Canelo Ranger Office
The Canelo Ranger Office is a single story, one bedroom bungalow at the base of the Canelo Hills approximately 15 miles southeast of Sonoita, Arizona. The building, also known as the "Canelo Little House", was constructed in 1932/33 and served as the office of the District Ranger for surrounding National Forest lands, then part of the Huahcuca 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 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.
The Canelo Ranger Office is a three-room residence, suitable for groups of up to 4 people. The house has one combined living area and bedroom, one bathroom, and an eat-kitchen. The bedroom has a queen-size bed and a double sized futon. The bathroom has an easy-entry shower, sink, and toilet. The dining room is furnished with a table and seating for two. 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. If you plan to build an outdoor fire, please check for fire restrictions in the Coronado National Forest.
Need to Know
Pets are not permitted inside or outside of the cabin.
Unfortunately, due to a history of pet owners inadequately cleaning up after their pets, pets are no longer allowed. Forest Service staff have limited time to complete weekly cabin cleaning. Cleaning service is not cost effective due to the rural location of the cabins. Eliminating the need to vacuum pet hair, neutralize odors, and pick up poop frees up staff time to clean cabin amenities and address repair needs.
Access to the cabin is via a driveway on the south side of the facility, accessible by passenger car. Please DO NOT DISTURB the private residences at the end of the road and those down the driveways on the right before the cabin. The roadway must remain clear. Park in designated areas and not on the roadside.
The public is advised that the Ranger Office occurs within an active Forest Administrative Site. As such, you might see Forest and/or Ranger District employees in the area or working at the adjacent buildings. Please ensure your vehicles are parked in close proximity to the parking area, and are not blocking Membrillo Lane.
Cleaning service is NOT provided. Before leaving, renters are expected to clean the cabin; this includes washing dishes, sweeping and mopping floors, wiping down countertops, 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.
Keep the building and grounds clean to deter squirrel, mice, rats, bears, and other wildlife from area.
Cell phone coverage is unreliable in this location.
The house is located in a desert environment; please be aware that scorpions, snakes and other insects may be present at any time.
Reservation dates are subject to inclement weather. The road to the cabin is not plowed when there is snow, so if snowfall is heavy enough, the cabin may be closed.
This cabin does not honor Golden Passport Discounts.
Group events are not allowed. The capacity of the cabin is 4 people.
The house key is located in a lock box on the front door nearest to the parking area. The combination for the lock box is provided once a reservation is made.
Natural Features
The Canelo Hills are a low mountain range that serve as a connector between the Huachuca Mountains to the east and the Patagonia 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.
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 access to nearby vineyards in the Sonoita-Elgin area.
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Tucson, take Interstate-10 east to the turnoff for Highway 83 south. Cross Highway 82 south in Sonoita to stay on Highway 83. Travel for approximately 17.1 miles. Turn left on Membrillo Lane, looking for a sign indicating "Canelo Work Center". After approximately 0.5 miles you will pass the Canelo Ranger Office on your left. The closest stores, amenities and gasoline are located in Sonoita.
