The Mail Trail reflects the spirit and rural western culture of Camp Verde. With the establishment of the new post office, it was necessary to extend the mail service from Camp Verde 52 miles east to Payson. This service could also meet the needs of other postal drops such as Rutherford, Strawberry and Pine as well as delivery to ranches along the route.

The mail run was 104 miles round trip from Camp Verde to Payson and back. A rider was in the saddle anywhere from 11 to 18 hours at a time. How long a man was in the saddle depended on the amount of mail, whether or not the rider had to go on to Rye, or the weather? The rider would change horses twice in each direction.