## Overview

Stone Cellar Guard Station is a remote cabin located at an elevation of 9,500 feet, just outside the boundary of La Garita Wilderness in Saguache Park in the Rio Grande National Forest.  
  
The cabin is a secluded getaway for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in south-central Colorado.

## Recreation

The area offers many opportunities for hiking in summer, hunting in the fall and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.  
  
The cabin is located in a meadow with Saguache Creek flowing through it, affording visitors excellent fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brown and brook trout right out the back door.  
  
The cabin is adjacent to a working cow camp, where guests can witness real cowboys at work during the summer months. In the fall, this cabin makes an excellent big game hunting camp.

## Facilities

Stone Cellar Guard Station is a log structure furnished with four bunk beds, with twin beds on the top and fold-out full beds on the bottom, accommodating up to 12 people. The cabin has stove, refrigerator and heater, all powered with propane. The living area has a table and chairs, couch and other furniture. The kitchen is equipped with some cooking utensils and some pots and pans. A picnic table, a fire pit and a outdoor vault toilet are also on-site.  
  
There is no electricity at the guard station, however water is available by an outside hand pump. Water is also available at the Saguache Ranger District Office during business hours from May through November.  
  
Although the cabin has some amenities, guests do need to provide their own food, sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags.It is recommended that guests bring an additional light source in case of emergencies.  
  
Stone Cellar Campground is located approximately about a half-mile from the guard station.

## Natural Features

Situated in an expansive inter-mountain grassland and located close to the Continental Divide, this cabin offers guests seeking solitude and seclusion an opportunity to experience wilderness at its best.  
  
About 35 miles of the Continental Divide lie well above timberline in the La Garita Wilderness, adjacent to the guard station. This area provides ideal habitats for large herds of elk and mule deer, and on the southern slopes lies 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 mountain beauty. 

## Nearby Attractions

Visitors may want to take a day to visit Bonanza, a historical silver mining town that was booming in the 1880s. 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 tour are available at the Saguache Ranger Station.

Stone Cellar Guard Station

.NO POTABLE WATER AVAILABLE Cathedral Campground is northwest of Del Norte and northeast of South Fork, on Embargo Creek. It was remodeled in 2010 and now has 22 sites. 17 are dead end spurs and 5 are pull throughs. Sites vary from 35 to 45 feet in length. This campground is located in a mature aspen and spruce grove with a beautiful view of Cathedral Rock to the north. Embargo Creek flows alongside the east side of the grounds. There is ample fishing in Embargo Creek and hiking/horseback riding/mountain biking on Cathedral Creek Trail #794, Embargo Trail # 792 and Fremont's Camp Trail #885. Motorcycles may use both Cathedral and Embargo Trails. ATV’s are not allowed on the trails.The campground is composed of two large loops along Cathedral Creek. The left hand loop features a large meadow and a few open sites. The right hand loop has a dense Aspen and spruce (including Blue) woods and a more rustic feel. Scroll down to Information Center for individual site details. John Charles Fremont's winter camp is nearby. He attempted an ill-fated expedition across the Rocky Mountains for a transcontinental railroad route in late 1848.

Cathedral Campground

## 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.

## Facilities

The two-room cabin is furnished with four bunk beds (the top bunk is a single bed, the bottom is a fold-out futon couch that sleeps two) and can accommodate up to 12 people. The cabin has a stove, refrigerator, heater and lighting, all powered with propane. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, cooking utensils and some pots and pans. A picnic table, fire pit and an outdoor vault toilet are also on site. There is no electricity at the cabin, however water is available by an outside hand pump. Water is also available at the Saguache Ranger District Office during business hours from May through November.

## 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.

Carnero Guard Station

The campground is pack it in, pack it out and comprised of a single large loop, surrounded by a grass meadow in a Ponderosa Pine grove. The sites are large and well spaced with sites #16, 17 and 18 on a dead-end spur with no turn around. The open areas are dotted with wildflowers. It is convenient to State Hwy 114 for an overnight stay.

Buffalo Pass Campground

## Overview

Upper Crossing Guard Station is located at an elevation of 8,400 feet, along a scenic byway near the Continental Divide, offering visitors a comfortable lodging experience in a remote setting in Rio Grande National Forest.  
  
This 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.  
  
Today, guests to the guard station will find plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation in south central Colorado.

## Recreation

The area offers many opportunities for hiking in summer, hunting in the fall and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.  
  
The cabin sits at the confluence of two creeks and offers visitors excellent fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brown and brook trout right out the front door.  
  
Hiking opportunities are in close proximity to the cabin, extending out to nearby wilderness and other public lands.

## Facilities

Upper Crossing Guard Station has all the amenities of a standard home, including electricity, heat and inside running water. It is furnished with three bunk beds, with twin beds on the top and fold-out full beds on the bottom, accommodating up to nine people. The cabin has electric lights, propane heater and wood burning stove. The living area has a table and chairs, couch and other furniture. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, stove, hot water, some cooking utensils and some pots and pans. A picnic table, campfire grill and horseshoe pit are also on-site.  
  
Although the cabin has most amenities, guests do need to provide their own food, sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. It is recommended that guests bring an additional light source in case of emergencies.

## Natural Features

Upper Crossing Guard Station provides a remote setting that is easily accessible year-round via CO 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.  
  
Views from the cabin include portions of the Continental Divide and unspoiled surrounding countryside, showcasing high mountain peaks, diverse forests, streams and lakes in addition to some of Colorado's most scenic working ranches.  
  
Historically, Ute Indians traveled through this area and found it favorable for living in the San Luis Valley.

Upper Crossing Guard Station

Located right on the Rio Grande River, this is the only campground in the canyon between Creede and South Fork. It is located adjacent to Colorado Highway 149 for easy access to travelers passing through. Active railroad tracks bisect the campground. Highway 149 runs along the northeast side of the campground and there is no screening between the two. There is some highway traffic year-around and occasionally a scenic railroad excursion passes through the campground. Some of the 12 sites are out in the open, while other sites are screened with cottonwoods/aspen/spruce/fir. There is a vault type toilet with lights that is accessible to the handicapped. Firewood is not provided but may be gathered on Forest lands in the area. There is ample overflow parking near the entrance sign. A host is usually stationed at the campground. Fishing, and rafting are popular on the river. This is a popular area and heavily used in the summer. It tends to stay full from mid-June through August. Early afternoon arrival is recommended. The Rio Grande is considered a Trophy Fishing River and is very popular with rafters.

Palisade

This scenic recreation area is a destination perfect for a day of fishing. The dense vegetation and steep canyon walls that line Cochetopa Creek provide a calm and relaxing place to fish with developed campsites and picnic areas located along the creek. Beautiful rock formations line Highway 114 and lead down to this little oasis located between Saguache and Gunnison. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Field Office. ADA Access: Restrooms and Shelters are ADA accessible.

Cochetopa Canyon Recreation Area

Antlers Rio Grande Lodge and RV Park

## Overview

Alder Guard Station is located 2 miles north of the town of South Fork along Alder Creek in the Rio Grande National Forest. The guard station was constructed in 1910 and was the residence and office for the local ranger district. Today the historic cabin is a comfortable getaway for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in south central Colorado.  
  
Visitors may reserve the cabin for a maximum of five nights to allow others the opportunity to rent the cabin.

## Recreation

The Alder Bench trailhead is located north of the guard station on Forest Road 610. In the past, this trail was used by stockmen taking livestock up to the high country towards Blue Park and Long Park.   
  
In the fall, visitors use this trail to hunt elk and deer as this area is considered winter range for both. The 6.5 mile trail is also open for off-road single track riding, horse and foot travel, and mountain biking, but can be very rocky and steep in places.   
  
Anglers will enjoy the scenic backdrop of Alder Creek when casting lines for a variety of trout.

## Facilities

The two story cabin is furnished with two bunkbeds and one single bed in the upstairs bedroom, and a couch on the first floor. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, electric stove, refrigerator, cooking utensils and some pots and pans.   
  
The bathroom has hot water and a flush toilet. A wood stove is the only source of heat for the guard station. Picnic tables are also on site. Firewood is not provided; please bring all the firewood you will need for your stay.   
  
The water system for this cabin has ongoing issues related to the well and the indoor plumbing. Please call the district at (719) 657-3321 for a real-time update on the water situation. Be prepared to bring a supply of potable water with you when staying at the facility.   
  
Although the cabin has several amenities, guests do need to provide their own sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags.   
  
Lighting is available, however guests are advised to bring an additional light source in case of emergency.

## Natural Features

The Rio Grande National Forest encompasses of a myriad of ecosystems ranging from high elevation desert to the craggy peaks of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  
  
The Alder Guard Station, located in the Divide Ranger District, is surrounded by mixed conifer forests, aspen groves, and wilderness areas, though its immediate vicinity is manicured, with a fenced lawn.

Alder Guard Station

Marshall Park Campground

## Overview

Marshall Park Campground is situated in an open meadow on the Rio Grande River with views of Bristol Head Peak and the La Garita Mountains. Campers enjoy trout fishing, boating and the area's diverse wildlife. It also makes for a great base camp for hunters in the area.

## Recreation

Anglers will find an abundance of rainbow trout in the Rio Grande, which is considered a trophy river. The river also welcomes wading and exploration. Off-road vehicle trails are nearby as well.

## Facilities

Amenities include picnic tables and campfire rings. An accessible vault toilet with a night light is provided. Firewood may be purchased from the host. Campfire programs are presented periodically throughout the summer.   
  
No drinking water is available. Campers must bring their own supply.

## Natural Features

The campground is located about 7 miles southwest of Creed, Colorado at an elevation of 8,800 feet. Campsites are open with few trees. The sun hits the campground in the late morning, after cool early morning temperatures.   
  
Rio Grande National Forest spans 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado. The Continental Divide runs for 236 miles along most of the forest's western border, presenting a myriad of ecosystems from alpine desert to rugged wilderness. 

## Nearby Attractions

Head east of Creed for off-road vehicle trails like the Lost Trail #821 that runs for 11 miles and offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.

Stone Cellar Guard Station

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