About HORSETHIEF CABIN
Overview Horsethief Cabin is situated in a clearing of Ponderosa pines at an elevation of over 6,000 feet in the Bradshaw Mountains of the Prescott National Forest. 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, but eventually fell into disuse by the 1980s. The historic structure now enjoys a second life as a rental cabin, providing a unique recreation opportunity for visitors to the Prescott National Forest. To make reservations select the date range on this site or call 1 (877) 444-6777. For general cabin question contact the Bradshaw Ranger District at 1 (928) 443-8000. Recreation Anglers will appreciate the short hike from the cabin to Horsethief Basin Lake, stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish and sunfish. Non-motorized boating is also available at the lake. Hikers have plenty of opportunities to explore the area on trails leading to Horsethief Canyon, Twin Peaks, Castle Creek and Jim Creek. Off-highway vehicles have several roads and trails available for travel, and a Forest Service fire lookout tower and a campground are in close proximity.Facilities The cabin can accommodate up to six people and is furnished with four beds, including, two twin beds, one queen bed, and one double futon. The cabin is equipped with running water, electricity, propane heater, and fans for cooling. The kitchen has all the basic amenities including a sink, propane stove/oven, refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, and table with five chairs. The bathroom has a flush toilet, sink, and shower. There is a fire pedestal grill, fire ring, and picnic table on site. Although the cabin has several amenities, guests must also provide a few of their own supplies, including food, sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, first aid kit, and garbage bags. It is recommended that you carry a well
How to Get There
From Phoenix, Arizona: When traveling Northbound on I-17 take the Bumble Bee Exit 248 and continue North on the dirt road, taking Forest Road (FR) 259 to Crown King. From Crown King, take (FR) 259A south for 0.5 mile to the junction of 52. Take FR 52 southeast for about 5 miles to the Horse Thief Basin Recreation Area. The cabin sits adjacent to the Horse Thief Lake Rd. Alternate route from Flagstaff, Arizona: Traveling Southbound on I-17 take Exit 263, turn right and proceed towards a roundabout and merge onto Hwy 69 North towards Prescott for 2.4 miles until turning left on to Spring Ln. in Spring Valley. Continue down Spring Ln. for 0.7 Miles until you get to Duffers Dr. turn right onto Duffers Dr. The road will become unpaved, continue to travel for 1.4 miles until you get to the intersection of Duffers Dr. and S. Antelope Creek Rd. and turn left and drive for 23 miles until arriving to Crown King, Arizona. From Crown King, take (Forest Rd) 259A south for 0.5 mile to a junction with 52. Take FR 52 southeast for about 5 miles to the Horse Thief Basin Recreation Area.The cabin sits adjacent to the Horse Thief Lake Rd. From Prescott, Arizona: From Downtown Prescott travel South on State Route 69 for 31 miles until you arive to Spring Valley, Arizona and turn right onto Spring Ln. Continue down Spring Ln. for 0.7 Miles until you get to Duffers Dr. turn right onto Duffers Dr. The road will become unpaved at this point, continue to travel for 1.4 miles until you get to the inte
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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 HORSETHIEF CABIN
Heading to HORSETHIEF 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 HORSETHIEF CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for HORSETHIEF CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234077) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to HORSETHIEF CABIN?
From Phoenix, Arizona: When traveling Northbound on I-17 take the Bumble Bee Exit 248 and continue North on the dirt road, taking Forest Road (FR) 259 to Crown King. From Crown King, take (FR) 259A south for 0.5 mile to the junction of 52. Take FR 52 southeast for about 5 miles to the Horse Thief Basin Recreation Area. The cabin sits adjacent to the Horse Thief Lake Rd. Alternate route from Flagst…
How do I contact HORSETHIEF CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: 1 (877) 444-6777.
References & Official Resources