Payson Getaway: Where City Folk Go to Remember Trees Exist

Escaping the Concrete Jungle (You Know, Phoenix)

So you've made the brilliant decision to move to Arizona. Welcome! You're probably loving the 117-degree summers, the aggressive drivers, and the fact that your electric bill now rivals your mortgage payment. But here's a little secret the real estate agents whisper only after you've signed the papers: sometimes you'll need to escape from your escape to the desert.

Enter Payson—just a short drive north, where the temperature drops, the trees multiply, and you can finally remember what "seasons" feel like. It's basically Arizona's way of apologizing for trying to melt you alive nine months of the year.

Kohl's Ranch Lodge: Where Luxury Meets "Please Don't Feed the Squirrels"

Don't get me wrong—I love technology as much as the next person who compulsively checks their phone every 47 seconds. But there's something oddly therapeutic about unplugging from it all and being at peace with God's greatest creations. You know, like trees. And rocks. And that one aggressive chipmunk that definitely wants your trail mix.

Let me introduce you to Kohl's Ranch Lodge, conveniently located at the sweet spot where Horton Creek kicks off Horton Spring. (Yes, we'll get to Horton Spring later, and yes, it's worth the hype.)

The main lodge features a welcoming fireplace—perfect for those of us who forgot what "cold" feels like after baking in the Valley all summer. You'll also find plenty of family-friendly entertainment: pool, jacuzzi, pickleball court (because of course), basketball court, a giant outdoor chess board for when you want to feel intellectually superior, and even a putting course for practicing your retirement skills early.

Need to work off some existential dread? Hit up the attached bar. Craving authentic outdoor cooking? There are public grills all over the lodge if want your steak to be your own creation. Feeling peckish? There’s an on-site restaurant, The Arizona Grey Country BBQ will sort you out.

The Rooms: Where Luxury Meets Rustic (In a Good Way)

Want the full Payson experience? Request one of the rooms from 201 to 208. These aren't your standard hotel boxes—we're talking bedroom suites with a living room AND a personal fireplace, complete with a patio overlooking the running creek. You'll need that daddy of all rooms because let's be honest, after hiking all day, you've earned it.

Horton Creek Trail: Nature's Way of Saying "You Should Exercise More"

Alright, here's where things get real. If you want to truly embrace the elements and test whether you've been skipping leg day (spoiler: you have), head to the 260 highway and look for the Horton Creek Trail. The Apple Maps pin will get you close enough—just aim straight for it and pray your sedan can handle the journey.

Pro tips for survival:

• Arrive by 9am for decent parking (or prepare for a walk of shame from half a mile away)
• Bring water. Like, ALL the water. At least two 20oz bottles because dehydration is not cute
• Pack snacks—you'll be hangry by mile one
• Wear shorts and short sleeves, but also bring shade coverage (Arizona logic: it's both hot AND you need a jacket)

The trail itself is deceptively chill for the first mile. You're thinking, "This is easy! I'm basically a professional hiker now!" Then reality kicks in. The last mile is essentially vertical, but your reward is witnessing a natural spring shooting from the ground like Earth's own water fountain. It's a legitimate cave situation—the kind of sight that makes you temporarily forget your burning quads and appreciate Mother Nature. Plus, it's much easier on your body than, you know, actual survival training.

What to Pack (Because Arizona Weather is Bipolar)

Despite it being early November during our trip, we hiked in shorts and t-shirts. I've lived in Arizona for 34 years and had never seen a wild bear here—until Payson proved me wrong. So maybe add bear spray to your list? Or just learn the survival dance? (I recommend the spray.)

After the Hike: Reward Time

You've earned calories. Venture beyond Kohl's Ranch for some quality dining because post-hike food just hits different. Your legs will hate you, your lungs might stage a protest, but your Instagram will look amazing.



The Bottom Line: Moving to Arizona means accepting that sometimes you need to flee Arizona to appreciate Arizona. Payson is your permission slip to touch grass, see trees that aren't saguaros, and remember what humidity feels like (sort of).

So pack up the car, grab your water bottles, and head northeast. Your melanin-deprived, temperature-shocked, newly-relocated self will thank you.

Welcome to Arizona. Now go hike about it.