Arizona / Apache County / Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

Caldwell Cabin

Closed — Closed for the season. Open mid-May through early October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov at $110 per night.

About

Originally constructed in the 1920s as a one-room homestead by the Caldwell family using hand-hewn logs, Caldwell Cabin was expanded around 1940 to include a bathroom, great room with fireplace, and small bedroom. Acquired by the U.S. Forest Service in the 1960s and used as a work station, the cabin now offers visitors a chance to experience rustic living in a historical setting. Nestled among tall ponderosa pine trees at 7,600 feet elevation in the White Mountains, the cabin overlooks a large grassy meadow with walking access to viewpoints of the West Fork of the Black River and Mainstem Black River Canyon. The cabin features two full-sized Murphy beds, a futon couch that converts to a full-sized bed, and a bunk bed with twin and full-sized futons, sleeping up to six guests. Inside amenities include a propane stove and refrigerator, solar lights, kitchen sink, fireplace, propane wall heater, and flush toilet. Note that the cabin does not have a shower or bath. Outside, guests can relax in Adirondack chairs on the front porch, use two family-sized picnic tables, and gather around the fire ring. The cabin is accessed via approximately 30 miles of highway and gravel Forest Service roads southwest of Alpine. The area offers excellent opportunities for hiking the nearby Black River Mainstream Trail, trout fishing in the Black River, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, and wildlife viewing. High-clearance vehicles are recommended due to gravel roads and potential hazards from the 2011 Wallow Fire.

Directions

Located approximately 30 miles southwest of Alpine via Forest Service roads 26 or 276. From Alpine, continue south on Highway 180/191 for about 15 miles toward Hannagan Meadows. Turn right on Forest Service Road 26 at mile marker 240, continue approximately 11 miles to the intersection. Turn right onto FR 24 and go approximately 3 miles to the junction of FR 25 and 276. Turn left and go just over a mile to FR 25H. Turn left and proceed about 1 mile. At the sign for Caldwell, turn left. All Forest Service roads are gravel. High-clearance vehicles recommended.

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