Canelo Ranger Residence
The Canelo Ranger Residence is a single-story, two-bedroom bungalow at the base of the Canelo Hills approximately 15 miles southeast of Sonoita, Arizona. The building, also known as the Canelo "Big House", was constructed in 1932/33 and served as the home of the District Ranger for surrounding National Forest lands, then part of the Huachuca Ranger District. The facility is located in an oak grassland at approximately 5000' elevation, with generally pleasant year-round weather. The building was renovated in 2023 with new bathroom fixtures, kitchen appliances including an electric oven, and a heating and cooling system. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Please note that pets are not allowed inside or outside the cabin.
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The Canelo Ranger Residence is an six-room residence, suitable for groups of up to 7 people. The house has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room, kitchen, and dining room. One bedroom has a queen-sized bed. The other bedroom has a twin bed, and full-sized futon. There is a double-sized futon in the living room. The bathroom has an easy-entry shower, sink, and toilet. The dining room is furnished with a table and seating for four. The kitchen is equipped with a stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, pots, pans, utensils, dishes, and coffeepot. The house has electricity and running water. Outside, a small patio is available. Although the cabin has amenities for comfortable lodging, guests do need to provide some of their own supplies, including food, sleeping bags, linens, pillows, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. Although electricity is available, it is recommended that guests bring an additional light source in case of emergencies. The Forest Service is unable to provide firewood and propane for the outdoor grill at this time, but guests are welcome to bring their own.
Need to Know
Pets are NOT permitted inside or outside of the cabin.
Unfortunately, due to a history of pet owners inadequately cleaning up after their pets, pets are no longer allowed. Forest Service staff have limited time to complete weekly cabin cleaning. Cleaning service is not cost effective due to the rural location of the cabins. Eliminating the need to vacuum pet hair, neutralize odors, and pick up poop frees up staff time to cleaning cabin amenities and address repair needs.
Check-in time is 3 PM, check-out time is by 12:00 PM
Access to the cabin is via a driveway on the north side of the facility, accessible by passenger car. Please DO NOT DISTURB the private residences at the end of the road and those down the driveways on the right before the cabin. The roadway must remain clear. Park in designated areas and not on the roadside.
The public is advised that the Ranger Residence occurs within an active Forest Administrative Site. As such, you might see Forest and/or Ranger District employees in the area or working at the adjacent buildings. Please ensure your vehicles are parked under or in close proximity to the covered car port, not in front of the adjacent garages, and are not blocking Membrillo Lane.
The house key is located in a lock box on the front door nearest to the parking area. The combination for the lock box is provided once a reservation is made.
A cabin manual is located inside the cabin to answer specific questions during your stay as well as provide you with information on recreation opportunities in the area.
Cleaning service is NOT provided. Before leaving, renters are expected to clean the cabin; this includes washing dishes, sweeping and mopping floors, wiping down countertops, and removing ALL trash.
Guests MUST provide some of their own supplies including: food, sleeping bags, linens, pillows, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags.
Please do NOT flush anything but toilet paper to prevent clogs or damage to the septic system.
Keep the building and grounds clean to deter squirrel, mice, rats, bears, and other wildlife from area.
Cell phone coverage is unrelaiable in this location.
Off-highway vehicles are only allowed on designated roads and trails.
The house is located in a desert environment; please be aware that scorpions, snakes and other insects may be present at any time.
Reservation dates are subject to inclement weather. The road to the cabin is not plowed when there is snow, so if snowfall is heavy enough, the cabin may be closed.
This cabin does not honor Golden Passport Discounts.
Group events are not allowed. The capacity of the cabin is 7 people.
Natural Features
The Canelo Hills are a low mountain range that serve as a connector between the Huachuca Mountains to the east and the Santa Rita Mountains to the west, both higher ranges among Southern Arizona's famed "sky islands". The Canelo Hills offer a beautiful backdrop of rolling, rocky terrain punctuated by riparian areas, oak woodlands, and grasslands. The region is considered among the most biodiverse in the country.
Nearby Attractions
There are several attractions nearby on the Coronado National Forest including Parker Canyon Lake, located 13 miles south on Highway 83. The lake has a marina, campground and boat ramp. Just beyond the lake is access to the Arizona National Scenic Trail. The trail can also be accessed near Canelo Pass. To the north, the Sonoita-Elgin area is home to numerous vineyards and tasting rooms. The closest stores, amenities, and gasoline are located in Sonoita.
- Lean more about Parker Canyon Lake
- Lean more about the nearby section of the Arizona National Scenic Trail
Recreation
The two rentable cabins at the Historic Canelo Work Center are a 90 minute drive from the Tucson metropolitan area just south of the Sonoita Plain at the edge of the Canelo Hills. The area is appreciated for its scenery, biodiversity and rural pace. It located between the community of Sonoita and Parker Canyon Lake. The area offers excellent hiking, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, fishing and boating at Parker Canyon Lake, and the Arizona National Scenic Trail. After a morning on the trail or at the lake, check out the nearby vineyards in the Sonoita-Elgin area!
- Lean more about Parker Canyon Lake
- Lean more about the nearby section of the Arizona National Scenic Trail: Canelo Hills East and Canelo Hills West
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Tucson:
- Follow I-10 W and AZ-83 South to Membrillo Lane in Santa Cruz County (69.1 miles)
- Turn L on Membrillo Lane
- Look for the brown Coronado National Forest sign, the Canelo Ranger Residnece is the second, larger cabin on the left.
From Sierra Vista:
- Follow AZ-90 N NS az-82 W to Upper Elgin Road in Santa Cruz County (21.9 miles)
- Follow Upper Elgin Road, Elgin Canelo Road, and AZ-83 S to Membrillo Lane (17.8 miles)
- Look for the brown Coronado National Forest sign, the Canelo Ranger Residnece is the second, larger cabin on the left.
From Patagonia:
- Head northeast on AZ-82 E/Naugle Ave (12.6 miles)
- In Sonoita at the intersection, turn R onto AZ-83 S (17.1 miles)
- Turn L onto Membrillo Lane
- Look for the brown Coronado National Forest sign, the Canelo Ranger Residnece is the second, larger cabin on the left.
