Caldwell Cabin, Apache

Fishing in Arizona

Caldwell Cabin

Photo: Alan Stark from Goodyear, AZ, United States / CC BY-SA 2.0

Fishing 7,585 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 95/100 (remote)
Caldwell Cabin allows up to six visitors to step back in time to a more rustic and historical era in eastern Arizona. Originally constructed in the 1920s, it was a one-room homestead, but the cabin was expanded around 1940, to include a bathroom, small bedroom and living room with a fireplace. Visitors can relax on the front porch and take in the scenic views, or head out for a day of nearby hiking, mountain biking or fishing. The cabin can be accessed by driving approximately 30 miles southwest of the town of Alpine. Some of the roads are gravel. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation A short drive takes visitors to the Black River Mainstream Trail, which is great for hiking. The Black River is a popular fishing area for trout anglers. From the cabin, guests can watch the sunset from the front porch, dine by the fireplace or walk across the meadow to an overlook of the river. Facilities The cabin has many amenities to help visitors feel at home. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, propane stove, propane refrigerator, solar-powered lights, a sink and fold-down bed from the oiginal homestead. Kitchen supplies include pots, pans, utensils, dishes, a perculating coffee pot and can opener. There are two picnic tables and a campfire ring in front of the cabin and two Adirondack chairs on the porch. Lawn chairs are not provided, but are a nice addition if guests would like to bring their own. Visitors must supply their own bedding (including pillows), towels, flashlight, garbage bags, dish washing supplies, toilet paper, food, axe for splitting firewood, and matches and newspaper for starting a fire in the fireplace. Extra warm clothes and rain clothing are suggested. Users must pack out all food and trash and clean the cabin thoroughly, including dishes, floors and counters, prior to checking out of the cabin. Lights and appliances must also be turned off and the door locked. Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache National Forest, which encompasses millions of acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona. Amentities Within the cabin: beds, broom & dust pan, bunkbeds, campfire ring, cooking pots, cooking utensils, drinking water, fireplace, flush toilet, electricity, mattresses, picnic tables, propane cook stove, propane refrigerator, tables and chairs. Things You'll Need: food, toilet paper and paper towels, bedding and towels, map and compass, spare clothing (rain clothing suggested), sunscreen, trash bags, sunglasses, dish soap and towels, flashlight. Natural Features The cabin sits at an elevation of 8,000 feet, in the White Mountains of Arizona. It is nestled among tall ponderosa pine trees and overlooks a large grassy meadow. Because of the high elevation, summer temperatures are pleasant and cool, providing a nice respite from the heat of lower deserts. Nearby Attractions Activities within 10 miles of the cabin: fFishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, off-road vehicle riding, river access and birding.

Near Alpine, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Caldwell Cabin, Apache

A well-packed bag handles most of what this area can throw at you.

Between the Forest terrain and venomous snakes, your pack for Caldwell Cabin needs a few specific items.

Essential

  • Water (minimum 2L) — Water sources marked on maps may be seasonal or dry; carrying enough to complete your route prevents a dangerous shortfall.
  • Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Getting lost is the leading cause of backcountry search-and-rescue calls; reliable navigation prevents the situation entirely.
  • Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Prolonged sun exposure causes headaches, fatigue, and heat exhaustion that can cut a trip short or create a medical emergency.
  • First aid kit — Remote locations mean longer response times for help; a first aid kit bridges the gap between injury and professional care.
  • Extra food — High-energy snacks weigh little but provide crucial fuel if you need to bushwhack out or wait for conditions to improve.
  • Headlamp with extra batteries — Hands-free light is essential for navigating uneven terrain, setting up camp, or signaling for help at night.
  • Fire starter — Waterproof matches or a ferro rod weigh almost nothing and can be the difference between a cold night and a survivable one.
  • Emergency shelter (space blanket) — Wind and rain strip heat faster than most people realize; a compact emergency shelter blocks both.
  • Knife or multi-tool — A multi-tool handles problems you can't predict: jammed zippers, tangled line, first-aid tape cutting, or gear fixes on the trail.
  • Extra clothing layer — A lightweight fleece or puffy stuffs small but provides critical insulation if temperatures drop unexpectedly.

Wildlife Gear

  • Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — A companion can help with first aid, signaling, and decision-making if a wildlife encounter turns serious.
  • Noise maker — Group noise is especially important in dense brush or near berry patches where bears may be feeding and less alert.
  • Gaiters — Thick gaiters deflect fangs before they reach skin, buying critical time in areas with rattlesnakes or copperheads.
  • First-aid snakebite kit — Knowing how to immobilize a limb, mark swelling progression, and avoid harmful folk remedies can improve outcomes.

Climate Gear

  • Insulated layers — Modern synthetic or down insulation packs small and weighs little, making it easy to carry just in case.
  • Hand warmers — Disposable warmers weigh almost nothing and provide 8+ hours of steady heat in gloves or pockets.
  • Thermos — In freezing conditions, warm liquids help prevent the calorie drain your body spends on staying warm.

Terrain Gear

  • Headlamp (extra) — Cave exploration, deep canyons, and dense forest canopy create darkness even during daylight hours.
  • Emergency bivy — Unlike a space blanket, a bivy fully encloses you, trapping more warmth and blocking wind from all directions.
  • PLB/satellite messenger — In remote wilderness with no cell coverage, a PLB is your only way to call for help during a serious injury or emergency.
  • SPF50 lip balm — High elevation, snow glare, and desert sun amplify UV exposure on exposed facial skin, especially lips.

Seasonal Gear

  • Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
  • Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
  • Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Caldwell Cabin, Apache

The Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr is the prime window for visiting Caldwell Cabin, when conditions favor birdwatching and the weather cooperates.

With a photography score of 65/100, Caldwell Cabin offers Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.

Activities

  • birdwatching — Binoculars and field guides help track seasonal migrations and rare sightings.
  • camping — Camping offers campfires, starry nights, and mornings filled with birdsong.
  • glamping — Glamping blends outdoor immersion with convenience and style.
  • horseback_riding — Horseback riding offers a traditional way to travel through scenic terrain.
  • ice_fishing — Ice fishing requires proper gear and careful attention to ice safety.
  • ice_skating — Ice skating combines recreation with crisp seasonal air.
  • off_roading — Off-roading explores remote landscapes beyond paved roads.
  • photography — Golden hour and dramatic weather can transform ordinary scenes into striking images.
  • picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
  • rv_camping — RV camping blends outdoor living with modern amenities.
  • sightseeing — Sightseeing highlights iconic vistas, waterfalls, and unique rock formations.
  • stargazing — Bring a blanket and let your eyes adjust to witness the Milky Way overhead.
  • walking — Walking lets you slow down and notice details — wildflowers, birdsong, shifting light through trees.
  • wildlife_viewing — Early mornings and dusk offer the best chances to quietly spot native wildlife.

Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Terrain: Forest — This terrain features mature trees, fallen logs, and filtered light beneath a closed canopy. Trails may wind through uneven roots and soft organic soil.

Wildlife Safety at Caldwell Cabin, Apache

A few species in this area warrant awareness — here's what to keep in mind.

Caldwell Cabin carries a danger score of 30/10, driven primarily by venomous snakes.

Danger rating: 30/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate
  • Mountain lions
  • Venomous snakes
  • Remote (157mi from city)
Altitude risk: mild
UV risk: high (Southern latitude (34N), Elevated (7,585ft), Forest canopy (shade))
Photo score: 65/100
  • Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
  • 3 excellent meteor showers
  • Fall foliage
  • Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

Watch your step — Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder, Arizona Coral Snake are present in the Forest habitat around Caldwell Cabin.

Western Diamondback

Typically gray to brown with sharply defined dark diamonds bordered in pale scales.

Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.

Mojave

Color ranges from greenish-gray to brown, often blending with desert soils.

Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.

Sidewinder

Light tan or sandy coloration with darker blotches along the back.

Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.

Arizona Coral Snake

Red bands touch yellow bands, a key identifying feature.

Seek emergency medical care immediately.

  • Watch where you step and place hands
  • Stay on trails
  • Wear boots and long pants in snake country
  • Do not reach under rocks or logs
  • If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
  • Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Caldwell Cabin, Apache

The Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

Biodiversity at Caldwell Cabin is shaped by the Forest terrain and Temperate climate, producing distinct plant and animal communities.

Trees (2)

  • Gambel Oak
    Gambel Oak — Gambel oak is a small to medium deciduous tree with deeply lobed leaves that resemble classic oak shapes.
  • Southwestern Ponderosa Pine
    Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Southwestern Ponderosa Pine is a large, long-needled conifer adapted to dry, high-elevation forests.

Wildflowers (6)

  • upright prairie coneflower
    upright prairie coneflower — Slender upright stems with deeply divided leaves.
  • Woods' rose
    Woods' rose — Arching thorny stems with pinnate leaves.
  • golden columbine
    golden columbine — Delicate divided leaves beneath slender stems.
  • manyflowered gromwell
    manyflowered gromwell — Rough hairy leaves on upright stems.
  • cutleaf coneflower
    cutleaf coneflower — Deeply divided leaves along upright stalks.

Other Plants (5)

  • western blue flag
  • Scarlet Gilia
  • great mullein
  • MacDougal verbena
  • scarlet cinquefoil

Mammals (7)

  • Wapiti
    Wapiti — Bulls carry massive branching antlers that can span over four feet.
  • Bighorn Sheep
    Bighorn Sheep — Rams carry massive curled horns.
  • Mule Deer
    Mule Deer — Coat ranges from tawny brown in summer to gray-brown in winter.
  • Pronghorn
    Pronghorn — Both sexes have short, curved horns with a forward prong.
  • Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
    Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel — Two bold stripes run along the back but none on the face.

Birds (11)

  • Wild Turkey
    Wild Turkey — Male with fan-shaped tail and red wattle
  • Canada Goose
    Canada Goose — Pale-breasted form with lighter body plumage
  • Dark-eyed Junco
    Dark-eyed Junco — Oregon form with dark hood and brown back
  • Mountain Bluebird
    Mountain Bluebird — Paler female with gray tones
  • Bufflehead
    Bufflehead — Female with small cheek spot

Reptiles (5)

  • Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
    Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — Often displays small black spots between the stripes.
  • Greater Short-horned Lizard
    Greater Short-horned Lizard — Color matches surrounding soil in browns and grays.
  • Ornate Tree Lizard
    Ornate Tree Lizard — Males may show bluish patches on the belly.
  • Southwestern Fence Lizard
    Southwestern Fence Lizard — Males show bright blue patches on the belly and throat.
  • Plateau Fence Lizard
    Plateau Fence Lizard — Males show blue belly patches.

Amphibians (3)

  • Arizona Tree Frog
    Arizona Tree Frog
  • Western Tiger Salamander
    Western Tiger Salamander
  • Arizona Toad
    Arizona Toad

Insects (12)

  • Blue Fungus Beetle
    Blue Fungus Beetle
  • Ridings' Satyr
    Ridings' Satyr
  • Nokomis Fritillary
  • Common Ringlet
    Common Ringlet
  • Ruddy Copper
    Ruddy Copper

Fungi (6)

  • lobster mushroom
    lobster mushroom
  • Barrow's Bolete
  • Kaibab Jack
    Kaibab Jack
  • Spring Polypore
    Spring Polypore
  • Floccularia albolanaripes

Other Wildlife (1)

  • Speckled Dace

Nature Bingo at Caldwell Cabin, Apache

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Botany Challenge

Caldwell Cabin, Apache Climate & Sun

Use this climate breakdown to plan around the weather.

Temperature and precipitation data for Caldwell Cabin help narrow down the ideal visit window.

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 46.9°F

Annual precipitation: 23.9 in

With an average annual temperature of 46.9°F and 23.9 inches of precipitation, Caldwell Cabin has cool, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 64°F, while winter lows drop to 32°F.

Best months to visit: May, Jun, Sep. Consider avoiding: Jan, Dec.

Month Avg Temp Precip
Jan 32°F 2.5 in
Feb 34°F 2.2 in
Mar 39°F 2.0 in
Apr 44°F 0.8 in
May 51°F 0.7 in
Jun 61°F 0.6 in
Jul 64°F 3.8 in
Aug 63°F 3.6 in
Sep 58°F 2.3 in
Oct 48°F 1.6 in
Nov 39°F 1.6 in
Dec 32°F 2.2 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.9 hours in winter to 14.4 hours in summer — a difference of 4.5 hours.

Summer: 5:06 AM – 7:28 PM

Winter: 7:14 AM – 5:10 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:14 AM, Sunset 5:10 PM Golden hour from 4:32 PM
Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:06 AM, Sunset 7:28 PM Golden hour from 6:52 PM
Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:29 AM, Sunset 6:24 PM Golden hour from 5:51 PM
Fall Equinox: Sunrise 5:59 AM, Sunset 6:25 PM Golden hour from 5:52 PM

Caldwell Cabin, Apache Trip Planning & Access

With the lay of the land covered, here are the trip planning details.

At 157 miles from Phoenix, Caldwell Cabin is a longer road trip for most visitors.

Nearest city: Phoenix (157 mi)
Estimated fuel cost: $39.26 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)
Carbon footprint: 126.9 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Visitor friendliness: families (excellent), dogs (likely_allowed), elderly (highly_suitable).

  • Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
  • Families: excellent
  • Elderly: highly_suitable
  • Strollers: excellent (100/100)
  • Beginners: Good starting point (Good information available (+5))
  • Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)

Places Near Caldwell Cabin, Apache

Nearby trails, campgrounds, and attractions expand what you can do on this trip.

Don't limit your trip to just Caldwell Cabin — the surrounding area has 12 more places to discover.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Caldwell Cabin, Apache

Don't pack up when the sun goes down — the night sky here has plenty to offer.

Night falls differently here — the Bortle 2 rating means Typical truly dark site visibility for stars, planets, and meteor showers.

Bortle 2 Typical truly dark site

Constellations

Look for Ursa Minor, Cepheus — all visible from this location depending on the season.

  • Ursa Minor
    Ursa Minor — This compact constellation contains Polaris at the end of its handle, a reliable guide to true north.
  • Cepheus
    Cepheus — Named for a mythological king, this constellation sits beside Cassiopeia and is circumpolar in northern latitudes.

Meteor Showers

For meteor viewing, the Geminids (December 13-14) offers the best show at this location.

  • Geminids
    Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)

    Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.

  • Quadrantids
    Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)

    Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.

  • Perseids
    Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)

    Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.

  • Eta Aquariids
    Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)

    Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.

  • Delta Aquariids
    Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)

    This steady shower rewards patient observers in dark, moonless conditions.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

  • Venus
    Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
  • Jupiter
    Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
  • Saturn
    Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
  • Mars
    Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

  • Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
  • Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
  • Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

  • Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
  • Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
  • Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
  • Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
  • Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
  • Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

  • Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
  • Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Caldwell Cabin, Apache

Different seasons reveal different sides of Caldwell Cabin.

Nature at Caldwell Cabin follows a seasonal calendar — here's when to come for what you want to see.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 15 – November 5

Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen

Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: March - April

Fall peak: October - November

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Caldwell Cabin, Apache

This landscape holds cultural significance that extends far beyond recreation.

The cultural landscape of Caldwell Cabin reflects the long presence of Chiricahua Apache, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache) on this land.

Languages

1 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: White Mountain.

Data from Native Land Digital

Caldwell Cabin, Apache Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Caldwell Cabin sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type
Pliocene to middle Miocene deposits
Lithology
Major:{conglomerate,sandstone}, Minor:{mudstone,siltstone,limestone,gypsum}
Age
Cenozoic

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites
11
Richness
Moderate
Minerals Found
Sand and Gravel, Construction, Volcanic Materials

Endangered Species

Species at Risk
2513
ESA Endangered
61
ESA Threatened
31
Conservation Score
100/100

Temperature Records

Record High
105°F (1970-07-14)
Record Low
-18°F (1990-12-23)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires
211
Largest Fire
Wallow (538,051.6 acres)
Most Recent
2024
Fire Risk
Extreme

Watershed

Watershed
Grant Creek
Water Quality (Good)
0%
Impaired
0%

Reported Phenomena

Bigfoot Reports
1 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score
8/100

Caldwell Cabin, Apache Safety & Conditions

For up-to-the-minute safety information, use these official resources.

Don't rely on forecasts alone — check these live sources for the latest conditions near Caldwell Cabin.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone
Nearest weather station: ALPINE, AZ US (14.61 mi)

Coordinates: 33.746389, -109.369167

Packing List Star Guide ↑ Top
Caldwell Cabin
Arizona · 7,585 ft · Fishing · 33.7464°N, -109.3692°W

Emergency Information

In case of emergency: Call 911

Nearest town: Alpine, AZ

Venomous snakes present — Watch where you step (Western Diamondback,Mojave,Sidewinder,Arizona Coral Snake)