Cabin Trail

The Cabin Trail is a moderately difficult trail in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest that provides a longer route than the Discovery Trail, but a shorter distance that the Methuselah Trail which it overlaps for a good portion of.Covering a distance of 3 miles, the Cabin Trail traverses a rocky path that passes by the remaining cabin structures and dirt pits and shafts of the Mexican Mine before passing through part of the bristlecone pine grove. The trail contains views of mountain ranges to the east and west of the White Mountains, and offers a few benches for resting and taking in the view. Beginning at the Visitor Center building, hikers can head out on the Cabin Trail in either direction, however we suggest taking the path in a counterclockwise direction which saves most of the bland portion and the steeper uphill option the trail for the beginning, letting hikers end it with a walk through the tree grove and a gradual downhill slope. The trail overlaps with a portion of the Methuselah Trail, however trims off about 1.5 miles of that hike's distance by following a more direct route back toward the trailhead. Walking past stands of bristlecone pines, this trail is at a high elevation, with a good amount of elevation gain and loss over its course. Hikers should dress for much cooler high elevation temperatures when attempting this trail, and should be prepared for a slower walk amidst the thinner oxygen.A few interpretive signs dot the path and explain the history of the Mexican Mine.To hike the trail in a counterclockwise direction, hikers can look for the trail near the outhouse bathroom building to the right of the Visitor Center.When open, water, rangers and park information is available inside the Visitor Center. During the winter season, only the outdoor bathrooms remain available.