1 / 251

Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

97%

· Holbrook, Navajo, Arizona

40 acres hosted by Ross T.

1 lodging site

Ross is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Best in Arizona: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

All to yourself

99% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.

ATTENTION: If you do not have a lifted, high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle with locking differentials, and prepared for self-rescue with a winch, shovel, and rigging DO NOT BOOK THIS CABIN. The cabin sits at the end of an unmaintained, unimproved, dirt road that becomes impassible during winter snow events and summer monsoon rains! The Painted Desert Ranger Cabin is a backcountry, off grid cabin acquired by Ranger Ross in 2011. Ranger Ross lived in the cabin while he worked as a resource protection ranger at the Petrified Forest National Park. The ranger cabin is a rustic off grid cabin that offers no amenities. There is no concierge, room service, or continental breakfast. There is no linen service or fancy little bottles of shampoo. It does however, offer beautiful views of the Painted Dessert wilderness, quiet serenity, and amazing star gazing opportunities. All from the comfort of a cozy one room cabin with a queen size bed and a flush toilet. The ranger cabin sits on the border of the north wilderness area of the Petrified Forest National Park. There are great hiking and exploration opportunities right out the back door of the cabin.ATTENTION: If you do not have a lifted, high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle with locking differentials, and prepared for self-rescue with a winch, shovel, and rigging DO NOT BOOK THIS CABIN. The cabin sits at the end of an unmaintained, unimproved, dirt road that becomes impassible during winter snow events and summer monsoon rains! The Painted Desert Ranger Cabin is a backcountry, off grid cabin built by Ranger Ross in 2011. Ranger Ross lived in the cabin while he worked as a resource protection ranger at the Petrified Forest National Park. The ranger cabin is a rustic off grid cabin that offers no amenities. There is no concierge, room service, or continental breakfast. There is no linen service or fancy little bottles of shampoo. It does however, offer beautiful views of the Painted Dessert wilderness, quiet serenity, and amazing star gazing opportunities. All from the comfort of a cozy one room cabin with a queen size bed and a flush toilet. The cabin is not easily accessible by passenger vehicles. However, visitors can hike to it through the Petrified Forest National Park if they do not have an off-road capable vehicle. If you are driving please remember it is only accessible by dirt road. A high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle is necessary, the cabin is about 4 miles off the pavement. This is a remote, back-country, cabin. Guests should plan to bring everything they will need including food, sleeping bags (or) linens for the queen size bed, fire wood, toilet paper and drinking water. Please clean up after your stay and leave the cabin ready for the next visitor.

Activities

Hiking

Horseback riding

Wildlife watching

Natural features

Desert

Select a site

Filter by

Loading sites...

Location

Holbrook, Navajo, Arizona, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Diné Bikéyah, Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, and Shiwinna (Zuni) First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Ross T.Joined in July 2019

97%

222 ratings · 182 reviews

Valerie D.recommends

November 22, 2023

Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

Absolute Must!

We are minimalists so we didn’t shy away from this listing and I’m so glad we didn’t. We even towed our teardrop (yes it’s off-road and has tons of clearance so don’t take this as incentive to bring a non-trail camper). We parked it 99% of the way down the trail and walked in with backpacks. We had me, my husband and our two boys and just needed a break from our trek in the camper for a night and this was exactly what we needed. We arrived before the amazing sunset and brought NVGs and explored the outside after dark before relaxing. We brought our own lights and bedding and didn’t use the shower or kitchen or anything, but it looked great! Directions were very easy to follow and access was easy. We’d definitely stay again and explore the hikes more.

Breezy B.recommends

October 18, 2023

Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

Amazing place!

Awesome place. Quiet and beautiful. Being able to see parts of the park that we otherwise wouldn't have seen was definitely worth it.

Catholic C.recommends

July 9, 2023

Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

The location is exclusive and peaceful. I would suggest you take a fan if you go during the hotter months.

Kortney M.recommends

July 5, 2023

Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

Very remote stay, which was the quiet and desert beauty I needed.

Catherine B.

April 22, 2023

Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

Unfortunately, we did not have a great experience, primarily due to the weather. There were wind warnings which kept us inside and the cabin has no windows. The clouds covered up any night sky viewing and the wind blew constantly. The cabin is metal so the wind was very loud inside the cabin. Additionally, the two windmills attached to the cabin which we think were there to pump water banged loudly ever one to two minutes, hour after hour. We had to sleep in the back of our truck, away from the cabin, as it was impossible to sleep with the constant banging. Very unfortunate.

Brandee G.recommends

April 17, 2023

Painted Desert Ranger Cabin

Magical experience. The hikes around the area are great. Love being off the beaten path.

Campers also viewed...

More camping spots nearby

Things to do nearby