalo Bar & Grill — Grab pub-style food and enjoy the fully-stocked bar right in Payson.

Rim Country BBQ & Wood-Fired Pizza — Offering award-winning BBQ in downtown Payson, Rim Country also offers delicious wood-fired pizza.

Delicious! Cafe — Delicious! is a great option for breakfast, lunch, or just a snack in Payson.

A hiker ascending rocky terrain beneath a large natural rock arch, surrounded by towering cliffs and patches of greenery, with a shallow pool of water visible among the rocks. The scene captures the beauty of a canyon environment.

Bike services and hiking

Hermosa Tours offers a four-day supported, self-guided bike tour along the Highline Trail. Beginning in September 2026, they plan to offer logistical support for day trips in the area as well.

A mobile bike repair service is operated by Mac Vorce of Rim Country Bicycles.

Be sure to visit Tonto Natural Bridge State Park and explore the incredibly scenic gorge on foot.

Latest Payson MTB news and trail reports

A mountain biker rides along a rocky trail surrounded by pine trees and rolling hills under a clear blue sky. The terrain features red rock formations and sparse vegetation, highlighting the natural beauty of the landscape.
Sponsored
Pedal 63 Miles of the Finest Backcountry Singletrack on the Highline Trail in Payson, AZ
A person riding a mountain bike on a trail surrounded by rocky terrain and greenery, with a scenic view of hills and a blue sky with wispy clouds in the background.
Arizona
8 miles of social trails get legalized in Payson, AZ, plus 6 miles of new singletrack on the way
Sunrise over a mountainous landscape, with sun rays breaking through the trees and cascading across the rocky terrain. The scene captures lush green forests and layered hills in the distance, showcasing the beauty of nature at dawn.
Arizona
The rebuilt 60-mile Highline Trail could turn this rural Arizona town into a bikepacking destination

How to get to Payson, AZ

The closest major airport to Payson is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, with non-stop service to more than 500 destinations around the world. The airport is approximately 80 miles (1 hour, 20 minutes) away, and shuttle services are available.

For out-of-state travelers arriving by car, Payson is located about 90 miles south of Flagstaff and 90 miles east of Sedona.

Payson in photos

A mountain biker navigating a winding dirt trail in a forested area, surrounded by tall grass and greenery. The scene captures the rider in motion, leaning into a turn under a canopy of trees with sunlight filtering through the leaves.
A mountain biker navigates a narrow trail surrounded by lush green ferns and tall trees, leaning forward as they approach a rocky section of the path. The biker is wearing a helmet and has an enthusiastic expression, showcasing a moment of action and adventure in a forested setting.
A mountain biker performing a jump over a gap between large rocks under a clear blue sky. Granite Dells mountain bike trail.
A mountain biker performing a jump over a rock formation surrounded by greenery and trees on a sunny day. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, with a look of concentration as they navigate the trail. Dust kicks up from the bike's tires, highlighting the action in a natural outdoor setting. Granite Dells mountain bike trail.
Two mountain bikers navigate rocky terrain on a hillside, surrounded by a lush forest and distant homes. The clear blue sky above enhances the outdoor activity setting, showcasing the bikers as they maneuver along the path. Granite Dells mountain bike trail.
A weathered animal skull hanging from a barbed wire fence, with a background of rugged terrain and sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky. Highline Trail: Inner Sanctum mountain bike trail.
A mountain biker navigates a winding dirt trail surrounded by lush greenery and tall pine trees, with expansive mountain views in the background under a clear blue sky. Pine-Strawberry Loop mountain bike trail.
A mountain biker navigates rocky terrain near a large, charred tree, surrounded by greenery under a bright blue sky. Pine-Strawberry Loop mountain bike trail.
A mountain biker navigates rocky terrain under a clear blue sky, surrounded by trees and distant mountains in a rugged outdoor landscape. Highline Trail: Inner Sanctum mountain bike trail.
A mountain biker navigates a dirt trail through lush greenery and ferns in a forested area on a sunny day. The rider wears a helmet and protective gear, and the surrounding landscape features tall trees and gentle slopes. Highline Trail: Inner Sanctum mountain bike trail.
A mountain biker navigating a winding dirt trail through a lush forest, surrounded by trees and greenery. The rider is leaning into a turn, showcasing an action-packed moment in an outdoor setting. Highline Trail: Inner Sanctum mountain bike trail.
Close-up view of green, spiky plant leaves with fine, hair-like fibers, set against a darker background. The image captures the texture and details of the leaves, showcasing their sharp, elongated shapes and vibrant colors. Highline Trail: Inner Sanctum mountain bike trail.
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail through a lush green landscape, with rolling hills and blue skies in the background. The cyclist wears a helmet and is focused on maintaining balance as they ride uphill. Highline Trail: Inner Sanctum mountain bike trail.
A mountain biker navigating a rocky ledge surrounded by greenery, with a mountainous landscape and cloudy blue sky in the background. Highline Trail: Inner Sanctum mountain bike trail.
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail through a forested area, with trees and foliage surrounding the path. The biker is wearing a helmet and is mid-ride, with the front wheel lifted slightly off the ground. Highline Trail: Geronimo's Call mountain bike trail.
Close-up of a green fern leaf with intricate fronds against a dark, blurred background. Highline Trail: Geronimo's Call mountain bike trail.
A mountain biker navigating a narrow, winding trail through a sunny, red dirt landscape surrounded by greenery and rocky hills. The image captures the essence of outdoor adventure in a natural setting. Highline Trail: Geronimo's Call mountain bike trail.
A mountain biker navigating a narrow trail surrounded by lush green ferns and trees, wearing a helmet and sunglasses. The scene captures the essence of outdoor adventure and nature. Highline Trail: Geronimo's Call mountain bike trail.
A person carrying a mountain bike while crossing a shallow stream in a lush, green forest. Sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the vibrant foliage and reflecting off the water's surface. Highline Trail: Geronimo's Call mountain bike trail.
A brewery and pub named "THAT Brewery & Pub" is seen surrounded by tall pine trees. The establishment features a sign indicating it is open and serves locally made beers and food. A colorful mural of a vintage truck is displayed next to the entrance, and several vehicles are parked nearby. The scene captures a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.
Close-up of a flowering plant with clusters of small pink and white flowers surrounded by green leaves. The plant has a bushy appearance, and the flowers have a delicate, bell-like shape, adding to its natural beauty.
A mountain biker navigates a narrow dirt trail through a sunlit forest, surrounded by trees and rugged terrain. The biker is leaning into a turn, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the sport against the backdrop of lush greenery and shadows.