SHOOFLY VILLAGE

SHOOFLY VILLAGE
Tonto National Forest

Located on the northern edge of Houston Mesa, five miles north of Payson, Shoofly Village archeological site offers visitors a glimpse of an ancient Arizona culture. The 4-acre compound is comprised of 87 ruins occupied between 1000 and 1250 C.E. by people who farmed and hunted the surrounding high-desert grasslands. A network of paved trails winds among crumbling foundations, courtyards and a massive prehistoric “condominium” while abundant interpretive signs, picnic ramadas and restrooms make for a convenient and educational day trip.


LENGTH: 0.25-mile loop
RATING: easy, accessible
ELEVATION: 5,240-5,280 feet
BEST SEASONS: March - November
DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 105 miles one way
GETTING THERE: From Payson, go two miles north on State Highway 87 north to Houston Mesa Road, turn right and continue to Mesa del Caballo where there’s a sign for the ruins.

INFORMATION: Call (602) 225-5200 or visit paysonrimcountry.com/MountainRecreation/InterpretiveCenters/ShooflyIndianRuins/tabid/141/Default.aspx