Palisades Ranger Residence Cabin, Tucson, AZ

Palisades Ranger Residence Cabin is located in the Santa Catalina Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest (57 min northeast of Catalina Foothills, AZ) with an elevation of 7,925 feet. The site is open all year. There is a fee of $125.00 per night.

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Campsite Reviews (41)

4.1 out of 5

5 star		49%
4 star		27%
3 star		7%
2 star		7%
1 star		7%

@JanW2093656 · Camped on Sep 3, 2024 at Campsite #1

It was nice, but could have been cleaner.

@BlakelyW5CF837 · Camped on Jul 15, 2024 at Campsite #1

Great place to stay in the heart of Mt Lemmon. The cabin was clean and comfortable. Set in a grove of pines, it was very quiet. Didnt expect Wifi so that was a bonus! Its close the the Visitors Center, if you need information about the area.

@KathleenM78273 · Camped on Jul 11, 2024 at Campsite #1

We had an excellent time and I highly recommend the Palisades Trail close by. It's designated as Moderate, but we found it pretty easy.The only minor* issue about the cabin was that the door frame was broken out where the keycode lock engages, so there was no way to really lock the cabin. Someone tried using a chair to block the door, but it easily slid out of the way...and there was a note on the door to retrieve the key for other door at the Visitor's Center, but no need because you (and anyone) could easily get in/out the door that had the keycode lock). Actually, that was luckily so, given the Visitor's Center closed before we arrived. I called this a minor issue because I wasn't really concerned that anyone would be up on Mt Lemmon, picking that particular cabin, for any nefarious deeds. Lastly, no cell service, but WiFi was accessible (mainly in living room area).

@MarkB1441206 · Camped on Apr 25, 2024 at Campsite #1

Great base for hiking and birdwatching. The cabin is comfortable and well-furnished.

@JoyC4566129 · Camped on Dec 26, 2023 at Campsite #1

Beautiful surroundings. Large cabin and spacious rooms.

@CelesteL890051 · Camped on Nov 16, 2023 at Campsite #1

Very peaceful

@SethR7903874 · Camped on Sep 17, 2023 at Campsite #1

What a great little cabin! We enjoyed our stay with access to so much great hiking! The only thing I can think to complain about was ants in the kitchen but nothing a few ant traps wouldn't fix. We will definitely be back!

@TimM9090024 · Camped on Sep 12, 2023 at Campsite #1

It's exactly what you'd expect a ranger cabin to be, but perhaps cleaner and more comfortable. For the price, what you get is very good. There were two things that might be bothersome: 1.) Only sheer curtains in the living room and none in the kitchen, 2.) It's not very secluded-- RV park across the street and Boy Scouts of America camp across the other way. The great part is access to trails, the smell of pine forest, the sound of the wind in the trees, the price, and the close proximity of Summerhaven and other Mt Lemmon attractions. I found it a great value for the money.

@Elizabeth65783 · Camped on Mar 28, 2023 at Campsite #1

Excellent cabin! Private, good clear access & signage, appreciated having a bed, a shower, kitchen setup. Rustic, peaceful. There was still snow in late March but it was refreshing as it was 95F at Saguaro National Park the next day. A pretty drive up from Tucson!

@AngelW8591108 · Camped on Feb 16, 2023 at Campsite #1

The email confirmation had instructions for retrieving the key from a lock box on the back door. Once we arrived and figured out where to park (the driveway was not plowed), I went to get the key to unlock the cabin. There was a handwritten note taped to the door. It said that the front door was unlocked and that the key had been left on the table inside. Neither of the doors were unlocked and I could see through the window that there was no key on the table. I opened the lockbox just to be sure. Nothing, it was empty. There was a phone number posted to call for maintenance and emergencies but our phone got no service. I had to drive a few miles down the mountain in order to call (even then I could only text). I got a hold of the maintenance guy and he said that he could come up and let us in by 7pm. Check in was 2pm. He was hours away in Green Valley. We packed the kids back in the van and went home. Although the I never made it inside, the property seemed nice. Just be aware that if you rent this cabin you might not ever get inside and you will have wasted a lot of time, energy, and gas money just to turn around and go home.

@VALARIEH840622 · Camped on Feb 5, 2023 at Campsite #1

The overall experience was wonderful. But it would’ve been nice if you had plowed the driveway so we could park our car up by the cabin and not on the side of the road. It would have been nice if the fireplace worked. The cabin was clean, the refrigerator’s roomy the water was hot, the heater works. We are not snow people so we had a great time tromping through the snow. It was peaceful and romantic. I have lived in Tucson for 25 years and I had never heard of the Palisades Rangers cabin until recently. I wish I knew about it when my children were younger.

@AndreaE1338032 · Camped on Jan 27, 2023 at Campsite #1

We came to this cabin during winter, there was a good amount of snow. When we arrived at the cabin, we discovered that the driveway was not plowed nor shoveled which was a MAJOR problem because we were not able to park near the house. There was a small path that allowed us access to the backyard of the property, but alas! The lockbox containing the key was at the front of the property, which like mentioned, was blocked by snow. We had to literally climb a hill of fresh snow just to get to the lockbox. Then, we had to temporarily park our truck on the small road in front of the house to unload. The path to the backyard was slick and slippery. We almost slipped a few times. We then had to park out truck in the parking lot for the visitor’s center, then walk back to the cabin. A 5 minute walk and lots of traffic on the main road. Entering the cabin, there was a strong smell. We found out that the previous occupants left dog kibble mixed with pretzels throughout the house. They did not care to pick up after themselves. The wifi password was wrong.When it was time to make dinner, there was mice poop in the drawers containing the cooking utensils and countertops. Wifi PW was wrong. Now, I don’t want to seem like a negative Nancy since this cabin is located in a gorgeous and convenient location. The scenery was beautiful, but it was not the most comfortable, sanitary stay. On a good note, the heater worked great and the hot water was HOT. A few tips: 1. If you are not able-bodied, do not come here in the winter. You will not be able to access the cabin due to snow. Not ADA accesible. 2. Bring your own soap, paper towels and dish sponge. Lysol or bleach wouldn’t hurt as well. 3. Bring your own cooking utensils, pots and pans. Nobody likes to touch mice poop and get sick. 4. Bring your own bedsheets/linens. 5. Take out your trash and clean up after yourself. There is no housekeeping. Don’t be a jerk. 6. Visit the Palisades Visitor’s Center. Awesome peeps.

@LarryT9831699 · Camped on Jan 24, 2023 at Campsite #1

Was not allowed to travel to cabin by police/ rangers due to icy conditions.

@DanT5496337 · Camped on Jan 19, 2023 at Campsite #1

The rental property at the Coronado national Forest is quite old and aged but well maintain structure, however the furnishings the linens could use an upgrade and sanitized. If you have allergies to dust and dirt I do not recommend this specific location other than that it's a great place for peace and quiet getaway.

@LindaM3264387 · Camped on Jan 8, 2023 at Campsite #1

The cabin was clean. The water pressure and temperature in the shower is perfect and the kitchen is fully stocked. The only thing that could have been better would be if they had a rug on the floor and some comfortable pillows for the couch in the living room. The cabinets south is very basic, no frills.

@AprilB5759478 · Camped on Jan 6, 2023 at Campsite #1

We had a very pleasant stay in this cozy cabin and are looking forward to going back! Here are some updates on the description of the cabin: 1. The lock box is at the front door and the key opens both the front and back door. 2. The bedroom no longer has bunk beds (the mattresses and bed frame are in the closet). The bedroom now had a full bed. There is a space heater in this room as it is the coldest in the house, but it worked great to keep us warm! 3. The living room has 2 full-size futons. 4. The kitchen has almost everything you will need to prepare any type of meal. Full-size stove/range, microwave, coffee maker, assorted pots and pans, colander, serving dishes, utensils, flatware, dishes, glasses, mugs– the only thing I would recommend is a good knife as the knives here are not good. 5. The dining room can easily sit 6 but there are only 4 dining room chairs. There is an extra chair in the mudroom by the front door (so you can take your boots off and not track mud/dirt through the house) and a rocking chair in the bedroom. 6. The backyard is easily the best feature of this house! There’s a fire with 4 log seats, a picnic table with seating, and 2 grills. Plenty of trees to hang a hammock and spacious for your dog to run around! 7. The wood burning stove is not functional at this time. There’s a note on it that says “do not use, chimney is blocked”. This should be fixed as soon as possible- that it is non-functioning is disappointing! The furniture is worn and the cabin could use a deep clean. At $125 a night, and very few dates without reservations, there’s no reason why the furniture couldn’t be repaired or updated. It’s clear from other reviews and the logbooks from previous visitors that this cabin is much loved, definitely a “pay it forward” attitude about cleaning and leaving some provisions, like toilet paper, paper, towels, etc. for the next guest. We’re looking forward to going back!

@FaustoS2475157 · Camped on Dec 17, 2022 at Campsite #1

Amazing stay

@KellyB8439114 · Camped on Nov 20, 2022 at Campsite #1

Absolutely loved the location and this cabin! It was fun to explore the grounds and find a little apple tree! Helen the turkey was very friendly..a BIG thank you to Ranger Jackie! The crazy trash lady from Phoenix really appreciates you 😉

@SusanE7357421 · Camped on Oct 14, 2022 at Campsite #1

This was my first visit. We use to stay and a private cabin for rent but it's no longer for rent. Rangers Residence it totally different then what we were use to. My son and granddaughter meet me there and we loved having a campfire. The dogs love the yard. In fact they got me up at 4:am to get me up to play. We enjoyed the spacious cabin. I brought a TV and a DVD player. We love walking and exploring the area. We enjoyed our trip so much that I came back numerous times. It became a 2nd home to us.

@AndreasK795 · Camped on Jan 15, 2022 at Campsite #1

It is a nice location. But the house needs a lot of work. And people need to take responsibility for cleaning up their mess. Too many dirty utensils.

@KimberlyS250 · Camped on Dec 31, 2021 at Campsite #1

Such a lovely place to stay. The fenced yard was perfect for the dogs, lots of space indoors, and all the amenities necessary. The fireplace wasn’t working quite right so we had to air out the cabin and stop using it. But there is central heat and it wasn’t an issue. Warning for winter visitors - there is no snow shovel, so make sure you bring one if snow is in the forecast.

@MichaelO498 · Camped on Dec 12, 2021 at Campsite #1

This cabin is in need of repair. When I was there the wood stove pipe was broken near the top where it went into the wall. It was leaking smoke into the living space making the whole cabin smokey. One of the electric heaters was broken. The rear steps appear to have migrated down hill from my cement foundation. There was no wood in the wood shed good thing we brought our own but could not have a fire due to stove pipe. A window was broken in the living room. When we arrived there was smoldering news paper and pine needles in the wood stove. Positive items include the propane heating system working awesome. The restroom was awesome nice to have a shower and running water. The area is nice. Nice trees.

@KimberlyM711 · Camped on Nov 15, 2021 at Campsite #1

Love this place… it’s private and has a fenced in yard for my fur babies they all had a blast!!!

@JaimieL682 · Camped on Oct 21, 2021 at Campsite #1

This was my second stay at the cabin. I love it. Simple, easy to have 4 people, a pet. Each time I have been, the people before left it clean, so it seems like there is a good run of caring individuals. It is a good base camp even in it's more visible location. My only complaint to the Forest Service is the way they have rigged the hot water valve for the shower. They have made it so you cannot use too much or too hot of water. This basically means a (barely) lukewarm shower. This is really ridiculous. People are up here hiking, sweating, running, skiing, with kids and pets. Fishing with worms. STILL IN A PANDEMIC, YO. After two days that gets pretty unsanitary. People need showers and baths. Don't skimp on that hot water in the shower only (all the other faucets in the house have damn hot water, ongoing) - and I'm pretty sure an inspection would show that "rigged" faucet job not up to any code. Either OFFER hot water or DON'T. But don't represent that you have it and then make it hard for people to even rinse off in a shower, literally across is he sink with 130 degree water. Silly!

@AnnaH207 · Camped on Oct 12, 2021 at Campsite #1

Would have liked it more if the power hadn't gone out and then when my husband travelled to where there was cell service he was told "It does that, it should be back soon, doesn't usually last more than a couple of hours." Not exactly helpful. Other than that our trip was quiet and just what our family needed to unplug. The kitchen was well stocked although a few extra forks (there were only four) would come in handy.

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