Upper Crossing Guard Station Cabin
Upper Crossing Guard Station offers visitors relaxing solitude in a secluded setting but is situated near a paved highway and offers numerous modern amenities, such as: running water, heated water, electricity, propane heat, fireplace, a full bathroom (with ADA accessible shower) and an ADA accessible kitchen with appliances.
Upper Crossing Guard Station
Upper Crossing Guard Station Photos
Reservations
Must reserve this cabin through Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.
General Information
Upper Crossing Guard Station is the original headquarters of the old Cochetopa National Forest that existed for only a few years during the early part of the last century. The cabin is also located in an area that was once one of the favorite camping areas of the Ute Indians in the San Luis Valley. Located along a scenic byway near the Continental Divide, Upper Crossing Guard Station provides a remote setting that is easily accessible year-round via U.S. Highway 114. The brief dirt road leading to the cabin is actually the old stagecoach route, complete with historic graffiti that served as billboards advertising goods and services at the stagecoach stops. The cabin sits next to Sheep Creek and offers visitors various streamside activities, including fishing. The surrounding public lands are easily accessible to visitors.
Open year round: Cabin is reservable seven days a week.
Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.
No shooting of any kind is allowed on the cabin grounds. Personal horses and livestock are not permitted. Pets must remain under control at all times. If Forest Service horses and livestock are present near the cabin, do not interact with them. Please close the gate after entering and leaving.
Cabin Site:
Overnight Use: $75/night.
Reservations through recreation.gov will have a reservation fee of $8.00 per reservation.
All reservation inquiries must go through www.recreation.gov. or by calling 1-800-444-6777.
Dogs must be on leash not longer than six feet in length..
Contact Name: Saguache Ranger District
Contact Phone: 719-655-2547
Address: 46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149
Phone: (719) 655-2547
Hours: Monday through Friday / 8:00 to 4:30 (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 38.1388528
Longitude: -106.4560093
Directions
From Denver, travel about 185 miles south on Highway 285 to Saguache. From Colorado Springs go south on Hwy 115 to Penrose, then west on Hwy 50 to Salida, then south on Hwy 285 (total of 165 miles) to Saguache. From Albuquerque, travel about 57 miles north on I-25 to Santa Fe, then north on Hwy 285 (total of 275 miles) to Saguache. From Saguache, take Colorado Hwy 114 for 22 miles northwest (set your Trip Meter/Odometer at the intersection of Highways 285 and 114 in town). Turn right (east) on County Road 31CC (Sheep Cr. Road). When you come to the 'T' in the road turn right and go approximately .5 mile and the cabin will be on your left. If you are traveling on HWY 114 from Gunnison, the Sheep Cr. Road (CR 31CC) exit is approximately 8 miles from the Continental Divide. A notable landmark to help find the Sheep Cr. Road (CR 31CC) exit is the 'Holey Rock', a small hill covered with 'holes', located on the west side of HWY 114 and directly opposite to the Sheep Cr. Road exit.
Travel Considerations
Occasionally mud and/or snow can impede access to the cabin. It may be necessary to park on CR CC31 and hike the short distance on foot or by using snowshoes/skis.
Parking
Sufficient parking is available next to the cabin for several vehicles.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Upper Crossing is equipped with an ADA accessible shower and an ADA accessible kitchen.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Running water inside cabin is tested monthly.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
Other Amenities
Make sure the fire in the outside fire ring is completely out. No hot coals above or below the surface of the soil. Renters are required to pack out all garbage. Please leave the cabin as nice or nicer than when you arrived and lock door when leaving. Keep the entry gate closed at all times and lock it when you depart. Most importantly, we hope you enjoy your stay!
Recreation Opportunities
Hiking
Outdoor Science and Learning
Winter Sports
Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Scenic Drives
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
OHV Road Riding Info
Due to Colorado state off-road vehicle restrictions, OHV's cannot access public BLM and Forest Service roads directly from the cabin and legally must be trailered a short distance to Forest and BLM roads authorized on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). MVUM maps are available at the Saguache Ranger District office.
