Arizona's Rim Country

An August 2004 trip to Payson by red_girl_42

Tonto Creek Photo - Kohls Ranch Lodge, Payson, Arizona

Quote: My 5-year-old son and I escaped the Phoenix heat with a road trip up to the Mogollon Rim. We stayed at Kohl's Ranch Lodge in Payson, and spent our weekend hiking, exploring, and visiting the little Rim towns of Pine and Strawberry.

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Kohls Ranch Lodge

Hotel | "Kohl's Ranch Lodge"

Quote:

Kohl's Ranch offers rooms and cabins in the woods alongside Tonto Creek. The lodge is about 17 miles east of downtown Payson along route 260. We stayed in the cheapest room, which was pretty typical for hotels. Check the internet for good room deals--our room normally went for $135 a night but we reserved online for $80 a night. Kohl's Ranch offers a heated pool, riding stables, volleyball courts, a playground, exercise facilities and (my favorite) a great big hammock by the creek. The main drawback is the restaurant. The food is average and overpriced, probably because there is no competition for almost 20 miles. However, rooms come equipped with a fridge, microwave, coffeemaker, dishes and sil...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 21, 2004

Kohls Ranch Lodge
EAST HIGHWAY 260
Payson, Arizona 85541
1-928-478-4211

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Mogollon Rim

Attraction

Quote:

The Mogollon Rim is a 2,000-foot-high escarpment that extends more than 300 miles across Arizona. There is excellent hiking and camping all along the Rim, which offers spectacular views from both the top and bottom. For a good view of the rim, take highway 87 north past Payson and through Pine and Strawberry. About 10 miles north of Strawberry you'll see signs for "Rim Road" or Forest Road 300. This is an unpaved road that runs along the rim for 35 miles or so until it intersects with highway 260. The ride is bumpy and slow, but I drove several miles of it in a rented Hyundai Elantra with no problems. An SUV would probably make a more comfortable trip. If you don't want to make the whole trip, just dr...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on August 21, 2004

Mogollon Rim

Payson 85541

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Tonto Natural Bridge

Attraction

Quote:

Tonto Natural Bridge is a spectacular stone formation located just north of Payson, Arizona. The entrance to the park is about 10 miles north of Payson along highway 87 (look for signs). After driving a very steep and winding road (but it's paved, at least) visitors can park and hike down to the bridge. There are two paths down--one is a steep and precarious stairway, the other is a path that is less steep but longer. The bridge itself is an amazing site with a stream passing underneath and waterfalls pouring from above. The park also features other hiking trails, picnic areas, and a gift shop.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 21, 2004

Tonto Natural Bridge
Off of Highway 87
Payson, Arizona