PAYSON • PINE • STRAWBERRY • STAR VALLEY • CHRISTOPHER CREEK
T
he first inhabitants of Arizona Rim Country were the Mogollons, a prehistoric peo-
ple that mysteriously disappeared. They were followed by the Tonto Apache Indi-
ans, and then by white soldiers, pioneers, prospectors, and ranchers.
In those early days, the small, dusty town of Payson was little more than a
collection of small establishments and saloons where settlers bought supplies, and
cowboys let off steam.
In 1878, a fort was built high on a hill just southeast of what is today Pioneer Cemetery,
taking advantage of the red sandstone rocks left from an ancient pueblo. It was called Fort
McDonald after a local resident instrumental in its construction.
Whenever danger was present, an alarm sent residents scurrying up the hill to “fort
up.” They often stayed in the fort several days, with single men sent out on scouting
missions to gauge the status of the threat. When the “all clear” was given, residents went
back home and resumed their lives.
The Town of Payson is the largest community in Arizona Rim Country. Up the
Beeline (Hwy 87) about 15 miles, the communities of Pine and Strawberry are tucked
right under the Rim in lushly wooded settings. Higher than Payson’s 5,000 foot altitude,
Pine stands at 5,500 feet and Strawberry at 5,800 feet. Like Payson, they are rapidly
growing vacation and retirement centers.
Pine was initially settled in 1879 by the Mormon Church. Because of its higher altitude,
it is not unusual in the springtime for vegetable gardens to be sprouting while the Rim is still
covered with deep snow. Pine boasts a growing community of artists who are attracted by
the brilliant diversity of Mother Nature.
The hamlet of Strawberry lies just three miles northwest of Pine. Visitors who take a brief
drive up Highway 87 to the top of the Rim and look back on Strawberry Valley are in for a
stunning view. One traveler compared the experience to “standing on the edge of the earth.”
“Downtown” Pine and Strawberry feature a charming collection of antique shops, old farm-
houses, restaurants, and specialty stores. Visitors can take a walking tour of historic buildings in
the two communities, including Arizona’s oldest standing schoolhouse.
The area is also a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. From the
Pine Trailhead, a wide variety of outstanding trails can be accessed, most offering spectacular
views of the Rim above and the mountain ranges below.
8
Rim Country Visitor’s Guide
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