Our Payson and Pine Branch locations serve mountain communities northeast of the Phoenix metropolitan area.  The drive from Phoenix to Payson (approximately 90 miles) features climates supporting the Sonoran desert to chaparral to ponderosa pines.  These cities and communities are located in south of the Mogollon Rim, an escarpment defining  the southwest edge of the Colorado Plateau.  The Rim was named for Don Juan Ignacio Flores Mogollon who was a Spanish governor of New Mexico in the early 18^th century.The Mogollon Rim extends for 200 miles across Arizona to the New Mexico border.  It is characterized by sand stone and limestone cliffs creating magnificent vistas and deep canyons.   

Valley residents migrate to the Rim country for relief from summer heat and the hustle of Phoenix 's large metro-plex.  Many become passionate about the slower pace, seclusion, recreation and a decidedly rural atmosphere. The lure of the area though persuades many to become permanent year round residents.  The temperatures are 20 degrees cooler than the Valley of the Sun and the high mountain elevations (4,000 to 7,000 ft) are habitat to the tall Ponderosa Pine forests that populate its slopes. 

Hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, golf, horse back riding and cross country skiing nourish an economy based on tourism and retirement. There are seven Rim lakes and many abundant trout streams.

Hunters come seasonally for elk, deer, turkey, antelope, bear and mountain lion.  Tucked into a small green valley between Payson and Pine is the Tonto Natural Bridge , 183 ft high and over 400 feet long, believed to be the world's largest travertine bridge formed by thousands of years of geologic pressures, movement and erosion.  In addition there are miles of hiking trails suitable to the novice all the way to the experienced hardy hiker.

The Rim country has been the inspiration for its eclectic art community.  What better place to find your muse.  The western writer Zane Grey made his home in the Rim country not far from Payson near Christopher Creek .  His novel Riders of the Purple Sage was set in this area and inspired by its grandeur and memories of the olden days. Payson is dubbed the "Festival Capital of Arizona" with events such as The World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo in August and the Arizona 's State Old Time Fiddler's Convention in September.  Click here to learn more.