Yes, the area has hiking trails and sites that are good for picnics, camping , little general stores(when its open) and forest rangers patrolling in their pickups. The best time would be to go in season, when it is colorful and alive. If you want quiet and isolation November and onwards would be it. Note... Tonto Natural bridge is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The Lodge Lobby is consistent with its theme.. a ranch. Nothing outstanding. The staff was helpful, the workers and other employees always greet us (semi-retired husband and wife) and smile, also sort of stopping what they are doing just in case we need assistance. True, it was slow season, but it was a good impression and a welcoming one as well. The room was adequate, good bed and, yes, we got new pillows. Our studio had a small oven, microwave, fridge , toaster and coffee maker plus complete kitchen amenities. The bathroom was adequate and clean. Sheets and towels were clean. FYI, studio is equipped for just two people, period. Two plates, two cups, etc.. get the picture. Seems like every unit has a back door with a small porch.It has flower boxes, and could be quite picturesque during warmer weather. The outdoor pool is heated but we did not bring swimsuits to try it, some people did use it though. I would come back with the grandchildren and get one of the bigger two bedroom cabins that are detached during warmer weather. Would be for just a short 2/3 days though, as there is nothing else really interesting in that area.

We stayed there last year...after cutting our Christmas tree. The staff was unfriendly, unaccomodating, and rude. The restaurant is pretty good, but very over-priced. The front office staff is what really killed it for us. By all means, if you go...do not take children..we were not looking for childrens activities, but they are not allowed to laugh or giggle after 7:00 p.m.

I have been visiting Kohl's Ranch for the past 20 years with a recent visit about 3 days ago. This property is all about the location. Most people have never even heard of Payson AZ, let alone had the opportunity to visit. Payson is a world apart from the dry, hot region of southern Arizona...it's filled with crisp, clean mountain air, dense pine forests, and plenty of sites to see. Kohl's Ranch is in the perfect location, smack in the middle of the forest, but close enough to the cute town of Payson for some casual antiques shopping and small-town eateries.
The ranch itself could certainly use some TLC, but I can see where they have made some major improvements over the years, adding some new cabins (they're actually modules) and landscaping. The lodge itself (where we stayed) was just OK, and could use some updates. The furniture is older as well as the appliances. We slept well on the beds, but it's time for some new, softer pillows!
The restaurant has never really been great...it seems like they currently have one cook there, and the food is not bad, but don't expect a five-star restaurant! It's pretty basic for the location. I think if they could bring in a good cook/chef for the restaurant, that would increase their business tremendously.
Just behind the cabins at Kohls is Tonto Creek....a small but pretty creek that goes for quite a distance. It adds a nice ambiance to the already impressive landscape. Also, down the road maybe 10 minutes walking time from the lodge, are the horse stables where you can take a nice, quiet trail ride through the forest.
Overall I would go back to Kohls in a heartbeat...there is nothing quite like Payson and we actually did find a couple good restaurants in town (If you want a burger, try Buffalo Bar & Grill, if you want some good Italian, try Gerardo's Firewood Cafe). One item that was clearly missing was a bakery/cookie/cupcake shop...but at least they have a Dairy Queen!

My boyfriend and I stayed here this last weekend and we can't wait to go back as soon as possible! Our room was perfect and complete with a porch and 2 rocking chairs! There is a ton of stuff to do on the hotel grounds. Because it was Halloween weekend...they had free pumpkin painting! We also enjoyed playing tennis, bocce ball, hiking around the area, hot tubing, and even got to make smores! We loved that there was no reason to even leave the hotel! Everything we needed was right there! Including a restaurant and bar with live music! The weekend was perfection! The staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome! We just can't say enough good things about Kohl's Ranch Lodge! We will be back as soon as we can! =)