Horsethief Cabin
Horsethief Cabin is nestled in the Bradshaw Mountains' near Horsethief Basin Lake and Castle Creek Wilderness in the Prescott National Forest. The area is rich in history, including early Native American inhabitants and later in the 1860s, home to horse thieves and rustled livestock. Evidence of historical mining activity abounds in this area, especially in the nearby community of Crown King. Now, these peaceful mountains provide a variety of recreation activities for those wishing to enjoy both the heritage and beauty of the Bradshaw Mountains.
History
The original cabin was built in 1939 as quarters and a staging area for Forest Service crews charged with protecting the southern end of the Bradshaw Mountains against wildfires. The cabin was remodeled and modernized over the years. However, by the 1980s, the cabin fell into disuse. It now enjoys a second life as a rental cabin, providing a unique recreation opportunity for visitors to the Prescott National Forest.
Amenities
The cabin has running water, a flush toilet, shower, electricity, and first aid kit. The kitchen has all the basic amenities including a sink, propane stove/oven, refrigerator, table and six chairs. There are four beds available in the cabin (two twin beds, one queen bed, and one double-size futon). You will need to supply your own dishes, utensils, and cookware. Try cooking outside where you will find a grill and three picnic tables! The cabin has heating and fans for cooling. Phone service is not available. Cell phone coverage is limited.
Things You'll Need:
• Food
• Bedding and towels
• Rain gear suggested
• Trash bags
• Dishes, utensils and cookware
• Dish washing liquid and dish rag
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Compass and map
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Flashlight
Horse riding and hiking opportunities include Castle Creek Wilderness. Most of the wilderness trails are maintained and offer rugged and diverse terrain.
Off-highway vehicles can venture out on the Kentuck (217), Lane Mountain (233), and Tip Top (234) trails. Surrounding Forest Service roads are also available. All off-highway vehicles need to stay on roads and trails.
Horsethief Lookout Tower as well as Hazlett Hollow Campground and Turney Gulch Group Campground are in close proximity to the cabin. Enjoy the high peaks of the Bradshaw Mountains and the diverse recreation opportunities that surround Horsethief Cabin.
General Information
May 1 - November 30
$100.00/night for up to six people
Recreation.gov Site must be reserved at least one day ahead of your planned visit.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in the cabin. Obey seasonal fire restrictions for smoking in areas outside of the cabin. Fully extinguish and properly dispose of cigarette butts. Pets: Pets are not permitted in the cabin but are welcome outside on a leash.
$100.00/night for up to six people
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 34.1612
Longitude: -112.2921
Directions
Warning — High-clearance vehicles recommended. Roads are narrow and winding. Travel time between I-17 and Horsethief Cabin is about 90 minutes. Please allow sufficient travel time and drive with caution.
From Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north to Exit 259. Go west on County Road 73. Proceed west 3.4 miles to Cordes to the stop sign. Turn left (south) onto County Road 179, travel 2.9 miles to a “Y”. Stay right on the “Y” and travel 0.9 mile to a stop sign. Turn right onto County Road 59 traveling west and stay on County Road 59 through Cleator to Crown King (17.25 miles). At the turnoff into the community of Crown King the road becomes Forest Road 259. Continue straight on Forest Road 259 about 0.6 mile to a road junction. Stay left on Forest Road 52 and drive 6.2 miles to Horsethief Cabin.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Water
Potable water is available at this site.