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Submission
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 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 ranger cabin sits on the boarder 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. For more information visit the park's website.
We stayed only one night, but it’s one of our best memories in the US. Please keep this place out of the crowd of tourists…
I love this ranger cabin! My husband and I have stayed here twice. If you're looking for something remote, quiet, peaceful, restful yet interesting with lots of history and cool places to explore, this cabin is for you. It's near the border of the Petrified National Forest with several hiking trails nearby. Its off the grid but has solar and windpower, and has a nearby spring that provides running water in the cabin. The cabin has everything you need to cook, clean and rest. A 4x4 is required to get to the cabin and the road can be very muddy at times, but well worth it!
If you are looking for ultimate privacy away from all the city lights then this is the place to come. Perfect cabin get-a-way for two, in a remote location. the dirt road to the cabin is a bit rough and you must drive slow but the views are worth the stay. Plan on bringing everything you need just incase. There is a grocery store in Holbrook which is about a 20 minute drive from the highway entrance to the cabin. If you are looking to purchase some Petrified Wood of your own then i recommend the Painted Desert Indian Center across the highway.
My friends and I were out under the uninhibited stars for three days with the Devil's Playground a mere jaunt from where we slept.
Was there something supernatural? Maybe. Did we experience intense situations that could only be explained by demon or alien interference? Maybe.
Mostly, this opened my eyes to the raw living joy under the Milky Way.
Oh, and there is still a haunting voice I just can't shake that occupies my dreams.
I'm sure that's nothing to worry about.
