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Egan Basin Guard Station

Egan Basin Guard Station is a rustic retreat in the Montpelier Ranger District of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest of southeastern Idaho, near the Utah border. The Montpelier area is known for its abundance of year-round recreational opportunities.

The guard station is accessible by car during warmer weather. Winter guests must be prepared to snowmobile to the cabin in snowy weather, and are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety. The cabin provides few amenities, so guests should be prepared to haul most of the gear and supplies they'll need to make their stay comfortable.

Natural Features: Egan Basin Guard Station is situated in an open meadow surrounded by mixed conifers and aspens. Wildflowers dot the landscape in the summer. The cabin sits at an elevation of 7,500 feet surrounded by the limestone and dolomite peaks of the Bear River Mountains.

Large populations of deer, elk and moose inhabit this rugged backcountry. Pikas and marmots make their home here as well. Beavers are often spotted in the mountain streams.

Recreation: Guests can enjoy nearby trails for hiking, mountain biking and off-road vehicles (Idaho OHV safety message). Winter sports include snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Anglers can fish in nearby Beaver Creek. Hunting areas are located nearby.

Facilities: The guard station has a maximum capacity of 15 people. This is a single-room A-frame cabin with a table and chairs, two single beds and a sleeping loft. A wood stove is provided for heat and firewood may be available.

A picnic table is just outside the cabin. An outhouse with vault toilet is located on-site.

Water and electricity are not available. Guests must provide their own drinking water. A cook stove, light sources, cookware, kitchen utensils, bedding and emergency supplies are not provided.

Guests must bring trash bags to pack out their garbage, and are expected to clean the cabin before leaving.

Season: Open year-round; Winter access by snowmobile only: one room A-frame

Reservations

Make Reservations Here

Season: Open year-round; Winter access by snowmobile only: one room A-frame

General Information

Season: Open year-round; Winter access by snowmobile only: one room A-frame

Open 24 hours/day

Dec. 1 - April 30 - Snowmobile warming hut (No overnight camping) May 1 - November 30 - Tentable through the National Reservation System Capacity:  15 people

Overnight Use:
$35 per night (15 people)

For current fees, please go to Recreation.gov

Montpelier Ranger Office 2022

Address: 322 North 4th Street Montpelier, ID 83254
Phone: (208) 847-0375
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 42.0544

Longitude: -111.5673

Directions

The Egan Basin Guard Station is located 31miles southwest of Montpelier, Idaho. Follow Hwy 89 south 17 miles to St. Charles, ID.  At this point turn west on 200 north. Continue west 1.5 miles and turn left to Green Canyon Rd.  Follow Green Canyon Road west to the Forest Boundary.  At this point the road changes to Forest Road #411.  Follow FR #411 west 8 miles to Forest Road # 415 intersection. At this intersection turn right and follow FR #415 west 5 miles to the guard station sign, turn south for 1/4 mile to the guard station. Maps are available upon request at the district office.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

OHV Trail RidingOHV Trail Riding

Last updated March 14th, 2025