Carnero Guard Station Cabin
The Carnero Guard Station, first proposed in 1907, by the Cochetopa National Forest, was originally named the John Smith Ranger Station after a homesteader who built a cabin near the site, but never filed on the land. The name was changed to the Carnero Guard Station by 1916. Construction began on April 16, 1908 by W.L. Ward, the contractor. At that time Tebo Gallegos was the Carnero District Ranger.
The cabin is a good base camp for hunting. Fishing is available in several creeks within an easy drive (please check Colorado Division of Wildlife for fishing seasons and rules). The trailhead for the La Garita Wilderness (20 + miles west) can be reached via 4 x 4 and Forest Service roads. There is an ATV trail about 10 miles southwest of the cabin that travels to within 2 miles of the La Garita Wilderness. Reminder, no motorized vehicles allowed in any wilderness area.
Wildlife in the area includes moose, deer, elk and coyote. The cabin is surrounded by a buck & pole fence. Visitors to the National Forest are responsible for knowing the rules and regulations of the forest. Travel maps for the Rio Grande National Forest can be obtained at any Rio Grande National Forest offices.
At a Glance
Operational Hours: | Cabin opening date: 5/18/2023. Cabin closing date: 11/20/2023. |
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Reservations: | Reservations are made through Recreation.gov, or by calling 877-444-6777. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance of your arrival date. This cabin offers only 4-night blocks, from Thursday evening to Monday morning. You must reserve all four nights in the block. |
Area Amenities: | Tent camping, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water |
Fees: | $50 per night. Recreation.gov charges a reservation fee. |
Open Season: | Late May - Late November |
Usage: | Heavy |
Restrictions: | Access via combo locks. Details will be sent by Recreation.gov once reservation is completed. Call the Saguache Ranger District, 719-655-2547, with questions. Hours M-F 8:00 - 4:30, closed weekends & holidays. Renters are required to pack out all garbage. Make sure the fire in the outside fire ring is completely out. No hot coals above or below the surface of the soil. Clean the cabin, leaving it in the condition it was found or better. Please lock the door when leaving. Be sure to close and lock the entry gate when you leave. |
Closest Towns: | La Garita, CO, Saguache, CO |
Water: | Yes - outside hand pump |
Restroom: | Yes - outside vault |
Operated By: | Forest Service |
General Information
Directions:From Saguache travel south on Hwy 285 17 miles to La Garita turnoff (County Rd G). Go west to La Garita (6 miles), from La Garita proceed west on Cnty Rd 41G approximately 17 miles, cabin is on the right. Cabin may also be accessed from Highway 114 west of Saguache, go south on 41G approximately 12 miles.
Activities
Cabin Rentals
During winter months may be accessible only by snowmobile, skis or snowshoes, call Saguache Ranger District 719-655-2547 for current road conditions.
Reservation Info | This cabin is part of the NRRS. Reserve this unit by calling NRRS at 1-877-444-6777 or visiting the website at www.recreation.gov (click here to reserve). |
Size Restrictions | Sleeps 12; four bunk beds (Top =single; Bottom = fold out futon couch that sleeps two) |
River and Stream Fishing
Middle fork of Carnero Creek and smaller streams in the nearby area.
Fish Species | Several different species of trout |
Fishing Mode | bank |
Water Temperature | cold |
Fishing Method | Flies, lures & bait where allowed. See Colorado Division of Wildlife fishing regulations. |
Water/Flow Level | seasonal |
Day Hiking
Big Game Hunting
Open during hunting season - see Colorado Division of Wildlife regulations. Unit 68
Species | deer, elk |
OHV Road Riding
OHV riding allowed on forest roads. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available online and at all Rio Grande National Forest offices.
Class of Vehicle | 4WD, ATV \& motorcycle |
Scenic Driving
County Road 41G offers views of unusual rock formations; including Hell's Gate, and Natural Arch on Forest Road 659 a few miles south.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Cross country ski opportunities on 4x4 roadsSnowmobiling
Snowmobiles as well as ATV's, UTV's, and motorcycles modified with tracks are allowed off road beyond over-the-snow boundary restriction areas. Tracked vehicles must remain on top of the snow and not cause resource damage to soil underneath. See the Rio Grande National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) and Saguache District Map for additional information. Riders must have a Colorado State snowmobile permit in addition to their normal ATV permit if the vehicle is used year-round. Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife for permit information.
Amenities
Picnic tables: | |
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Tent camping: | |
Toilets: | |
Drinking water: |