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Recreation Region: North Slope Uinta Mountains

Summit Springs Guard Station

 

Summit Springs Guard Station is located a couple of miles off the Sheep Creek Geological Loop southwest of Flaming Gorge in the high Uinta Mountain Range. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the complex in 1931 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. It was one of 11 guard stations built in the area to serve as homes for rangers who patrolled the forest on horseback prior to the modern age of vehicles. The complex includes the guard station, bunkhouse, parking area, and fenced yard. The Ashley National Forest has chosen to rehabilitate and rent this guard station and bunkhouse to the public so that guests can enjoy a rustic experience similar to that of the first rangers. 
 
The complex is set in a rolling pasture, surrounded and interspersed with aspen and pine trees. Wildlife and summer flowers are abundant during the use season.

Nearby Attractions:
Flaming Gorge Recreation Area is known not only for its beautiful red cliffs, but also for its world -class fishing for lake, brown, and rainbow trout. Boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and scuba diving are popular activities on the reservoirs. The dam is about 23 miles east of the complex. Sheep Creek Loop Scenic Backway (Geological Loop) is a 10-mile drive through spectacular canyon scenery and back in time. Millions of years of geologic history can be seen in a 20-minute drive, thanks to the Uinta Crest Fault and other rock features. The town of Manila is about 15 miles away, off the north end of Sheep Creek Loop where visitors can find grocery stores and other amenities.

Included in this complex:
•Broom & Dustpan
•Bunkbed(s) With Mattresses
•Cell Phone Service
•Cooking Pots
•Cooking Utensils
•Electricity
•Group Cooking Facilities
•Heater
•Heating Stove
•Kitchen
•Lights
•Pets Allowed
•Propane Heat
•Propane Stove
•Propane refrigerator 
•Table & Chairs
•Wood Stove
 
Know Before You Go
• Bring your own linens, dishes, silverware, cups, and glasses. (Pans are provided.)
• Water available from May 15 through September 15 depending upon weather. 
• Limited power for lights only.
• The lighting is very limited and provided via generator. No outlets are available for any other electronic appliances or items. 
• The cabin has 1 bedroom, 8 beds and 4 rooms. Propane heating and showers are provided. 
• The bunkhouse has 1 bedroom, 12 beds and 1 room and heated with a wood stove. 
• Off-road vehicles are allowed only on authorized roads, trails and routes as identified on the Ashley National Forest Vernal Ranger District Travel Map.
• Staff reside onsite and will provide access upon arrival.
• Pets are only allowed outdoors. No pets in the buildings.
• There is a $80 cleaning deposit due at check in. Funds should be cash or check (no credit cards) and will be collected onsite. The money will be refunded if the buildings and grounds pass inspection at check out time. 
 

Current Conditions
Visitors to high elevation campgrounds should be prepared for variable conditions. Weather at higher altitudes can change rapidly, with sudden drops in temperature, strong winds, and the potential for snow or rain, even during summer months. Campers are advised to bring appropriate gear, including layered clothing, waterproof equipment, and sufficient provisions.

Reservations

Make Reservations Here

General Information

Mid-May - Mid-September

For current rates visit www.recreation.gov

Must be on a leash!

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 40.87880943

Longitude: -109.74558861

Elevation

8,278 '

Directions

From Manila, UT at the intersection UT 43 and UT 44, turn south on UT 44. Drive 13 miles to the upper (second) road to Sheep Creek Geological Loop. Turn right onto the Loop, drive 2 miles to FS 364, and turn left onto the drive into Summit Springs.

From Vernal, UT turn north on US 191, drive 34.8 miles to Greendale Junction. Continue onto UT 44. Drive 14.7 miles to the upper (first) road to Sheep Creek Geological Loop. Turn left onto the Loop, drive 2 miles to FS 364, and turn left onto the drive into Summit Springs.

Parking

Paved roads available all the way to the guard station entrance, then it turns to dirt and gravel.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.

The area is well-suited for horseback riding, with nearby trails offering scenic routes through the Ashley National Forest. However, there are no specific facilities for horses, such as corrals or water troughs, so you'll need to bring your own equipment and supplies to care for them during your stay.

Other Amenities

Flush Restroom and Shower available in the cabin. Water conservation efforts are appreciated to ensure enough water is maintained in the tank. Vault restroom also available on site.. Generator Building destroyed in fire to be replaced in Summer of 2025. 

Recreation Opportunities

CavingCaving

Caving Info

Sheep Creek Cave

OHV Road RidingOHV Road Riding
OHV Trail RidingOHV Trail Riding

Visitor Centers Info

Red Canyon VC

Last updated March 31st, 2025