[3] All homes built on U.S. National Forest property were evicted and demolished between 1984 and 1991 for the development of an improved campground.

[4][5][6] In 1911, a Tucson businessman formed a group of backers who built several cabins in the canyon on land leased from the United States Forest Service (USFS).

The original lodge later burned down, but in 1929 it was rebuilt as a year-round resort with cottages, cabins, a restaurant, a general store, a gas station and a post office.

There was concern that the impact of homes in the canyon led to erosion, sewage, and water supply problems.

Entering the 1970s, USFS policy shifted further to public use, repurposing and "re-wildernessing" the canyon for camping and hiking.