Overview This unique cabin is a refurbished 1960s railroad caboose that is retired from the White Pass and Yukon Railroad. It is an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts who want to hike to the Denver Glacier. Access to Denver Caboose Cabin is via the White Pass and Yukon Railroad from May 1 to September 30. The cabin is …
Overview This unique cabin is a refurbished 1960s railroad caboose that is retired from the White Pass and Yukon Railroad. It is an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts who want to hike to the Denver Glacier. Access to Denver Caboose Cabin is via the White Pass and Yukon Railroad from May 1 to September 30. The cabin is closed to reservations in the off-season, since the surrounding area is owned by the railroad. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation A 4.5-mile trail to Denver Glacier starts at the cabin site. The trail follows a river and has many scenic overlooks. The nearby terrain is rugged and brushy.Facilities The cabin sleeps six people and contains a double bunk and four single bunks. This includes a bunk in the nicknamed "observatory penthouse" that has windows on all sides and an access ladder. Other amenities include a table with benches, an oil heater (#1 stove oil), food preparation space, a campfire ring and an outhouse. Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from a nearby stream uphill from the cabin, but visitors should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it ( water safety tips ). It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply. Heating oil is not provided, so visitors must supply their own. One gallon of #1 stove oil will last about a day on the lowest heat setting. Other items to bring include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a cooking stove, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Visitors are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving ( click here for more cabin details).Natural Features Denver Caboose Cabin offers excellent views of the East Fork Skagway River and the Sawtooth Mountains. It is surrounded by spruce and hemlock rainforest. Black bears and moose are common in this area ( bear safety information )
Photos
View of Denver Glacier from the Denver Glacier Trail (trail starts at Denver Caboose Cabin) — USFSRed Cedar stairs and step ladder — Matt Maratea, USFSDenver Caboose Cabin — Matt Maratea, USFSCabin interior alternate view — Matt Maratea, USFSView from the Denver Glacier Trail (trail starts at Denver Caboose Cabin) — USFSDenver Glacier (Trail begins at Caboose) — Matt Maratea, USFSCabin interior — Matt Maratea, USFSView from the front porch of trains passing the cabin — USFS
How to Get There
The cabin is approximately 5.5 miles north of Skagway along the East Fork of the Skagway River. The cabin is beside the railroad tracks at the Denver Glacier Trailhead. Access is via the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad from May 1 through September 30. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance for train transportation. Rate information and reservations are available by calling the railroad at (800) 343-7373.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to DENVER CABOOSE CABIN
Heading to DENVER CABOOSE CABIN? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for DENVER CABOOSE CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for DENVER CABOOSE CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232946) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at DENVER CABOOSE CABIN?
DENVER CABOOSE CABIN has 1 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to DENVER CABOOSE CABIN?
The cabin is approximately 5.5 miles north of Skagway along the East Fork of the Skagway River. The cabin is beside the railroad tracks at the Denver Glacier Trailhead. Access is via the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad from May 1 through September 30. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance for train transportation. Rate information and reservations are available by calling the railroad…
