Campground Details - HORSE THIEF, AZ - ReserveAmerica

Overview

Horse Thief Cabin is situated in a clearing of Ponderosa pines at an elevation of over 6,000 feet in the Bradshaw Mountains of 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 Prescott National Forest.

Natural Features:

The nearby Castle Creek Wilderness is defined by rugged and diverse terrain ranging from lower elevations with saguaro cactus, paloverde, mesquite, jojoba, catclaw, and grasslands to higher elevations dominated by piñon pine and juniper.

Dense populations of mule deer and javelina inhabit this area, along with a few mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, coyotes, rabbits, foxes, skunks, and badgers. Snakes and lizards live here, and numerous birds soar overhead, including doves, quail, hawks, owls, ravens, jays, and many smaller species.

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.

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 will 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 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, heating and fans for cooling.

The kitchen has all the basic amenities including a sink, propane stove/oven, refrigerator, and table with six chairs. The bathroom has a flush toilet and shower. There are a grill and picnic tables 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, a first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. It is recommended that guests bring an additional light source in case of emergencies.

Nearby Attractions:

Horsethief Lookout Tower as well as Hazlett Hollow and Turney Gulch Campgrounds are in close proximity to the cabin.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Bed(s) With Mattress Cabin Rentals Canoeing Drinking Water Fishing Flush Toilet Futon(s) Grills Heater Hiking Historical sites Hunting	Lake Access Mountain Biking Non-Motorized Boating Off Road Vehicle Trails Parking Area Picnic Area Propane Stove Showers Stove Table and Chairs Trails Wildlife Viewing

Know Before You Go

High-clearance vehicles recommended; roads to the cabin are narrow and winding
Access to the cabin is via a combination lock on the metal closure gate at the cabin driveway and at a lock box that contains the cabin key; the lock combination is included in the confirmation letter
Please keep gates closed at all times
Cell phone coverage is unreliable and there is no phone at the cabin
Reservation dates subject to weather conditions
Pets are not permitted in the cabin
Bears have been seen in the area; do not leave any garbage outside or food in your vehicle
Pack out all food and garbage and clean the facility before you leave
Chainsaw use is prohibited between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The cabin is a no-smoking facility
Fireworks prohibited on all national forest lands
Off-highway vehicles are also only allowed on designated roads and trails
Learn more about Prescott National Forest.

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
34.16139, -112.2925
34°9'41"N, 112°17'33"W

From Phoenix, take I-17 North to Exit #259. Go west on County Road #73. Continue west 3.5 miles to Cordes to the stop sign. Turn left (south) onto County Road #179 and travel 3.5 miles to a "Y". Stay right at the "Y" and travel another .5 miles to a stop sign. Turn right onto County Road #59 traveling west, and stay on this road through Cleator to Crown King. At the turnoff for Crown King, the road becomes Forest Road 259. Continue straight on Forest Road 259A past the turn-off approximately 0.6 miles to a road junction. Stay left on Forest Road 52 and drive 5.7 miles to Horsethief Cabin. The cabin is on the right side of the road.