National Register Listing

Hidden Forest Cabin

About 20 mi. N of Las Vegas on Hidden Forest Rd., Las Vegas, NV

The Hidden Forest Cabin has been used for various purposes dating back to the early 1900s. It is known to have been used by bootleggers during prohibition. According to legend, the cabin was used as a robbers hideout. The cabin was also used by prospectors and local ranching operations. The cabin was in fair condition when the Desert National Wildlife Range, then Desert Game Range, was initially staffed in 1938. An area just below the present site was initially recommended for the refuge headquarters in April 1938. It has been used as an overnight shelter for refuge personnel since that date.

Hidden Forest Cabin is presently located within the proposed Desert Wilderness Area and the Hidden Forest Canyon is a popular area among refuge visitors.

Much of the history surrounding the cabin and the associated area is open to debate. Unsubstantiated stories and legends concerning the area have multiplied over the past 20 years. Research could probably verify some history that has become exaggerated. This could be documented and utilized for the interpretation of this unique cabin.

Local significance of the building:
Agriculture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.