A Simple Desert Oasis

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 until 2015 when he transferred to the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park. Ranger Ross now allows backcountry hikers to enjoy the cabin by renting it out by the night or the week.

The ranger cabin is a rustic off grid cabin that offers almost 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.  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!

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.