Canelo Ranger Residence

About

The Canelo Ranger Residence is a historic six-room bungalow constructed in 1932/33 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, originally serving as the home of the District Ranger for the Huachuca Ranger District. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the cabin sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation in an oak grassland setting at the edge of the Canelo Hills, about 90 minutes from the Tucson metropolitan area. The residence includes two bedrooms (queen bed, twin bed, plus futons), one bathroom with an easy-entry shower and flush toilet, a living room, dining room, and a fully equipped kitchen with electric stove/oven, microwave, refrigerator, pots, pans, dishes, and utensils. The 2023 renovation added new bathroom fixtures, kitchen appliances, and a heating and cooling system. Guests must bring their own food, linens, pillows, towels, toilet paper, dish soap, and garbage bags. The surrounding Canelo Hills serve as a wildlife corridor between the Huachuca and Santa Rita mountain ranges, making this one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Nearby attractions include Parker Canyon Lake (13 miles south) with fishing and boating, the Arizona National Scenic Trail, and the vineyards of the Sonoita-Elgin wine region to the north.

Directions

From Tucson: Follow I-10 W and AZ-83 South to Membrillo Lane in Santa Cruz County (69.1 miles). Turn left on Membrillo Lane. Look for the brown Coronado National Forest sign; the Canelo Ranger Residence is the second, larger cabin on the left. Alternative access via Forest Road 4623 (0.6 miles west of Membrillo Lane on HWY 83).