Hotel at a Glance: Cherry Creek Lodge

The rustic wilderness of Tonto National Forest sprawls out around Cherry Creek Lodge in every direction, from the shores of Lake Sharon to the riding trails that pass by ponderosa pines and prickly-pear cacti. You’ll get a feel for the western way of life during your stay, and not just because of the scenery. You can learn to lead a cattle drive and use a shotgun to perfect your aim with clay pigeons. Or, head out onto the property’s lake in a paddle boat or canoe and catch a few fish.

• Saddle up a horse to take a guided ride down the lodge trails, and learn the ropes of western riding (additional fees apply).
• Hop on an ATV or climb into a jeep for a 3-hour ATV/jeep tour (additional fees apply).
• Cattle drives: Get a glimpse of the cowboy lifestyle by heading to a half-day or full-day cattle drive or roundup.
• Rustic guest rooms are decorated with natural wood furnishings and southwestern accents.
• Go fish at the property’s onsite lake, which is stocked with largemouth bass, Georgian black crappie, and blue gill. Fishing is free if you bring your own equipment, or you can rent your gear from the property for $15 a day for each person.

Tonto National Forest in Arizona

Young, Arizona, is situated within Tonto National Forest, more than 2.5 million acres of wilderness dominated by pine trees and rocky desert outcroppings covered with saguaro cacti. As one of the biggest national forests in the United States, it supports a large population of critters ranging from rattlesnakes to bald eagles. To escape the heat in warmer months, hike or horseback ride to Salt River to go tubing or kayaking—and keep an eye out for wild horses on the riverbanks.

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