Established Camping
Piney Guard Station
Piney Guard Station is located in the White River National Forest near Minturn, Colorado. The area features mountainous terrain with elevations that can influence temperature variations, typically ranging from highs in the 70s to lows in the 30s Fahrenheit. Nearby attractions include the scenic Piney Lake and the trails of the Holy Cross Wilderness, offering opportunities for hiking and exploration.
Description
USDA Forest Service
White River National Forest
Overview
Piney Guard Station is a rustic cabin that was constructed in the 1930s as a work station for Forest Service crews. This 14 by 22-ft. structure has a single room and is built from logs. It is open both summer and winter with spring and late fall closures.
Recreation
The cabin is conveniently located in an area offering a variety of year-round recreational activities. The Forest Service road leading to the cabin is used by mountain bikers, hikers, snowshoers, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. This area is popular for hunting big and small game, game birds and waterfowl.
Natural Features
Piney Guard Station is located at 9,100 feet in the White River National Forest, Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District, which is near Vail. The cabin is nestled in a forest dominated by aspen, spruce, pine and fir trees. Guests can enjoy views of the Gore Mountain Range from a meadow to the cabins north side. Local wildlife, including moose, may be spotted near the lake, which sits across the road from the cabin. The White River National Forest is also home to elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mule deer, Canada lynx and black bear. Birders may see bald eagles, peregrine falcons, Barrow's golden-eye and black swifts.
Location
Piney Guard Station is located in Colorado
Directions
Take I-70 east from Grand Junction, CO, about 126 miles or heading west from Denver about 119 miles to exit 157. Take Highway 131 north through the town of Wolcott about 5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road #700 (Muddy Pass Road). From this location, you must follow seasonal access directions to the cabin, as detailed below:Winter seasonAccessing the cabin during the winter season (early December to end of March) depends on snowpack. If the snowpack is minimal, you may be able to use a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach the gravel pit parking area at the intersection with Forest Road #700 and #744 which is approximately 7 miles from the Highway 131 and Forest Road #700 intersection. If snow is moderate to low, you may be able to travel to the Forest boundary, where there is a small pull out that can fit 2 vehicles. The Forest boundary is approximately 5.3 miles from the guard station. If parking at the gravel pit parking area, snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe on Forest Road #744 for approximately 3 miles to the cabin. During high snowpack, park at the intersection of Forest Road #700 and Highway 131. From here, travel via snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes on Forest Road #700 for approximately 7 miles. Then, turn onto Forest Road #744 and travel 3 miles to the cabin. Summer season During the summer season (early June until mid-November), it is mandatory to use a high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach the guard station. FSR 744 is very rough, rutted, and often muddy. This road can damage vehicles that are not suitable for rugged 4WD roads. If you choose to use a 2 -wheel drive vehicle, SUV, or lower clearance 4WD vehicle, you must park at the intersection with Forest Road #700 and #744, which is 3 miles away from the cabin. From this location, one must hike or mountain bike to the cabin with gear and supplies. Off Highway Vehicle (OHV/ATV) may be permitted to access the cabin via Forest Roads #700 and #744; call the Ranger District ahead of time.
Address
EAGLE-HOLY CROSS RANGER DISTRICT PO BOX 190
Minturn, CO 81645
Coordinates
39.7575 N
106.5605556 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiFair
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
