Winter is the reward that nature gives desert dwellers for surviving the dragon-breath days of summer. For the next few months, the desert feels so deliciously mild there’s not much reason to leave. Unless, of course, you crave an old-fashioned taste of the season.
There’s nothing wrong with chill in the air and snow on the ground. Especially if you’re warm and cozy in a cabin. Maybe there’s a crackling fire, or hot cocoa on the stove.
Treat yourself to a memorable winter getaway this year at one of these 10 cabins in Sedona, Flagstaff, Rim Country and the White Mountains.
Wooden Nickel Cabins, Christopher Creek
Tucked beneath the Mogollon Rim amid a dense pine forest, Wooden Nickel Cabins offer a picturesque winter setting. Cabins are wrapped in natural wood, floor to ceiling, and include comfy couches and a fireplace for an added dose of coziness. Each cabin has a queen bed, plus a loft with a queen bed and twin bunk beds. Full kitchens are stocked with appliances, dishes and silverware. Hiking trails and lakes are nearby. Cabins start at $129.
Details: 928-478-4519, woodennickelcabins.com.
Don Hoel’s Cabins, Sedona
For a century, Don Hoel’s Cabins have been part of the Oak Creek Canyon story. The first five cabins were built on the property in the 1920s. Today 20 rustic log cabins nestle in the shady woods close to picturesque West Fork Trail, just two miles north of Slide Rock State Park. Cabins come in different sizes, and include varying amenities such as kitchens, fireplaces and outdoor grills. There’s an onsite coffee house and guest have private access to the creek. Cabins start at $140.
Details: 928-203-7633, donhoelscabins.com.
Hannagan Meadow Lodge, Alpine
Built in 1926, Hannagan Meadow Lodge sits along the Coronado Trail National Scenic Byway, a stretch of US 191 that twists and turns along the eastern edge of the state. It’s about 23 miles south of Alpine. Hannagan Meadow features a handful of rooms and eight rustic cabins scattered in the timber. Cabins are adorned with antiques. You’ll have homemade quilts, fireplaces and rocking chairs but no television, telephone or cell service — a sweet trade-off for a few days. It’s a good spot for cross-country skiing. Cabins start at $145 and have full kitchens. But if you don’t feel like cooking, the dining room in the lodge has been serving meals since the 1930s.
Details: 928-339-4370, hannaganmeadow.com.
Lyman Lake State Park, St. Johns
At 6,000 feet elevation, Lyman Lake is the largest body of water in the White Mountains. Fishing and boating are popular activities year-round, and there are short hiking trails in the park. Eight camping cabins sit near the shore. Each cabin has a view of the lake and comes with a covered porch, bunk beds with mattresses, a table or bar counter, chairs, electricity, heat and air conditioning. Guests must provide their own linens and restrooms and showers are nearby. Camping cabin reservations are available by calling 877-697-2757. Cabins start at $80 per night. Visitors arriving with cabin reservations before 3:00 p.m. will be charged the park entrance fee of $10 per vehicle. The park is located 11 miles south of St. Johns on US 191.
Details: 928-337-4441, azstateparks.com.
Lake of the Woods, Lakeside
Whether you want to fish from your yard or just like to spend the morning with a cup of coffee gazing across still water, Lake of the Woods makes it possible. There are 26 cabins scattered across the resort property, which includes its own private lake stocked with rainbow trout. Some cabins sit right on the shoreline and others offer lake views. No fishing license is required. All cabins include fireplace, TV, kitchens or kitchenettes. They also offer seven condo-style units with up to five bedrooms to accommodate larger groups. Cabins start at $109 with a 2-night minimum.
Details: 928-368-5353, lakeofthewoodsaz.com.
Cabins on Strawberry Hill, Strawberry
At the Cabins on Strawberry Hill, you’ll find 14 knotty-pine A-frame chalets nestled amid the ponderosa pines. Hiking trails meander into the national forest and there are sledding hills nearby. Each cabin comes equipped with vaulted living room ceilings, kitchenettes, queen beds with Serta “5-Star” or “Luxury Suite” mattresses and a wood stove fireplace. Complementary wood is provided. The second bedroom is an open sleeping loft with either a queen bed or two twins. Cabins start at $298.48.
Details: 928-476-4252, azcabins.com.
Arizona Mountain Inn and Cabins, Flagstaff
Nestled in the ponderosa pines you’ll find the widest variety of cabins in the Flagstaff area. Surrounded by Coconino National Forest, Arizona Mountain Inn offers a high-country escape in the shadow of the San Francisco Peaks. All styles and sizes, from a cozy one-bedroom to a large Hogan-style cabin that can sleep 16 people, are hidden away on 13 secluded acres. Each cabin comes with a wood burning stove or fireplace and fully furnished kitchen or kitchenette. There are also three bed and breakfast suites in the Tudor-style inn. Cabins start at $182.
Details: 928-774-8959, arizonamountaininn.com.
Briar Patch Inn, Sedona
If you like a little pampering to go with your cabin adventure then the Briar Patch Inn is for you. Featuring 19 luxury cabins spread across nine acres of woodland in Oak Creek Canyon it offers an especially tranquil setting, any season of the year. A healthful breakfast is served each morning and spa services can be arranged. The same family has operated Briar Patch for more than 40 years. Cabins vary in size but each resonates with rustic charm and a celebration of southwestern style. Most have fireplaces and all have private patios but no television, phone or internet service. Rates start at $395 with a two-night minimum.
Details: 928-282-2342, briarpatchinn.com.
Northwoods Cabins, Pinetop
These family-owned cabins back up against a big swath of national forest. New owners took over in 2024 and are already making upgrades to the property. The 13 cabins come in a variety of sizes and styles, including a two-story chalet that sleeps 16. Each cabin features a covered porch, because no one travels to the White Mountains to hunker inside. Walk out the door and onto a hiking trail. It’s just a short jaunt to the White Mountain Nature Center and its popular raptor show, and Woodland Lake. Cabins start at $109.
Details: 928-367-2966, northwoodsaz.com.
Kentucky Camp, Sonoita
Don’t settle for just a cabin when you can spend a night in a lonely ghost town far from civilization. Kentucky Camp sits amid the grasslands that cloak the eastern flanks of the Santa Rita Mountains northwest of Sonoita. It served as the headquarters for the Santa Rita Water and Mining Co. from 1902 to 1906. Now maintained by the Forest Service, the site includes five adobes partially restored. The rustic cabin sleeps five people and has electricity, propane heat, kitchen appliances, but no running water. A vault toilet and outdoor sink are on the property. Since the Arizona Trail runs through Kentucky Camp, you’ll enjoy daytime hiking and dark night skies laden with stars. Reservations for the cabin, $75 nightly, can be made at recreation.gov.
Details: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233169.
Reporting by Roger Naylor, Special for The Republic / Arizona Republic
