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Go Birding
In Rim Country
Birding in Payson's Rim Country
The diverse ecosystems of the Rim Country provide the opportunity to view a surprising number of birds. Depending on your viewing pleasure, you can find a variety of species near high country lakes and streams or under the Rim closer to Payson. You only have to go as far as Payson’s Green Valley Park and the Payson Golf Course for bird watching in town.
Venture out to various vantage points along the East Verde River or down around Roosevelt Lake and see how many different birds you can spot.
One of the local clubs in town – the Payson Birders has helped identify a list of birding areas in the Rim Country. For more information please contact:
Grace Knowles
Phone: 928-474-4572
Email: dgknow@npgcable.com
Green Valley Park
Along Lake Drive to the ponds behind the golf course; American Gulch, behind West Main Street is still a good spot in places. Best viewing time is in the early morning or early evening when they come out to feed.
Doll Baby Ranch Road
This area runs along the south side of Green Valley Park and the Payson Golf Course. It is paved just a short way, then becomes dirt, but provides a place to glimpse more of the Rim Country’s feathered residents.
Flowing Springs
About four miles north of Payson, take the dirt road toward Flowing Springs and drive to the fenced Forest Service parking and camping area. This area is along the East Verde River.
Shoofly Ruins
Located off the Houston Mesa Road. There is a trail and many jeep roads in the area. Nice mix of grassland, juniper, and some chaparral. Generally, fairly level hiking. Wide open area, great for birding.
Washington Park
Washington Park is located north of the Control Road. Various species of woodpeckers can be seen in the parking area and at the end of the road. Winter Wren are often seen along the creek.
Woods Canyon Lake
Located off of Highway 260, 32 miles east of Payson. Turn left on Rim Road 300 and go northwest 3.4 miles to Woods Canyon Lake Road, 105. Turn right and go east to Rocky Point Picnic Area.
See Canyon Trailhead
See Canyon Trailhead is located east of Payson, off Highway 260. Take Forest Road 284 to the end. There are several trails along the creek, good riparian habitat, and mixed conifer forest.
Willow Springs Lake
This area offers another pleasant forest walk on a dirt and rock fisherman’s trail. Go east on Highway 260, approximately 34 miles, turn left and go one mile north on Willow Springs Lake Road, 149 to the parking area.
Deer Creek Trailhead
Located south of Payson on Hwy 87 are three beautiful trails in this area, however the No. 48 trail, has some of the best birding in the area, good riparian bordered by semi-desert grassland, and chaparral.
