CHRISTOPHER CREEK, AZ at 5900 feet elevation, just 22 miles east of Payson, is nestled on the banks of spring-fed Christopher Creek, below the majestic Mogollon Rim. This towering escarpment of red rock heaves gloriously with its zig zag cliffs and ledges for 200 miles. The Christopher Creek area was made famous by Zane Grey who wrote about this mystical wild Tonto Country. Located among the world's largest stand of Ponderosa pines, the pure air smells of sweet pine. Within minutes of Christopher Creek, avid anglers can be knee deep in beautiful creeks and streams below a canopy of pines, or fishing on one of the 7 lakes on top of the Mogollon Rim.
Wildlife of all kinds inhabit this rugged area. Elk, deer, turkey, squirrels and rabbits can be seen roaming the countryside. Hikers, mountain bike riders, and equestrians can enjoy over 51 miles of recreation along the Highline Trail under the Mogollon Rim, with additional trails ascending to the top of the Rim. From Christopher Creek, the adventurers can explore caves, fossil beds, streams, lakes, and become part of the wild woodland, and experience the miles and miles of rolling greenery. The solitude and peace will grip your heart and you will feel thousands of miles from home. There is no playground like the forest.
There are four campgrounds near Christopher Creek. The upper and lower Tonto Campgrounds are on Tonto Creek with 26 camp sites, and are open year-round. Christopher Creek Campground is on Christopher Creek, with 43 camp sites and a group site for 25 people, open May 1 - October 31. Ponderosa Campground is open year-round with 61 camp sites, and 2 group sites open May 1 - October 31, for 50 people each.
LodgingChristopher Creek has plenty of cabins and motels, from cabins right on the Creek to more remote cabins, some even with hot tubs. At 5900'-6300' in elevation, days are pleasant and nights are cool. Creekside Mountain Cabins: 6 cozy cabins. 928-478-4389 Christopher Creek Lodge: Rooms and Cabins on Christopher Creek Elk Haven Cabins: Five nearly new kitchenette cabins with one Queen or King bed. Grey Hackle Lodge: 11 Cabins in Christopher Creek that accommodate one to eight people. Kohl’s Ranch Lodge: Historic Kohl's Ranch Lodge is located on the banks of Tonto Creek in the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the world, the area made famous by Zane Grey in many of his western novels. Mountain Meadows Cabins: 6 quiet and comfortable cabins. The Village at Christopher Creek: All guest cabins feature front and back decks providing privacy, beautiful views of the woods and overlook Christopher Creek. Wooden Nickel Cabins: All wood cabins back to the Tonto National Forest. Rustic Rim Hideaway Cabins: 3 Forest Lakes area cabins provide relaxing accommodation, fireplaces, fully furnished kitchens, queen beds and a comfortable retreat. Toll-free 1-888-801-9030
Private Cabins for Rent in the Christopher Creek Area:
Apple Lane Cabin: This charming creek side cabin is decorated in the English country style and sleeps up to 5 people. Tonto Creek Hideaway on Tonto Creek: A fully equipped country comfortable suite provides ample room for up to 6 persons. Private amenities include our one bedroom with one bath suite, Living Room, Dining Room and full kitchen. Timberwolf Pines: Located off of Colcord Road. Amenities include Queen size bed, full size kitchen, sitting room, and picnic area. Kohl's Ranch Cabin near Tonto Creek: 3 bedroom/sleeps 6, 2 full baths. Ginger or Peter (781) 913-9434 or email, pbeesley@earthlink.net Kohl's Ranch Cabin on Tonto Creek: Richard Duncan phone: 800-528-4283 Cozy Creekside Cabin: 3-bedroom, 2-bath cabin on Christopher Creek offers you all the modern convenience of home and accommodates 1-6 people comfortably. Tonto Creek Cabin on Tonto Creek: 3 Bedroom, 2 bath, two story cabin sleeps 10 comfortably. Fully Stocked Kitchen, Laundry, Bar-B-Que Grill,VCR, Pool Table, Ping Pong, Basketball Hoop & Horseshoes.Call Steve or Tanya thompson to Reserve Hm: 520-749-0427; pg: 520-531-0046; pg: 520-798-9458. Rent an Arizona Dream in Mead Ranch: Fully equiped cabin sleeps 6 to 8. Wood burning stone fireplace, outdoor firepit and stone patio. Cabin for Rent: 3 Bedroom,1 Bath and fully equipped Kitchen available year round in Colcord Estates. 480-396-9462 RestaurantsDouble D Steakhouse & Saloon, Tonto Village Creekside Steakhouse & Saloon, Christopher Creek Landmark Café & Tavern, Christopher Creek Kohl's Ranch Lodge |