Denver Caboose Cabin

Summary

The Denver Caboose Cabin is a refurbished 1960s train caboose that provides an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the Denver Glacier. Hikers will enjoy the 4.5-mile trail with many scenic overlooks and the surrounding spruce and hemlock rainforest. The amenities include a bunk, table with benches, campfire ring, oil heater and outhouse. Visitors should bring their own sleeping gear and cooking items as well as #1 stove oil and water. The area is home to black bears and moose and is conveniently accessible by the White Pass and Yukon Railroad during the summer months.

Overview

This unique cabin is a refurbished 1960s railroad caboose that is retired from the White Pass and Yukon Railroad. It is an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts who want to hike to the Denver Glacier. Access to Denver Caboose Cabin is via the White Pass and Yukon Railroad from May 1 to September 30. The cabin is closed to reservations in the off-season, since the surrounding area is owned by the railroad. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

A 4.5-mile trail to Denver Glacier starts at the cabin site. The trail follows a river and has many scenic overlooks. The nearby terrain is rugged and brushy.

Facilities

The cabin sleeps six people and contains a double bunk and four single bunks. This includes a bunk in the nicknamed "observatory penthouse" that has windows on all sides and an access ladder. Other amenities include a table with benches, an oil heater (#1 stove oil), food preparation space, a campfire ring and an outhouse. Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from a nearby stream uphill from the cabin, but visitors should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it ( water safety tips ). It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply. Heating oil is not provided, so visitors must supply their own. One gallon of #1 stove oil will last about a day on the lowest heat setting. Other items to bring include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a cooking stove, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Visitors are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving ( click here for more cabin details).

Natural Features

Denver Caboose Cabin offers excellent views of the East Fork Skagway River and the Sawtooth Mountains. It is surrounded by spruce and hemlock rainforest. Black bears and moose are common in this area ( bear safety information ). Mountain goats can frequently be seen with binoculars.