Canelo Ranger Residence

Overview 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.

Optimize your stay (3-minute video)  

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  

Facilities 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. 

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  

Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (520) 378-0311.

ATTENTION – ROAD ACCESS CHANGES – (4/28/2026)

Former access to the Canelo Cabins using Membrillo Lane has changed and restricted public access from crossing private land.  A newly constructed public access route has been constructed to access the Canelo Cabins.  The new access route is located 0.6 miles to the west of Membrillo Lane on HWY 83. GPS navigation services may take a while to adjust to the change and direct you in on Membrillo lane

Signage along HWY 83 for the Canelo facilities, at the time of writing this, are still in their original location as we work with ADOT to modify the signs.   

From Tucson:

Follow I-10 W and AZ-83 South to Membrillo Lane in Santa Cruz County (69.1 miles)

Turn L on Forest Road 4623, located just past Whispers Horse Ranch. FR 4623 is 0.6 before Membrillo Lane

Continue on FR4653 for approximately 1.1 miles to reach the Cabin.

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 Turn L on Forest Road 4623, located just past Whispers Horse Ranch. FR 4623 is 0.6 before Membrillo Lane

Continue on FR4653 for approximately 1.1 miles to reach the Cabin.

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 on Forest Road 4623, located just past Whispers Horse Ranch. FR 4623 is 0.6 before Membrillo Lane […]