Mayhew Lodge at West Fork Trail: A Hidden Story -

Local legend, Bear Howard, built the first cabin here in the 1870’s. As the story goes he set out to kill all of the grizzly bears in Sedona to avenge his friend’s death. Years later other families chose this place to homestead. Mayhew Lodge just off the West Fork Trail.

Tip: Read our full hiking guide for West Fork → West Fork Trail Hike.

Table of Contents

Mayhew Chicken Coop

One of the first things you’ll notice on West Fork Trail is the old Mayhew Chicken Coop. This large stone and wood structure supported the family and guests with chickens and eggs.

Mayhew Cabin Remnants Sedona — Mayhew Chicken Coop

Nearby you’ll see a hole in the red rock. Walk through the tall grass to explore.

Mayhew Cabin root cellar West Fork Trail Sedona — Mayhew Cabin root cellar

It’s fun to explore, so take a peek inside

In 1923, Carly Mayhew visited this site to work on a film about Zane Grey’s travels in the canyon. A few years later he purchased the property. He had a vision, expanded on the cabin to create a lodge with a stunning red rock backdrop, apple orchards and even a swimming pool for guests.

Mayhew Lodge Remains

To see the ruins of what was once Mayhew Lodge you will need to veer to the left of the trail and work your way down towards Oak Creek.

What a beautiful setting for a lodge. You can imagine how peaceful it was in the 1920’s.

The lodge ran until the 1960’s where it was then sold to the U.S. Forest Service. Unfortunately the lodge was burned to the ground in 1980 under suspicious circumstances.

The Fireplace

The lodge is just off the main path here. The remains of the fireplace that guests would warm themselves near.

When I was a teenager I had an odd obsession with old black and white films. Specifically, watched a lot of Jimmy Stewart films. I find it fascinating that he stayed here. Other famous people have also visited here notably, the former U.S. President Hoover, actor Clark Gable and Walt Disney himself.

As you continue walking you’ll see the main remaining wall of the original lodge. It had a doorway and a circular window.

The stone wall with a circle window is the remaining last wall of the lodge. I first photographed the lodge in 2011 and the wall was intact creating the perfect view of the trees and canyon.