Palace Station Cabin

Closed — Palace Station is a Forest Service administrative and information site, not available for overnight rental or camping. It is accessible for viewing as a historic landmark along Senator Highway.

About

Palace Station stands as one of Arizona's oldest and most significant historic structures, built in 1874 by the Spence family in the Bradshaw Mountains of Prescott National Forest. This log cabin served as a vital stagecoach station on the Senator Trail, providing rest and meals to travelers journeying between Prescott and Phoenix, as well as those heading to the productive Peck Mine. The station operated until approximately 1910 when the Spence family abandoned it after failed attempts to sell the property. Today, Palace Station functions as a Forest Service administrative and information site located at Spence Spring, roughly halfway along the historic route between Prescott and Crown King. The cabin's remarkable preservation has made it a notable landmark along Senator Highway, a scenic backroad through the Bradshaw Mountains. Visitors exploring the area can view this piece of Arizona's frontier history and imagine the days when stagecoaches stopped at this remote outpost. The structure's historical significance was demonstrated in 2022 when fire crews wrapped the wooden cabin in protective foil to shield it from the Crooks Fire, underscoring the Forest Service's commitment to preserving this irreplaceable piece of Arizona heritage. The cabin sits in a ponderosa pine setting accessible via Senator Highway 52, offering a tangible connection to the state's pioneering past.

Directions

From Prescott, head south on Mount Vernon Avenue (which becomes Senator Highway/Forest Road 52) for approximately 17 miles. The cabin is located along Senator Highway at coordinates 34.3767208, -112.409855. The drive takes about one hour due to winding mountain road conditions. Roadside parking is available.

Nearby Campgrounds