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Established Camping

Colton Guard Station

Colton Guard Station is located in Ashley National Forest, featuring forested terrain with nearby mountains. The area experiences temperature highs around 85°F in summer and lows near 10°F in winter. Visitors can explore Dinosaur National Monument and Red Fleet State Park, both offering unique natural attractions.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Ashley National Forest

Overview

Colton Guard Station is located in the Colton Hollow area, approximately 5 miles west of U.S. Highway 191. It is near Vernal, Utah, in the Ashley National Forest. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the complex in 1933 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal instituted during the Great Depression. It was a residence for rangers who patrolled the forest on horseback prior to the age of modern vehicles. The Ashley National Forest Vernal Ranger District has chosen to rent this guard station to the public so that guests can enjoy a RUSTIC experience similar to that of the first rangers. Colton Guard Station is open for reservations all months of the year, except November, April and May.The cabin can be accessed by vehicle throughout warmer months and during the winter, access is by snowmobile, cross-country ski or snowshoe travel. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Call the District Office at (435) 789-1181 three business days prior to a reserved visit to confirm door lock combination. District Office is closed Saturday and Sunday. Lock combination is REQUIRED to enter guard station.

Recreation

In summer months, numerous hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicle trails crisscross the area. In winter months, endless snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities are right out the front door.

Natural Features

The complex sits in Colton Hollow, at an elevation of 8,500 feet. Aspens and pines surround the site, offering nice shade. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant in the area.

Nearby Attractions

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is known not only for its beautiful red cliffs, but also for its world-class fishing for lake, brown and rainbow trout. Boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and scuba diving are popular activities on the reservoir, which can be accessed within 30 miles. The Ashley-Karst National Geologic Recreation Area offers dramatic canyons, densely forested backcountry areas, and vast networks of caves.

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Location

Colton Guard Station is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Directions

Follow the mileage indications below and look for signs when traveling to Colton Guard Station. Leave with plenty of time to arrive at the guard station before dark. From Vernal, travel north on U.S. Highway 191/Vernal Avenue for approximately 20 miles. Turn left (west) on Forest Road 020. A paved parking lot with a restroom is located at the intersection. Continue northwest on the paved Forest Road 020 for approximately two miles. Turn left (southwest) at Forest Road 019 and continue for less than a mile, reaching an intersection (Forest roads 028 and 019). Turn left, continuing south on Forest Road 019. Continue approximately 1.75 miles, where the road turns sharply to the right (west). Follow the hairpin turn down into a ravine to Colton Guard Station.

Address

355 N Vernal Ave
Vernal, UT 84078

Coordinates

40.6672222 N
109.5186111 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
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  • T-Mobile
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Site Types

  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

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1 Review

Reviewed Sep. 22, 2016

A weekend snowshoe into Colton Gaurd Station, Ashley National Forest, UT.

Last spring we snowshoed into the Colton Guard Station. What a fun experience! It's about a five mile snowshoe from Highway 40. There is a gate in the winter preventing you from going any further than the parking lot on Forest Road 020. There is a cabin and bunkhouse on the complex, both with wood burning stoves (wood provided). The cabin has a set of twin bunk beds, and a futon that folds out. The bunk house has several twin beds with mattresses. There is an old outhouse that you can use in the winter (no running water to the guard station that time of year). We had so much fun playing games by the warmth of the wood burning stove and sledding down the surrounding hills. Our four legged friend enjoyed being able to accompany us on our adventure. Remember to bring your own bedding and water.

  • Review photo of Colton Guard Station by Amanda B., September 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Colton Guard Station by Amanda B., September 22, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Colton Guard Station?

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

  • Does Colton Guard Station have wifi?

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

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Colton 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 Colton Guard Station. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Colton Guard Station, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

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

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