Palisades Ranger Residence Cabin
The Palisades Ranger Residence Cabin is located within the Palisades Administrative Site in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 20 miles northeast of Tucson, Arizona. The cabin is reached via the East Catalina Highway, which becomes the General Hitchcock Highway, a historic and scenic drive that takes visitors through multiple biozones from the Sonoran Desert to the dense forests at 8,000 feet elevation. The cabin has indoor plumbing, electricity, a full kitchen, furniture, beds and an enclosed front yard.
The cabin is available from late March to early November depending on the weather.
The Palisades Ranger Residence is a five-room cabin, suitable for up to four people. The cabin has a bedroom, dining room, living room, bathroom, and fully equipped kitchen. The bedroom has a queen bed, while the living room contains 2 full-size futons. The dining room has a table and four chairs. The kitchen is equipped with a propane stove/oven, microwave, refrigerator, pots, pans, utensils, dishes, and a coffee pot. The house has electricity, a propane heater, and running water.
While 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.
Need to Know
Access to the house is on the left side of the cabin towards the back of the cabin. There you will find a door keypad where you will enter the code that is given when you rent the cabin. When you leave you will lock the top lock to the door in the living room which is the door that leads out to the yard. Do a last good look for left belongings and just go out the same door you came in. The door will lock itself.
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.
Maid service is NOT provided. Before leaving, renters are expected to clean the cabin; this includes washing dishes, sweeping and mopping floors, wiping down countertops, cleaning bathroom & shower, 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.
Please keep the cabin and grounds clean and litter free to deter squirrel, mice, rats, bears, and other wildlife.
Cell phone coverage is limited/spotty and is unreliable in the cabin.
Pets are permitted in the cabin, but owners MUST clean-up all pet waste.
- The cabin is located in a natural area. Please be aware that snakes, scorpions, and other poisonous and non-poisonous insects may be present at any time.
- The cabin is monitored by Pima County Sheriff and Forest Service Law Enforcement.
- The cabin has a no-smoking policy.
- Inclement weather may limit or prohibit access to the cabin. When this occurs, Palisades Visitor Center parking lot may be utilized for temporary parking.
- This cabin does not honor Golden Age Passport Discounts
The cabin is closed for regular cleaning on Wednesdays but accommodation may be possible. Please contact the Santa Catalina Ranger District at (520) 749-7700 during business hours to request a stay during the closure period prior to making your reservation.
Natural Features
The Santa Catalina Mountains comprise one of the "sky islands" in the Coronado National Forest. From the desert floor to the upper slopes of Mt. Lemmon, biozones vary from Sonoran desert to subalpine forest, with wildlife communities that are equally diverse. An extensive trail network offers opportunities for day and extended trips, with easy access to the nearby Pusch Ridge Wilderness.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous attractions are also available nearby, including: the Sky Island Scenic Byway (General Hitchcock Highway), Rose Canyon Lake, Mt Lemmon Ski Valley, The University of Arizona Mt. Lemmon Sky Center, the hamlet of Summerhaven, Arizona, as well as numerous hiking trails, and opportunities for photography and picnicing. Attractions within one hour's drive include Sabino Canyon Recreation Area and Saguaro National Park East.
Recreation
The Palisades Ranger Residence Cabin is approximately one hour from Tucson, AZ, 18.4 miles up Mt. Lemmon. The cabin location provides access to a myriad of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, birding, horseback riding, picnicking, sightseeing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and visiting historic areas. Fishing is also available at nearby Rose Canyon Lake. Winter sports are available at higher elevations, depending on snowfall; Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley in the Santa Catalina Mountains is the southernmost ski area in the United States.
Contact Information
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SANTA CATALINA RANGER DISTRICT 5700 N SABINO CANYON ROAD Tucson AZ 85750
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 520-749-8700
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Driving Directions: From northeast Tucson, take East Tanque Verde Road to East Catalina Highway. Turn left (north) on East Catalina Highway, which becomes the General Hitchcock Highway, for approximately 23 miles to Organization Ridge Road and turn left (just before Palisades Visitor Center). The cabin is located approximately 100 yards in on the right.
