Higher Ground Lodge | Forest~King Beds~Billiards

This luxury cabin, Higher Ground Lodge, was designed by an architect as his personal mountain retreat — and it shows with its soaring ceilings and curated amenities for an elevated experience. Spacious bedrooms, spa-inspired bathrooms, and forest views from every corner makes it ideal for families or friends seeking a balance of comfort, style, and nature. Located at the edge of a national forest, yet just minutes from lakes and hiking trails, Higher Ground Lodge is your go-to escape. The space Looking for a luxury mountain escape on the Mogollon Rim? This custom-built 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath log cabin in Forest Lakes, just 40 minutes east of Payson, offers the perfect mix of upscale comfort and outdoor adventure. Backing directly to the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, this spacious retreat is ideal for families, or groups of friends seeking peace, privacy, and proximity to top attractions like hiking, fishing, biking, and nearby lakes. Built with passive solar principles, this home harnesses natural light and heat to keep things warm in the winter and cool in the summer—no extra energy needed. Wake up to sun-drenched mornings, enjoy cozy evenings without cranking the heat, and feel good knowing your stay is both comfortable and eco-friendly. Smart, sustainable, and seriously relaxing! ~ SPACIOUS GREAT ROOM WITH FOREST VIEWS ~ Unwind in the expansive great room featuring tall wood-beamed ceilings, large windows with forest views, high-speed Wi-Fi, and on-demand stone fireplace. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring the Rim. ~ FULLY STOCKED CHEF’S KITCHEN ~ Cook and dine in style in the modern kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and drip coffee maker. Whether you're preparing a full meal or packing a trail lunch, this kitchen is designed for convenience. ~ LOFT ENTERTAINMENT SPACE ~ Head upstairs to the open loft, a perfect hangout spot for the whole crew. Sink into the comfy sectional for movie nights on the 85 inch Smart TV, challenge your friends to a round of billiards, or simply unwind after a day of adventure. Just steps away, the open-air deck invites you to take in the fresh mountain breeze and treetop views—an ideal mix of indoor fun and outdoor relaxation. ~ PRIVATE MASTER SUITE ~ The main suite offers a king-size bed, forest views, on-demand fireplace and Smart TV with a spa-like ensuite with dual vanities, a soaking tub, walk-in rain shower, and a private toilet room—perfect for a restful night in your mountain vacation rental. ~ FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEDROOMS & BATHS ~ Three additional bedrooms provide options for kids or extra guests, each with its own Smart TV. The main guest bedroom boasts king-size comfort with amazing forest views along with a third bedroom with two queen beds. Upstairs you'll find the third guest bedroom with double full-size beds. From the walk-in marble showers to the two-person jacuzzi tub, this Arizona cabin rental is perfect for groups who value space and comfort. ~ OUTDOOR SPACES ~ Surrounded by tall pines and backing directly to the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, this cabin’s outdoor living area is made for mountain moments. Gather around the on-demand gas campfire for cozy evenings, fire up the propane BBQ for outdoor meals, and dine under the open sky at the outdoor dining table. Lounge chairs offer the perfect spot to unwind, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and watch for wildlife—from deer and wild horses to soaring hawks and forest birds, nature is always nearby. Book your stay at this majestic mountain retreat in Forest Lakes Estates, AZ—where Arizona's Rim Country meet rustic luxury. With direct forest access, upscale amenities, and space for the whole family, this custom log cabin promises an unforgettable escape into nature. Guest access We offer easy self check-in for your convenience, so you can arrive at your leisure. While we respect your privacy, we're always just a message or phone call away if you need anything or have any questions. Whether you need local tips or assistance during your stay, we're here to help ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience! Other things to note A separate rental agreement is required to finalize your booking. Just a friendly reminder that you're staying in a home, not a hotel, so we kindly ask you to treat the space with care. If anything comes up during your stay, we'll do our best to address it quickly, but please note there's no one on-site 24/7. We're just a message away if you need us! For a worry-free getaway, we also recommend travel insurance. Storms can bring sudden delays or road closures, and illness is one of the main reasons guests have to cancel their trips. Since reservations become non-refundable after a point, insurance helps keep you covered if things don’t go as planned. STR-25-0525