Things to Do

Outdoor Pastimes

Carroll Lodge is equipped with everything you and your family need to explore the great outdoors. A BBQ grill, deck seating for six with umbrella, deck seating for four, disc swing and hammocks.

When you’re ready to take a dip in the creek, Carroll Lodge is stocked with gear, including hard-soled water shoes in kids’ sizes and limited adult sizes. We’ve provided crawdad nets, a metal bucket and towels for creek use, along with kids’ fishing poles and power bait. A fishing license is required for ages 10 and above; get yours online at https://www.azgfd.com/license/.

Don’t forget your hiking shoes for the nearby trails or your mountain bikes to cruise around the forest roads. Pack a picnic to enjoy down at the creek (picnic bag and blanket provided) or simply relax on the deck with the sounds of the birds and water melting your stress away.

Activities Nearby

Kohl’s Ranch Stables, https://www.kohlsranchstables.com/ (0.3 miles away):

Call 602-316-3360 to book your trail ride. Closed in the winter and riders must be 6 years or older and less than 245 pounds.

The Paleo Site Monument, https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arizona/fossil-park-az/ (2.8 miles away): Before dinosaurs walked the earth, this site was covered by water and the sea life fossils you dig out from the prehistoric limestone are yours to keep! Admission is free.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, https://azstateparks.com/tonto, (29.1 miles away): Experience the largest natural travertine bridge in the world along with the historic Goodfellow Lodge, which dates back almost a century.

Interested in hiking to explore the breathtaking vistas of the Rim? Check out the Horton Creek, Derrick, Christopher Mountain/Box Canyon, See Canyon, Promontory Butte, Rocky Point, Meadow, Carr Lake, Rim Top and Horse Trap trailheads, all a short drive from Carroll Lodge.

There are two ways to hike to “Tonto Creek Falls” (identified on Google Maps) following these instructions: (1) - only if the forest is open - Follow Saddle Mountain Road road away from the cabin (opposite of how you drove in). Turn left right once you pass the original Kohl’s ranch property (the road to the right gets you to the stables) and cross the small bridge with a private road sign. You will be on the Old Trespass Road. Find a "gate" with the "Please close gate " sign on your right. Turn left immediately after getting in. The trail will go on parallel with the fence and the creek, and it is less than a mile of hiking to get to the falls. (If, instead, you will go straight after entering the gate, the trail will get you to the top of the mountain). The falls will be on your left, where you will see some kind of natural viewing point. From there it is possible to climb down, cross the creek, and explore the area. (2) If you choose to hike along the creek without crossing it, please remember the trail goes through the tall grass, rocks, etc. It'll slow you down, but eventually you will be there. Please take good care of this local jewel!

Wanting to wet a line or cool off in a refreshing mountain lake? Hop in the car for a short drive (free parking) to Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lakes.

Looking for more to do? Check out https://paysonrimcountry.com/things-to-do/