Entire cabin·Private host

Elk Surprise Hillside Hideaway

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Elk Surprise Hillside Hideaway

A wooden deck with a view of a mountainous landscape.
A stone patio with a rustic design, surrounded by rocks and a small water feature.
A cozy living room with a fireplace, leather sofas, a ceiling fan, and wooden walls.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a black refrigerator, a stone island, and two bar stools.
A log cabin with a stone pathway leading to the entrance, surrounded by natural landscaping and trees.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire cabin

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5115 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View in a map
Payson, AZ
  • Place, Pine-Strawberry Museum
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Place, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Place, Mazatzal Casino
    ‪40 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Elk Surprise Hillside Hideaway

The Elk Surprise Hillside Hideaway provides a great gathering location for relaxing in the cool mountains. Whether just enjoying the quiet rustling of the pine and juniper trees, gazing at the spectacular views from the 850+ sq.ft. multilevel deck, or exploring the incredible areas that nature has provided in the area, this very private rustic cabin will leave you breathless. Built in the Tonto National forest, this magnificent remote cabin in the Mogollon Rim country provides a completely furnished log cabin with many of the amenities expected with a high-end home, yet is designed casually to accommodate families and friends. Close to great hiking and OHV trails. The house is located on a dirt road and there is parking for at least 2 cars.

The kitchen includes cherry cabinetry, granite counter tops, large kitchen island, and all of the kitchenware needed to prepare the perfect meal. The master bedroom is outfitted with a Top-Rated King memory foam mattress, ceiling fan and direct access to the bathroom that includes a walk-in travertine shower. The second bedroom provides very comfortable Queen and Full beds along with a ceiling fan. The BEST room of the house is the Front deck. Take in the views from either an outdoor dining table, the comfortable seating area under the deck roof, or relaxing in chairs on the upper deck around the propane firepit.


Please Note!! Due to the remote location of this property, there is a few things to be aware of when booking your stay.
1. Water in this area is limited and there is no city water access. Local wells provide the water supply and there is a rain water catchment system. Water conservation is VERY important when staying at a remote cabin like this. There is plenty of water, just not enough to waste.
2. Abundant wildlife is also present as in all forests. Don't be surprised to find Elk or other critters living in the forest with you.
3. In this fast paced life we live in now, sometimes it's nice to just unplug and unwind without the distractions of the everyday life. If you must stay connected, there is wireless internet connectivity that can be provided for an additional fee.
4. There are exterior cameras on property. These are to protect our guests, the property owners, and who are we kidding... we like to watch the wildlife from time to time ourselves when we are not there.
5. There MAY be a FIRE BAN in place when you are interested in coming. No open wood burning flame is allowed at the cabin any time. Please check the Tonto Forest web site for alert ban status: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices

We're all concerned during these chaotic times but we want to ensure you that we're taking every possible measure to ensure the home is comfortable, accommodating, and properly prepared for your arrival. If you need a clean, safe, and cozy spot to stay during this time of crisis, The Elk Surprise Hilltop Hideaway makes an ideal place to be.

Fresh, clean mountain air and the scent of Pine and Juniper trees make this the perfect escape to enjoy a cool weekend or an extended vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. We value our guests and look forward to becoming your new favorite vacation hideaway.

Gila County permit: STR-2510-0037
During your stay at this cabin, you're just a quick walk from Tonto National Forest. The cabin offers a kitchen and a fireplace.
  • Air-conditioned cabin with kitchen, fireplace and patio
  • WiFi for a fee
  • 0.1 miles (0.1 km) from Tonto National Forest and 7.6 miles (12.2 km) from Bishop Park
Elk Surprise Hillside Hideaway offers its guests barbecue grills. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Payson cabin is smoke free.


Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cabin: WiFi (surcharge)

Parking and transport

  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 1,232 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.
  • Note from host: Approved Pets with a per stay fee (Max. 2)

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Elk Surprise Hillside Hideaway Payson
Elk Surprise Hillside Hideaway Private vacation home
Elk Surprise Hillside Hideaway Private vacation home Payson

Elk Surprise Hillside Hideaway Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 67 out of 70 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 70 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 70 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 70 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely beautiful home. All the amenities, very friendly owners, couldn’t ask for a better place to stay to get away from it all.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
God's beautiful mountains. Great views from the property.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bert R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The hideaway is very well equipped, very comfortable. Great place to unwind: many seating areas, beautiful night skies. Gas burner for unforgettable star gazing while staying warm. Isolated an quiet but road is well maintained. Felt bad having to leave this beatifil cabin. Hope to return there soon.
night sky
sun rise
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place was wonderful! The hosts were very thoughtful and welcoming. The home is cozy and was perfect for our family holiday getaway. The location was even better than we could've hoped for. We hope to stay again in the future.
Beautiful views
Lots to see
Excellent place for roasting marshmallows and getting away from the city.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

keith

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful scenery, quit location. Very comfortable accommodations.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful property! Very private, great outside area, saw elk everywhere, highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melanie E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Was a beautiful cabin. Very calm and relaxing weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patrick S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect weekend getaway

Everything was as expected - views are beautiful and it’s super quiet!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Getaway

My husband and I rented this quaint cabin for our Christmas holiday. The remote location offered a peaceful retreat and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachael K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyed our stay

The home and stay was wonderful! It is a hike to get to the property but the peacefulness is worth it! The owner was also very helpful and communicative.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great vacation!

We had a great stay at Elk Surprise. It is apparent that Dan and Alexis ensure the cabin is well taken care of. We plan on staying here again in the future!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brittany G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!

We had the best stay here. Everything was exactly what we wanted and needed. We are big view people and the views were amazing. It was also a great place for our pups with the fenced in deck.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynn J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great get-away with our pup!

Everything was wonderful! It was very dog-friendly, had a large and enclosed deck for our furry kid, and had amazing views! It was the perfect escape!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and remote cabin

We enjoyed our stay at Elk Surprise. It was beautifully decorated, well stocked for our comfort and peaceful. The hosts were easy to communicate with and answered all our questions. Thank you
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We loved our time here! Can’t wait to return!

Very easy, painless process. Hosts were very helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Jan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderfully remote cabin on side of mountain. Very clean, well stocked kitchen and great deck. Fireplace was not working during our stay and mattress on full bed in second bedroom was rather hard. No place to hike around the cabin; it is surrounded by other private residences. It is very quiet and peaceful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christel B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Peaceful Escape

This was our second time staying at this property, and it lived up to our expectations once again. We love the peaceful "get away from it all" vibe, and it’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some quality time with our pup. Looking forward to our next visit!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a great stay! So peaceful and quiet which was exactly what we were looking for. Our fur baby loved laying on the porch. So glad we were able to bring her with. We did lots of hiking and exploring during the day nearby. Cabin was beautiful and had everything needed for an enjoyable stay. Host was very responsive and great to work with the entire time. Hoping to stay here again soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful spacious cabin for our family of 4 with 2 teens and a dog. Great tables for playing board games and puzzles. Also, plenty of room for everyone to take some space of their own. Great internet, my husband was able to work there. Also, spacious kitchen for baking. Excellent place for your dog.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jerry A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet & Enjoyable

We really enjoyed the stay at Elk Surprise. We were looking for a place to get away relax with no agenda we got that at Elk Surprise. Definitely would like to go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherry G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cabin Getaway

This was the perfect remote getaway! Beautiful cabin and location in the mountains with gorgeous views. I highly recommend it!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous, loved it!!!

Beautiful views and great cabin, very well stocked with everything you’ll need, had so much fun, thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zach G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Remote getaway

Very clean house, no issues with check in, owner provided good directions. No complaints. Would rent again.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Renate H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property and cabin are as described. Everything was clean and cabin had everything we needed. Communication with owner was prompt and even though we really did not need anything, I got the feeling anything would have been taken care of immediately.Very peaceful and beautiful location, loved the front porch. The dogs enjoyed the front porch the most!Will definitely want to come back here.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shiloh M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Cabin Getaway

Excellent Getaway location. Clean, beautiful cabin. Stellar front deck. Very private and quiet. Dog gates worked equally well for our toddler. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023