QUICK FACTS
Location
The cabin is located on the Prescott National
Forest.
Price
$100 per night
Note
that fees may change at any time.
Capacity
The maximum capacity for the cabin is six people.
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. We request
that you do not litter the cabin grounds.
Pets/Animals
Pets are not permitted in the building. Bears
have been seen in the area on occasion. Do not leave any garbage outside
or food in your vehicle.
Availability
Horsethief Cabin is available seasonally
from April 1 through November 30.
Reservations
Reservations may be made 1 day to 6 months in advance
online at Recreation.gov or
by phone: 877-444-6777; TTY/Hearing toll-free 877-833-6777; International 518-885-3639. No walk-in reservations.
Check-in: after 2
p.m.
Check-out: before 11 a.m.
Fees: Expect to pay a reservation fee and cancellation
fee when appropriate.
Additional information: 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. After making reservations
with Recreation.gov, you will receive written confirmation including
the lock combination. Please keep gates closed at all times.
Contact Information
This cabin is maintained and operated by Recreation
Solutions, an internal U.S. Forest Service business enterprise. For
questions about this cabin and others in the area, call Recreation
Solutions, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. at (928)
443-8284.
  HORSETHIEF
CABIN, ARIZONA
 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
Bradshaws.
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.
Area Attractions and Attractions
The cabin is in the Horesethief Basin Recreation Area, in the
heart of the Bradshaw Mountains. Horsethief Basin
Lake is near the cabin. It is a small lake that
offers nonmotorized boating and fishing. The lake is stocked with largemouth
bass, red ear sunfish, and channel catfish.
 Hiking opportunities include Castle Creek Wilderness. Most
of the wilderness trails are maintained and offer rugged and diverse
terrain. Trails include: Horsethief Canyon (30), Algonquin (225), Twin
Peaks (240), Castle Creek (239), Jim Creek (235), and Willow Creek
(236). Both hikers and bikers will enjoy East Fort (31) and Horsethief
Recreation Trail (202) just outside of the wilderness boundary.
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 and Turney Gulch Campgrounds are in close proximity
to the cabin. Enjoy the high peaks of the Bradshaws and the diverse recreation
opportunities that surround Horsethief Cabin. Please do your part to
leave the facility and site in better shape than you found it.
For more information on the diverse recreational
opportunities available in the surrounding area, contact the
Bradshaw Ranger District, 344 South Cortez St.,
Prescott, AZ 86303-4398, phone: (928) 443-8000 or
(928) 443-8001 (TTY).
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.
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