What is the max vehicle length at Carnero Guard Station?

Carnero Guard Station allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

Are fires allowed at Carnero Guard Station?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Carnero Guard Station, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Carnero Guard Station have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Carnero Guard Station does not have wifi.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Carnero Guard Station?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Carnero Guard Station. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Carnero Guard Station, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Carnero Guard Station?

There are 1 campsites at Carnero Guard Station and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

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Established Camping

Carnero Guard Station

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This facility is looking to have the exterior walls repainted either in early spring or early autumn. No dates have been determined yet. If/when dates are determined, expect a closure, some reservations may be affected.

Carnero Guard Station is located in the Rio Grande National Forest, featuring forested terrain with nearby mountains. Temperatures in the area can reach highs around 80°F in summer and drop to lows near 10°F in winter. Visitors can explore the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve or the historic town of Saguache, both accessible within an hour.

Description

US Forest Service

Rio Grande National Forest

Overview

Carnero Guard Station is situated in a high open meadow surrounded by forest at an elevation of 9,840 feet. The high-elevation cabin is located in the north-central area of the San Luis Valley in the Rio Grande National Forest. The guard station was first proposed in 1907 by the Cochetopa National Forest, and was originally named the John Smith Ranger Station after a homesteader who built a cabin near the site, but never filed on the land. Construction on the cabin began in 1908 and the name was changed to the Carnero Guard Station in 1916.

Recreation

The cabin is a good base camp for hunting, and fishing, which is available at several creeks within a short drive. The area also offers many opportunities for hiking and off-road vehicle adventures in summer, and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. There is an off-road vehicle trail about 10 miles southwest of the cabin that travels to within 2 miles of the La Garita Wilderness. Elk, deer, and other wildlife are often seen in meadows adjacent to the cabin, and moose have been spotted in the Moon Pass area, about 5 miles west.

Natural Features

Volcanic rock outcroppings dot the forested hillsides and wide pastures near the cabin. The La Garita Wilderness is located approximately 20 miles west of the guard station and features about 35 miles of the Continental Divide well above the timberline. This area also provides habitats for large herds of elk and mule deer, and on the southern slopes, there is an ancient forest of towering spruce and fir. It is a landscape of rushing streams, broad and gentle alpine meadows, beaver ponds, long talus slopes and tremendous mountain beauty.

Nearby Attractions

Guests at Carnero Guard Station are a short drive from Penitente Canyon, which has become a great draw for rock climbing.

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Location

Carnero Guard Station is located in Colorado

Directions

Carnero Guard Station may be reached by traveling south on Highway 285 approximately 15 miles south of Saguache to the La Garita turnoff (Road G). In La Garita proceed west on County Road 41G for approximately 17 miles. Look for the cabin on the right. NOTE: Forest Road 41G leading to the cabin is unimproved but may be traveled by passenger car, weather permitting. The cabin may also be accessed from Highway 114 west of Saguache, also on Forest Road 41G. During winter months, the cabin may be accessible only by snowmobile, skis or snowshoes.