About FERNOW CABIN
Overview Fernow Cabin offers a quaint, forested retreat near Flagstaff and Sedona, in central Arizona. The rustic, three-bedroom log cabin is a retired U.S. Forest Service guard station constructed in the 1970s to house firefighters during wildfire season. Now, it offers groups of up to eight people a unique recreation opportunity in a beautiful Southwest setting. The cabin can be accessed by passenger vehicle, however caution required for the last mile; high clearanance recommended. Roads are not always maintained after each weather event. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation The area is a hub for hiking, mountain biking and off-road vehicle riding. The cabin is adjacent to the Sycamore Canyon and Red Rock/Secret Mountain Wilderness areas, which boast numerous hiking trails. Bikes and off-road vehicles are only allowed on designated roads and trails. Flora, fauna and unique rock formations in the surrounding area also present excellent opportunities for photography.Facilities The cabin has running water from mid-May through mid-October. It also has an indoor shower, hot water heater, solar lights, a small dining area, kitchen, two bedrooms, a loft, wood stove and covered porch. It is furnished with beds and mattresses, dressers and a small dining table with chairs. There is no electricity available. If visiting before mid-May or after mid-October, guests must bring their own water. The kitchen includes a stove, oven, small refrigerator, pots, pans, utensils, dishes, coffee pot. The vault toilet is a short walking distance from the cabin, and an outdoor campfire circle and grill are also provided. The ramp to the front porch is accessible. Firewood and propane are provided (click here for more cabin details ). Visitors must bring their own sheets (two double beds and four single beds) and blankets, or sleeping bags, flashlights, towels, garbage bags, dish soap, dish towels, extr
How to Get There
Fernow Cabin is located approximately 20 miles south of Flagstaff on Forest Road 231. High-clearance vehicles are recommended. Roads are not maintained for passenger cars. From Phoenix, travel north on Interstate 17 to the junction with Interstate 40 in Flagstaff. Go west on Interstate 40. Turn right at the Flagstaff Ranch Road exit and continue to the stop sign. Turn right onto historic U.S. Route 66. Turn right at the Woody Mountain Campground, onto Forest Road 231 (Woody Mountain Road) and continue for 21 miles. At Forest Road 231A, continue along Forest Road 231 for less than a mile, taking the second right, onto Forest Road 231E/Fernow Draw. The cabin is a quater-mile further on Forest Road 231E.From Flagstaff, take Milton Road south and turn right onto historic U.S. Route 66. Turn left onto Forest Road 231/Woody Mountain Road at the Woody Mountain Campground. Stay on Forest Road 231 for 21 miles. At Forest Road 231A, continue along Forest Road 231 for less than a mile, taking the second right, onto Forest Road 231E/Fernow Draw. The cabin is a quarter-mile further on Forest Road 231E.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (48°F low → 78°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 9)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun 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 FERNOW CABIN
Heading to FERNOW 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 FERNOW CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for FERNOW CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234459) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to FERNOW CABIN?
Fernow Cabin is located approximately 20 miles south of Flagstaff on Forest Road 231. High-clearance vehicles are recommended. Roads are not maintained for passenger cars. From Phoenix, travel north on Interstate 17 to the junction with Interstate 40 in Flagstaff. Go west on Interstate 40. Turn right at the Flagstaff Ranch Road exit and continue to the stop sign. Turn right onto historic U.S. Rout…
How do I contact FERNOW CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: 928-526-0866.
References & Official Resources
