East Verde Picnic Area - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Shoofly Indian Ruins were believed to have been occupied between A.D. 1000-1250. At an elevation of 5,240 feet, Shoofly Village once had a total of 79 structures of which the rock outlines, once the base of the walls, are still visible.At the center of this site is where a larger structure once existed, believed to have been a building with 26 rooms averaging 37.4 square meters each. In clusters around the core area were 39 smaller structures and 14 more were scattered about the general area

Green Valley Lake is a reservoir connected to two smaller lakes in Green Valley Park. These lakes were constructed from 1993 to 1996 for ground water recharge.Green Valley Lake attracts visitors seeking clean air, blue skies, crystal-clear water, and the serenity and calm beauty of a quiet forested community.

The Rim Country Museum and Zane Grey Cabin are located in Green Valley Park in Payson Arizona, beneath the beautiful Mogollon Rim.The Zane Grey Cabin is a replica of the cabin that Zane Grey built in 1921 near the top of the Rim. The original cabin was destroyed in the 1990 Dude Fire.The Rim Country Museum is a 2-story museum that covers the history of the area from the Ancient Peoples, Apaches, rodeo, ranching, mining, and much more.

Green Valley Park is a beautiful 45-acre recreation area that is used year-round for all kinds of activities and events, including walking, fishing, boating, picnicking, skating, and general recreation and relaxation. The park has a large grassy area & an amphitheater that is utilized for events such as summer concerts and holiday events. It also has picnic ramadas, outdoor cooking facilities, and a playground. The park features a memorial to Arizona Veterans.

Tonto Natural Bridge is widely believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world.Located between Payson and Pine, the bridge arches 183 feet above the sparkling Pine Creek and is surrounded by pine trees. Upstream, flowing springs and fern-draped grottos line the narrow canyon. It stands over a 400-foot-long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point and reaches a height of 183 feet.

The Cypress Trail has a moderate climb of 1000 feet before dropping down to beautiful Lake Eiler and the lower lakes. This large trailhead offers the best equestrian access for the Thousand Lakes Wilderness. Plenty of parking and turn around room for vehicles and trailers. This trail is great for hiking, walking, and other nature trips, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.