We have been renting the Portal Bunkhouse for about 5 years. Allways a great experience. This last visit, we had planned to cook on the grill that has been provided, but the propane cylinder was missing. We called the number listed on the door for questions, asking why this was missing, maybe due to fire restrictions, were prompted to leave a message for a man named Don, (who said that texting would be the best way to communicate, which we did) but we never received an answer. What is the point of having support if the person responsible will not respond?

We have been renting the Portal Bunkhouse for about 5 years. Allways a great experience. This last visit, we had planned to cook on the grill that has been provided, but the propane cylinder was missing. We called the number listed on the door for questions, asking why this was missing, maybe due to fire restrictions, were prompted to leave a message for a man named Don, (who said that texting would be the best way to communicate, which we did) but we never received an answer. What is the point of having support if the person responsible will not respond?

Awesome position in Cave Creek Canyon. Bunkhouse was clean and as expected for a historic property, but the toilet didn’t flush and we used the portopotty at the VIC next door. It was tough to get cell service to call in the repair during business hours with our hiking plans, so we chose to avoid using it and call in the repair after. When i did call it in, the USFS manager was very responsive. Inconvenient for the price, though.

Awesome position in Cave Creek Canyon. Bunkhouse was clean and as expected for a historic property, but the toilet didn’t flush and we used the portopotty at the VIC next door. It was tough to get cell service to call in the repair during business hours with our hiking plans, so we chose to avoid using it and call in the repair after. When i did call it in, the USFS manager was very responsive. Inconvenient for the price, though.

Awesome position in Cave Creek Canyon. Bunkhouse was clean and as expected for a historic property, but the toilet didn’t flush and we used the portopotty at the VIC next door. It was tough to get cell service to call in the repair during business hours with our hiking plans, so we chose to avoid using it and call in the repair after. When i did call it in, the USFS manager was very responsive. Inconvenient for the price, though.

We had a very good time! That area is great for rock hounds. You can find a lot of finely layered metamorphic rocks, quartz, some volcanic minerals including obsidian, and stromatolites. There are more whitetail deer than you can shake a stick at. The stargazing is awesome when the sky is clear. However, there are a few things that could be improved about the Bunkhouse. The heaters are not adequate for cold weather. If you go in the winter, take plenty of warm blankets. There is a leak in the roof near the exterior door in the kitchen between the door and the window. There is not enough light in the kitchen, especially near the sink. The propane barbecue is in bad shape (heating element is rusting away) so we didn't try to use it. Some advice: Take more toilet paper and more food than you think you will need. Out of three cell phones (all on Verizon), only one was able to make and receive calls; very strange. WiFi was very spotty. We were lucky; the people staying there before us did a really good job of cleaning it up.

We had a very good time! That area is great for rock hounds. You can find a lot of finely layered metamorphic rocks, quartz, some volcanic minerals including obsidian, and stromatolites. There are more whitetail deer than you can shake a stick at. The stargazing is awesome when the sky is clear. However, there are a few things that could be improved about the Bunkhouse. The heaters are not adequate for cold weather. If you go in the winter, take plenty of warm blankets. There is a leak in the roof near the exterior door in the kitchen between the door and the window. There is not enough light in the kitchen, especially near the sink. The propane barbecue is in bad shape (heating element is rusting away) so we didn't try to use it. Some advice: Take more toilet paper and more food than you think you will need. Out of three cell phones (all on Verizon), only one was able to make and receive calls; very strange. WiFi was very spotty. We were lucky; the people staying there before us did a really good job of cleaning it up.

We had a very good time! That area is great for rock hounds. You can find a lot of finely layered metamorphic rocks, quartz, some volcanic minerals including obsidian, and stromatolites. There are more whitetail deer than you can shake a stick at. The stargazing is awesome when the sky is clear. However, there are a few things that could be improved about the Bunkhouse. The heaters are not adequate for cold weather. If you go in the winter, take plenty of warm blankets. There is a leak in the roof near the exterior door in the kitchen between the door and the window. There is not enough light in the kitchen, especially near the sink. The propane barbecue is in bad shape (heating element is rusting away) so we didn't try to use it. Some advice: Take more toilet paper and more food than you think you will need. Out of three cell phones (all on Verizon), only one was able to make and receive calls; very strange. WiFi was very spotty. We were lucky; the people staying there before us did a really good job of cleaning it up.

The cabin has a unique rustic feel and is comfortable. There are a couple of trails close by and plenty to do in the area. I want to alert visitors that toilet paper, trash bags and trash pick up are not provided. One is expected to haul out their trash. There are several campgrounds close by that provide the services to campers, but not to the cabin. The main issue we had was the wood floors. They were absolutely filthy! I didn't mind sweeping and dust mopping the floors. However, even if I knew how to properly clean wood floors, I don't think guests should be expected to scrub floors. The broom, dust mop, rag mop, and toilet brush are all filthy and worn. They really need to be replaced. Having said all that, we enjoyed the experience and will return for future stays.

The cabin has a unique rustic feel and is comfortable. There are a couple of trails close by and plenty to do in the area. I want to alert visitors that toilet paper, trash bags and trash pick up are not provided. One is expected to haul out their trash. There are several campgrounds close by that provide the services to campers, but not to the cabin. The main issue we had was the wood floors. They were absolutely filthy! I didn't mind sweeping and dust mopping the floors. However, even if I knew how to properly clean wood floors, I don't think guests should be expected to scrub floors. The broom, dust mop, rag mop, and toilet brush are all filthy and worn. They really need to be replaced. Having said all that, we enjoyed the experience and will return for future stays.