Lesley Morrell Line Cabin

Lesley Morrell, his family, and cowboys working his cattle, all used this cabin from 1935-1970.

NPS / S. Cotrell

Quick Facts

Location:

Cathedral (North) District

Significance:

Historic Line Cabin associated with ranching

Designation:

National Register of Historic Places, 1999

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot

The Lesley Morrell Line Cabin and Corral are some of the best-preserved resources representing ranching in Capitol Reef National Park. They exemplify the type of range improvements that became common in the two decades before World War II. 

According to the Morrell family, the cabin was built in the 1920s on Lake Creek (Thousand Lake Mountain) by Paul Christensen. It was a summer house for his family at their sawmill. Around 1935, Christensen gave up his sawmill and sold the cabin to Morrell, a local cattleman. Morrell took apart and moved the cabin to Cathedral Valley, where he reassembled it on its present location. The building served as winter camp for Morrell's cowboys until 1970, when the family sold the cabin to the National Park Service.

The Lesley Morrell Cabin was constructed during a time of drought and high livestock numbers. In a desert environment, the land couldn't support so many animals. Wide-spread damage from overgrazing made ranching unprofitable. The 1934 Taylor Grazing Act's goal was to deal with this environmental problem and make ranching profitable again.

Before the Taylor Grazing Act, huge roaming herds of cattle and sheep competed for scarce forage and grass in the Capitol Reef area. After 1934, a permit system divided the federal, public land into grazing allotments. These allotments were leased to local cattlemen by the Department of the Interior. It was hoped that local ranchers would be the most responsible and sensitive to environmental considerations. The permit system ended the era of wide-ranging, nomadic livestock grazing. The same ranchers now grazed in the same ranges from year to year. This new situation led to the construction of new wells and corrals, as well as line shacks, like the Morrell Cabin.

Have a Safe Visit

The Morrell Cabin is not accessible by vehicle. It is a short (0.4 miles/0.6 km roundtrip), easy walk from the road to the cabin. Download a map of Cathedral Valley trails. 

This short hike begins 1.8 miles (2.9 km) north of the junction of the Hartnet and Cathedral Roads, at the base of a series of steep, rocky switchbacks, approximately 28.1 miles (45.2 km) from Highway 24 (via the Cathedral Road). Park to the side of the road and follow the path 0.2 mile (0.3 km) to the historic cabin. The trail crosses a wash that may have shallow flowing water. Visitors may peer through the windows to see the interior. To the south are the remains of a small corral near the edge of a nearby wash.

The Cathedral and Hartnet roads (passable only to high-clearance vehicles; four-wheel drive often recommended) provide access to the cabin. Roads in this area are maintained infrequently and are not plowed in winter. Some sections of road cross areas of bentonite clay, which becomes impassable when wet. Deep, soft sand may also exist on roads. Roads may occasionally require four-wheel drive, and may quickly become impassable due to wet weather.

At the south end of the Hartnet Road near Highway 24, vehicles must ford the Fremont River; there is no bridge over the river. Do not attempt to cross the river during floods or other periods of high water. Ask at the visitor center about river ford conditions or call 435-425-3791. Press 1 for more information; press 4 for road conditions.

Check this weather forecast specifically for Cathedral Valley and road reports before departing. Be prepared for changing conditions. Let others know your travel plans, especially when exploring remote areas. Carry extra food, water, and appropriate clothing. Stay hydrated, and limit exposure to desert sun. Have a self-rescue plan. Beware of storms that may cause sudden flash floods, and avoid travel in narrow canyons if rain is approaching. Do not walk or drive across flooded roads or trails - play it safe and wait until floodwaters subside. You are responsible for your own safety.