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Rim Lakes Vista
4.9 ★★★★★ 465 Google reviews · Running trail in Payson, Arizona · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Rim Lakes Vista's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Paved walkway stretching along the Mogollon Rim, taking in views of the Tonto National Forest.
What runners say about Rim Lakes Vista
“The rim is just a short half hour drive from beautiful historic Payson.”
Phenomenal views with refreshing breeze’s. My favorite place to walk on relatively smooth paved walkways with nonstop amazing views. Bathrooms are limited and primitive.
Beautiful scenery right on top of the rim with a breeze of fresh air! Nice spot to stop on the side of the road with paved parking
Absolutely gorgeous view that goes on for miles. So peaceful and serene. There is a walking path and lovely little visitors center, too. The rangers are friendly and helpful. Definitely worth a visit!
What a beautiful view this was! Unfortunately, it was 34° and 30 mph winds, so I couldn't hang out very long! A very nice walking path along the rim. I'm guessing probably 6 Mi long?
Trail conditions & character
“The rim is just a short half hour drive from beautiful historic Payson.”
“My favorite place to walk on relatively smooth paved walkways with nonstop amazing views.”
Plan your run at Rim Lakes Vista
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websiterim-lakes-vista.keeq.io
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Payson
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Horton Creek Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 367 reviews
Popular hiking path (also easy) with waterfalls, trees, creeks and pools of water.
Water Wheel Falls Hiking Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 883 reviews
Short riverside hike with some rock scrambling to reach a waterfall, popular for family day trips.
First Crossing Day Use Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 82 reviews
Hiking area with a picnic spot and a creek.
