Near Sedona in Yavapai County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

A Canyon Retreat: Mayhew Lodge

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 23, 2016

1. A Canyon Retreat: Mayhew Lodge Marker

Captions: (bottom left) Mayhew Lodge; (center left) Clark Gable; (center right) Jimmy Stewart).

Inscription. A cool canyon sanctuary at the confluence of two creeks Mayhew Lodge, constructed of hand-smoothed logs and adorned with a towering rock chimney, was a rustic retreat attracting politicians, and movie stars. But this grand lodge had primitive beginnings.
In the early 1870s, when there was no road or electricity and grizzly bears still roamed Oak Creek Canyon, a hunter known as Bear Howard built the first cabin on site. Howard earned his nickname after a friend was mauled to death, an event that prompted Bear to hunt and kill every grizzly in the canyon, and according to local legend, sometimes with only a knife.
Then years after Bear built the original cabin, the Thomas family enlarged the cabin and planted apple orchards. Over time, other families homesteaded here.
Western writer Zane Grey's travels through the canyon inspired his novel, Call of the Canyon. In 1923, Flagstaff photographer Carl Mayhew came to this site to work on a film of Grey's novel. Mathew purchased the property, added on to the existing cabin, and opened Mayhew Lodge to guests in 1926. The Mayhew family operated the lodge through 1968. Mayhew's canyon resort gained national and international fame and catered to may notable guests including President Herbert Hoover, Jimmy Stewart and Walt Disney. Another famous

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guest, Clark Gable even celebrated an anniversary at the lodge.

A Picture of the Past The Forest Service acquired this property in 1968 but closed it to the public, lacking funds for restoration. In 1980 a fire burned the entire complex, leaving only the foundations you see today.
The lodge fireplace and some of the wall still stand. Behind you are the remains of a cabin that was converted to chicken coop, as well as an opening in the cliff wall that was likely used by early settlers for food storage.

Erected by Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #31 Herbert Hoover series list.

Location. 34° 59.299′ N, 111° 44.756′ W. Marker is near Sedona, Arizona, in Yavapai County. Marker can be reached from Shady Lane near Arizona Route 89A. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sedona AZ 86336, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Indian Gardens (approx. 5½ miles away); Van Deren Cabin (approx. 6.3 miles away); Wilson Mtn. Trail (approx. 7.1 miles away); Jordan Tractor Shed

A Canyon Retreat: Mayhew Lodge Marker with the foundation of the Mayhew Lodge in the background image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 23, 2016

2. A Canyon Retreat: Mayhew Lodge Marker with the foundation of the Mayhew Lodge in the background

(approx. 7.7 miles away); Jordan Farmhouse (approx. 7.7 miles away); Fruit Packing House (approx. 7.7 miles away); Orchards (1890 - 1970) (approx. 7.7 miles away); Van Deren Ranch (approx. 7.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sedona.

More about this marker. The Mayhew Lodge site is located on the Call of the Canyon Trail about 1/2 mile from the trailhead at the Oak Creek Canyon parking lot.

The Mayhew Lodge Cabins/Chicken Coop image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 23, 2016

3. The Mayhew Lodge Cabins/Chicken Coop

Early food storage cave image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 23, 2016

4. Early food storage cave

Credits. This page was last revised on October 31, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 2,069 times since then and 204 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 31, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.