Aldo Leopold House
Aldo Leopold House
Front Rooms
The Leopolds, circa 1912
Inside

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Private Bathroom Private Bathroom
Bedrooms Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity Sleeping Capacity
Kitchen Kitchen

About Aldo Leopold House

On February 2, 1912, Aldo Leopold (1887–1948) wrote to his fiancée, Estella Bergère, in Santa Fe that the Forest Service had appropriated $650 to build a new supervisor’s quarters he had designed at Tres Piedras, New Mexico, northwest of Taos. At the time, Leopold was about to become the new Forest Supervisor of the Carson National Forest in Tres Piedras. Later that year, he built the house, which the newly married couple decided to call “Mi Casita”. Leopold was transferred to Tres Piedras from the Apache National Forest in Arizona in 1911. It was here that he started to formulate his land ethic that would find its way into his classic, Sand County Almanac. He started to see land holistically and to recognize that this perspective was essential to its wise management. Today we call this ecosystem management. Aldo Leopold is considered by many to be the father of wildlife ecology.   The Aldo Leopold House offers exceptional three-season access and opportunities in this historic home only ½ hr. west of Taos, New Mexico. The home is a Craftsman Style Bungalow and was restored by Historicorps and the Carson NF in 2005.   This full-amenity house accommodates up to 8 people: two queen beds and 6 twins. Guests are responsible for their own safety and certain necessities (see below).  The house is located in a rural area of Northern New Mexico. There is very limited cell phone service and the nearest gas station is located in Antonito, Colorado. (30 mi north).    What should we bring? Potable water Bedding--sheets, blankets, sleeping bags, etc. Bath towels Kitchen towels Toilet paper Paper towels Soap Trash bags Personal items  Take all trash with you at the end of your stay. There is no trash service at the House. Check-in: 3:00 PM and Check-out: 11:00 AM

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
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Feb
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Apr
May
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Jul
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Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Private Bathroom Private Bathroom
Bedrooms Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity Sleeping Capacity
Kitchen Kitchen
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking

Cabin Interior

  • Private Bathroom
  • Toilet Type
  • Bedrooms
  • Sleeping Capacity
  • Kitchen
Cabin Outdoor Features

Cabin Outdoor Features

  • Deck or Patio

Views and Setting

  • View
Missing information?
Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.

Leopold House, Loop: Loop A

🏠 Cabin Select dates to check availability
  • 8 guests

Site Details

Up to 8 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Pull-Through
View Site Details

Reviews

15 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Guests had a delightful experience at the Aldo Leopold House, appreciating its beautiful, well-equipped interior and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Many highlighted the abundance of reading materials and the peaceful atmosphere, making it a great spot for relaxation and exploration. While some noted minor issues like porch furniture comfort and a mouse problem, the overall sentiment is one of gratitude for the preservation of the cabin and its historical significance.

Based on guest feedback

4.8

Overall rating

Based on 15 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 86.7% (13)
4 stars 6.7% (1)
3 stars 6.7% (1)
2 stars 0.0% (0)
1 star 0.0% (0)

Showing 15 reviews

Sarah S

Verified

July 23, 2025 Stayed at: Leopold House, Loop: Loop A

What a fun experience! The Forest Service has done a great job fixing up this cabin and providing a comfortable experience. Kitchen is fully stocked and there are even some extra blankets in the cabin. Lots of books and reading materials to entertain you! Bring camp chairs to sit on the porch. Be aware there is a mouse issue and have bins to put away ALL food in. We had a fun time exploring Hopewell Lake area, scrambling around in the rocks behind the cabin, and grabbing a meal at the Chili Line café across the street. Such a relaxing stay! For planning purposes, there are 4 bedrooms: one downstairs with a queen bed, three upstairs: one with a queen and twin, another with two twins, and another with three twins.

Helpful

Rusty Connor

Rusty Connor

May 9, 2025 Google Maps

The place was closed, but we walked around and peeked in the windows. If you're an Aldo fan, as I am, it's definitely worth the visit We'll go back when it's open. The Forest Service office nearby has info about it.

Helpful

WES Harman

WES Harman

October 29, 2020 Google Maps

Beautiful spot but be aware there appears to be no admittance by the public to the property. You can park next to the post office and get a nice photo of the site from next to the 'NO TRESPASSING' sign anyway.

Helpful

D J

D J

June 10, 2020 Google Maps

Ahhh...The Big Brown Bungalow, or the home of Brown. Aldo Leopold’s Mia Casita. What a beautiful bungalow, so much history. I was lucky enough to enter and see his painting and the fireplace 1st hand. The views from the front patio are what life is about. You can see places not for the meek in the Chili Line Depot (which is a must eat), you need not a paddle for the Tres Piedras Arroyo, and the old heavy load Tres Piedras lumber mill is just past that. The Tres Piedras water tower used to hold water high and is now a protected landmark. The blaze of the ol’ Chili Line Railway ran just across the way. One treasure of a place.

Please, respect the surrounding lands when the time comes. 💙

Helpful

Jorge efren Aragonez hielo

Jorge efren Aragonez hielo

June 21, 2019 Google Maps

Magnifico

Helpful

Location & Directions for Aldo Leopold House

13 Rodando Road, Tres Piedras, NM 87577 United States

Elevation: 2,481 ft

Getting There

Current (alternate) route to Leopold House Alternate Route--2025--Use this route!! (Click on this link to see map)

Due to the ongoing highway construction on Hwy. 285, your route to the house has changed. Disregard the original address and direc...

Nearest town

Tres Piedras, NM - 0.5 mi

About 2 min to downtown

Highway access

The Aldo Leopold House is accessible via US Highway 64, which is approximately 12 miles away to the south. This highway connects to other major routes in the region.

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

3PM

Check out time

11AM

General

  • Items to bring with you: potable water, bedding (sheets, blankets, sleeping bags, etc.), bath towels, kitchen towels, soap, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, and personal items.
  • Trash service is not available. Please take all of your trash with you.  
  • Smoking inside the house is prohibited
  • Pets are not permitted at the cabin. 
  • The Leopold House is located in a rural area. Emergency services are at least 45 minutes away. Cell phone service can be limited in the area. 
  • This is a historic house; please treat the house respectfully to prevent further wear.  
  • Keep all food inside the house enclosed in bins with lids and/or in the refrigerator. Bears and rodents are attracted to food.  
  • DO NOT use fireplace.  
  • The Leopold House is located at an active Forest Service Administrative site. Please do not block the entrance gate or access to the barn.  
  • Grills, campfires, and any outdoor cooking are NOT allowed on the back and front porches, nor within the area surrounding the house. Fire danger is always a concern in the Southwest.
  • This is a RUSTIC dwelling with limited amenities.
  • Beds and bathroom: One queen located on the first floor; one queen and six twin beds located on the second floor.There is ONE bathroom on the first floor that includes a toilet, vanity, and claw foot tub with a shower sprayer. There is no bathroom on the second floor.NOTE: The steps to the second floor are very steep and are not suitable for people with mobility issues.
  • After-hour emergencies: Contact Eric Garner at 907-209-1199, Richard Rubin at 575-200-4044, or Jennifer Sublett at 575-779-1895

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Last updated: November 3, 2026

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service