Rim Country Visitor's Guide

s

P
i
c
k
n
a
l
l
y
C
h
r
i
E
very summer after the Dude Fire of
1990, visitors to the Rim Country
have noticed the void left by the de-
struction of the Zane Grey Cabin. A cher-
ished landmark in the wilds of the Mogol-
lon Rim near Kohl’s Ranch, the Cabin was
a hunting lodge and writing retreat for the
famous western author who penned many
novels about the characters and history he
encountered in this part of the state. When
the original property was sold as a private
subdivision after the fire, many wondered
if a replicated Cabin would find a new
home in the Rim Country.
Not unlike the heroes of Grey’s novels,
a group of local western aﬁcionados banded
together for the posterity and beneﬁt of the community. They formed the Zane Grey Cabin Foundation (ZGCF), a
non-proﬁt organization whose mission was to raise funds to build a historic replica of the Cabin in Payson. If there
are any doubts about the determination of these folks, take a look at what has materialized in Green Valley Park.
And don’t hold back any whoops and hollers—the Zane Grey Cabin was completed in 2006.
Cabin construction began in August, 2004. Excavation, power supply, foundation and masonry
were the first proofs positive that this long-sought hope was moving out of the dream and into the
pristine setting of Green Valley Park.
Payson residents are confident that Zane Grey (1872-1939) would be proud of this location because
environment was a prominent feature in his novels. Against the backdrop of the western landscape, his
valiant cowboys, honorable ranchers, chaste women, noble horses, and unscrupulous outlaws caught
the imagination of his readers.
This “father of the western novel” penned 57 westerns, over 200 short stories,
ten non-ﬁction westerns and numerous hunting and ﬁshing articles and books. Up to
130 movies were made from his stories. At his peak, his books were outsold only by the
Bible and McGuffey’s Reader. Grey’s books have been published in over 20 languages
and have sold tens of millions of copies. “The Riders of the Purple Sage” is considered
the quintessential western classic of all time.
As a mountain town with a rich Western heritage, Payson is proud that its afﬁliation
with this American icon enhances the community’s historic and aesthetic ﬂavor. Exhibits
in the Cabin reﬂect this and focus on life as it was during the 1920s when Grey was
at home in his Cabin. Tourists will enjoy the setting in the verdant park and lin-
ger on the Cabin’s panoramic porch that overlooks the sparkling lake. School
children, adult learners and history buffs will discover the adventures of the
pioneers which inspired Grey to write “Under the Tonto Rim,” “To the Last
Man” and “Code of the West.” The Cabin is expected to attract institu-
tions and organizations such as historical and western societies, schools
and colleges, elderhostels and tour excursions. With this exciting endeavor
Payson has eagerly retrieved the Zane Grey Country mantle. 
18
Rim Country Visitor’s Guide
Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5 | Page 6 | Page 7 | Page 8 | Page 9 | Page 10 | Page 11 | Page 12 | Page 13 | Page 14 | Page 15 | Page 16 | Page 17 | Page 18 | Page 19 | Page 20 | Page 21 | Page 22 | Page 23 | Page 24 | Page 25 | Page 26 | Page 27 | Page 28 | Page 29 | Page 30 | Page 31 | Page 32 | Page 33 | Page 34 | Page 35 | Page 36