Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Brewery Creek Guard Station Cabin
Brewery Creek Guard Station is situated in a densely wooded aspen grove overlooking Brewery Creek a few miles south of the Continental Divide on the northern end of the San Luis Valley, Built in 1935, the two-room cabin was originally used by a forest ranger who oversaw the Poncha and Bonanza Districts of what was then called the Cochetopa National Forest. The cabin offers wonderful views of Antora Peak (13,266') and Windy Point while the creek with active beaver dams just below the cabin provides enjoyable fishing for all, (please check Colorado Division of Wildlife for fishing seasons and rules).
The area offers many opportunities for hiking, 4WD adventures in summer, hunting in the fall, and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Brewery Creek Guard Station is located 2 miles from Bonanza, a historical silver mining town that was booming in the 1880's. Today visitors to Bonanza can see old mines, historical buildings, and old-time mining equipment as they follow the Bonanza Mines Off-Highway Vehicle Tour (Maps for the Bonanza Off-Highway Vehicle Tour are available at the Saguache Ranger Station). Several hiking trails are also in close proximity to the cabin, including the Elkhorn Trail and several other trails leading up to Antora and Antora Meadows. Elk, deer, and other wildlife are often seen in meadows adjacent to the cabin.
Renters are required to pack out all garbage. CABIN MUST BE CLEANED BEFORE LEAVING. LEAVE THE CABIN IN THE CONDITION YOU WOULD LIKE TO FIND IT! 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 by calling the Forest Service Office in Saguache (719)655-2547 or the Forest Supervisor's Office in Monte Vista (719)852-5941.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Cabin opening date: 5/22/2025. Cabin closing date: 11/18/2025. Access via combo locks. Details will be sent by Recreation.gov once reservation is confirmed. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Reservations and payment made through recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance of your arrival date. 14 day stay limit. |
| Area Amenities: |
|
| Fees: | $50 per night. Recreation.gov charges a reservation fee. |
| Permit Info: | $ 50.00 per night, plus a $9.00 non-refundable reservation fee. |
| Open Season: | Late May - Mid-November |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Closest Towns: | Villa Grove, CO |
| Water: | Yes - Outside hand pump |
| Restroom: | Yes - Outside vault |
| Operated By: | Forest Service - This cabin is part of the NRRS. Reserve this unit by calling NRRS at 1-877-444-6777 |
| Information Center: | 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 0800 - 1630, 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 door when leaving. Be sure to close the gate when you leave. Lock entry gate. |
General Information
Directions:From Saguache, go north on Hwy 285 15 miles to Villa Grove. Take the Bonanza turnoff, Cnty Rd LL56, on the left .1 mile north of Villa Grove. Stay on LL56 about 13 miles west to the "Brewery Creek " sign and make a left turn, crossing a bridge. Travel on Forest Road #880 for 1.5 miles. The road crosses private property, remain on the road. The gate is located .25 miles before the cabin.
Activities
Mountain Biking
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 9; three bunk beds (Top =single; Bottom = fold out futon couch that sleeps two) |
Lake and Pond Fishing
Mosquito Lake and other nearby streams and beaver ponds. Get permission before accessing private property near the cabin.
| Fishing Mode | flies, lures and bait where allowed |
| Water Temperature | seasonal |
| Status: | Closed |
|---|---|
| Reservation required?: | Y |
Day Hiking
Trail head for #763, 762 & 765 to Antora Meadows
Big Game Hunting
Open during hunting season - see Colorado Division of Wildlife regulations. Unit 681| Species | deer, elk |
Viewing Wildlife
Wildlife viewing. Elk, deer, and other forest animals are viewable in the area.
| Species | Elk, deer, and many other types of animals live in the area. |
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 |
OHV Trail Riding
Several 4WD roads off County Road LL56 including the Mears Toll Road OHV trails north of the town of Bonanza, CO.
| Staging Area | no |
| Class of Vehicle | 4x4, ATV \& motorcycle |
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. Remain clear of private property in the area. 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.
Quick Links
Related Links
Location