Worldmark at Bison Ranch is an RCI Gold Crown Resort in the very small town of Overgaard, AZ, about 140 miles northeast of Phoenix. The resort itself is attractive and comfortable, with well-appointed one- and two-bedroom units in a multiple-building complex designed to look like an old Western town. There is a reception and activities center on one end of the complex, with a small sundries store with video and DVD rentals, pool, ping-pong, and air hockey tables (all for a small price), a few pinball/video games, an outdoor patio, a small sitting room with TV, and free coffee at all times.
Several of the buildings, specifically those facing Highway 260, have timeshare units over retail space. There are a few stores in these retail spaces, a restaurant, a coffee and snack shop called Twinnies (which also sells an obscure "Marilyn" merlot, which I was not able to taste, but at $38 a bottle, better be pretty good), a Buffalo Museum, a couple of gift shops, and an arcade. Other than Twinnies and the restaurant, these venues were generally closed when we were at the resort (the museum, which we were told was actually quite interesting, was ONLY open for a few short hours on the weekends). It appeared that a few new businesses would be opening soon in the space, including the Overgaard Animal Clinic. There are also dozens of single-unit "cabins" on an adjacent property, along with a half-constructed building resembling the main buildings in which we were staying. I discovered that the entire property was actually owned by Bison Ranch/Mirage Homes, and that this Worldmark Trendwest resort – essentially the units and recreation/reception area - is actually a member of the homeowner’s association within the ranch (hence the Worldmark "at" Bison Ranch moniker). No issue, except that the management of the resort had no direct association with any of the retail businesses. And yes, there is a herd of bison on the property.
Although the entire property was in excellent condition, it – in fact both towns of Overgaard and neighboring Heber – is very remote (as my 15-year-old daughter says with a bit of exasperation, "It’s 3 hours from ANYTHING!"). This was not a real problem for us, but it would be frustrating for anyone looking for bustling activity and particularly any kind of nightlife. The two closest areas of any significant size are Payson, about 40 miles west (this is the town where you’ll switch from Rte. 87 to 260, driving to the resort from Phoenix – stop at the Safeway here for groceries on your way), and Show Low and Pinetop/Lakeside about 30 miles east. All are right on Rte. 260, so you won’t miss them. There are Wal-Mart superstores and Safeways in either direction, some good restaurants (Charlie Clark’s, El Rancho, Annie’s Sandwich Shop & Tea Room) and a Family Fun Park (go-carts, mini-golf) in Pinetop, as well as a small cinema and a few antiques stores.