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Arizona › Yavapai County › Prescott National Forest

Palace Station Cabin

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Palace Station is a day-use historic site only. The cabin interior is closed to the public; visitors may view the exterior, grounds, and cemetery. No overnight camping or cabin rental is available at this location.

Flood Watch issued October 10 at 11:08AM MST until October 12 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ

October 10th, 11:08 AM — 5:00 AM

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...western Coconino, northern Gila, far southern Navajo, and Yavapai counties. * WHEN...Through late Sunday night. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Raging killer currents will be possible in side canyons and narrow slot canyons. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Showers and thunderstorms are expected to increase in coverage through today, and continue through the overnight hours into Sunday. With deep tropical moisture in place from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel, periods of embedded heavy rainfall will be possible leading to flash flooding. Additionally, the extended period of rain could lead to elevated flow in creeks, normally dry washes, and rivers. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.

Wind Advisory issued October 10 at 11:08AM MST until October 11 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ

October 10th, 11:08 AM — 11:00 AM

* WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts 45 to 55 mph expected. * WHERE...All of central and northern Arizona. * WHEN...From 8 AM MST /9 AM MDT/ to 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ Sunday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could snap resulting in a few power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

Prescott National Forest

Food Storage Prohibitions

Food and other animal attractants must be stored in a "bear resistant manner" when an adult is not present. Use and firmly close trash receptacles when provided. Do not bury, discard, or burn food or other animal attractants. Pack it in, pack it out.

About

Palace Station was built in 1874 by Alfred Spence in the Bradshaw Mountains as a vital stagecoach stop on the Senator Trail, located halfway between Prescott and the productive Peck Mine. The two-room structure with loft expanded in 1878 and served the Prescott & Phoenix Stage line, providing meals prepared by Mrs. Spence and watering for horses. The station operated until around 1910 when the Spence family abandoned it after failed attempts to sell the property. The U.S. Forest Service acquired Palace Station in 1963, and it remains a significant historic landmark. The cabin itself is closed to the public for interior access, but visitors can view the exterior and grounds. Adjacent to the cabin is a pioneer cemetery containing approximately fifteen graves, including that of Alfred Spence who died in 1908. During the 2022 Crooks Fire, which burned nearly 9,400 acres in the Prescott National Forest, firefighters wrapped the historic structure in heat-resistant foil and cleared surrounding vegetation to protect it. The cabin survived the fire. While there have been announcements about Palace Station potentially joining the Forest Service's "Rooms with a View" cabin rental program, it does not currently appear available for overnight reservations on Recreation.gov.

Directions

From Prescott, head south on Mount Vernon Avenue, which becomes Senator Highway (Forest Road 52). Continue approximately 17 miles south. The drive takes about one hour due to winding mountain road conditions. Two-wheel drive vehicles can manage in dry conditions, but four-wheel drive high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Roadside parking is available.

Nearby Campgrounds

Upper Wolf Creek Group 6.0mi Lower Wolf Creek Campground 6.1mi Groom Creek Horse Camp 6.4mi Groom Creek Schoolhouse 6.7mi Hilltop Campground 9.2mi Eagle Ridge Group Campground 9.3mi Indian Creek Campground 8.8mi Lynx Campground 9.8mi White Spar Campground 9.8mi

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed —
Toilets No
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed —
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (928) 777-2200

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Useful Links

Prescott National Forest
USFS Rooms with a View Cabin Rentals
American Pioneer & Cemetery Research Project - Palace Station

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