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Site Temporarily Closed
Due to the site being within the Pocket Fire Closure Area.
Recreation Region: Flagstaff Ranger District

Fernow Cabin

Current Conditions
Temporarily closed due to the Pocket Fire.

Fernow Cabin is a retired U. S. Forest Service Fire Guard Station built in the 1970s that was used to lodge wildland firefighters during fire season.

This rustic three-bedroom log cabin is located in a beautiful ponderosa pine setting on the Mogollon Rim. The isolated site is located in a scenic draw which provides privacy and great opportunities for getting back to nature. The area is characterized by warm summer days with cool nights.

Reservations

Make Reservations Here

Reservations are required and can be made through Recreation.gov or calling 1-877-444-6777.

General Information

Fernow Cabin has running water (generally, from the end of May through early- to mid-October, depending on the weather), an indoor shower, and a kitchen with a small refrigerator. There is a small dining area, hot water heater, and a covered porch. There is solar lighting, however there are no electrical outlets. 

The cabin is furnished with two double beds in the two downstairs bedrooms, four single beds in the upstairs loft, dressers and a small dining table with chairs. 

The kitchen supplies include pots, pans, utensils, dishes, coffee pot and a can opener. The toilet is a short walking distance from the cabin.

On the grounds there is an outdoor BBQ grill/fire ring. The ramp to the front porch is wheelchair accessible.

It is suggested that visitors bring:

  • Sheets, blankets or sleeping bags
  • Flashlights
  • Water*
  • Towels
  • Garbage bags
  • Warm clothes
  • Dish washing soap
  • Dish towels
  • Matches
  • Newspaper or kindling for lighting the wood stove.

*Before mid- to late-May and after early- to mid-October, you will need to bring your own water.

Bring your own firewood and an ax/saw for splitting. Bring your own lawn chairs for relaxing outside during summer months. 

Forest Service supplies firewood and propane. Forest Service supplies water only in summer.

Recreation.gov will provide the combination to the doors and windows. The combination for all locks should be the same. The key to the toilet is in the cabin near the refrigerator.

Written instructions are posted in the cabin regarding turning on and off the propane lights, appliances, gas, etc.

  • Check-in: 2 p.m.
  • Check-out: 11 a.m. 

  • Abide by all posted fire restrictions when in effect. Outdoor campfires are not permitted at this cabin during Stage 2 fire restrictions, though gas-operated devices with an on/off switch are allowed.

Passes are required to use Fernow Cabin.

Overnight Use:
$125 per night peak season
$75 per night non-peak season

Dogs are allowed but must always be outside and on a leash. Please clean up after your animals.

Contact Name: Flagstaff Ranger District

Contact Phone: 928-526-0866

Exterior image of the Flagstaff Ranger Station.

Address: 5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: 928-526-0866
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Cof_Webmail@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 35.00883

Longitude: -111.86306

Elevation

6,656 ft.

Directions

Location: Approximately 22 miles south of Flagstaff on Woody Mountain Road (Forest Road 231).

GPS (Map): 35°00'31.7"N 111°51'46.5"W

Directions: Take Route 66 west out of Flagstaff. Turn left (south) onto Woody Mountain Road. Stay on FR 231 for 21 miles and watch for FR 231A. Do not take FR 231A but continue along FR 231 for another 0.8 mile, taking the second turnoff to the right. This is FR 231E and is also signed “Fernow Draw”. The cabin is 0.25 mile further on FR 231E.

Travel Considerations

All roads are suitable for passenger vehicles, with caution required for the last mile; high-clearance vehicle recommended. During periods of heavy rainfall, roads may become difficult to navigate. Roads are not always maintained after each weather event.

Off road vehicle users, recognize your role in protecting the wild lands surrounding Fernow Cabin. Please tread lightly and stay on designated roads complying with regulations applicable to your vehicle. 

Roads leading to Fernow Cabin may close during times of inclement weather.

Parking

There is ample parking at Fernow Cabin. The parking lot is located behind a locked gate. The combination will be given to visitors after booking via Recreation.gov.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Vault

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

Potable water is only available during summer months.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Last updated July 18, 2026