Established Camping
Trout Creek Guard Station
Trout Creek Guard Station is located in Ashley National Forest, featuring forested terrain with nearby creeks. The area experiences temperature highs around 85°F in summer and lows near 10°F in winter. Visitors can explore Dinosaur National Monument and Flaming Gorge Reservoir, both accessible within an hour.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Ashley National Forest
Overview
Trout Creek Guard Station is located in the Trout Creek area, approximately 21 miles west of U.S. Highway 191 near Vernal, in eastern Utah. It is part of the beautiful Ashley National Forest. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the complex in 1934 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 guests can enjoy a primitive experience similar to that of the first rangers. The cabin is open for reservations all months of the year except November, April and May.
Recreation
In summer months, numerous hiking, biking and off-road trails crisscross the area. In winter months, endless snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities are right out the door.
Natural Features
The charming red cabin sits at the edge of a meadow, just above Trout Creek. A scenic forest of pines and aspens surrounds the expansive meadow. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (435) 789-1181.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous scenic driving routes on maintained dirt roads crisscross the area, providing miles of trails for off-road enthusiasts, hikers and mountain bikers. Trails lead to Oaks Park, East Park and Long Park Reservoirs, as well as smaller lakes, overlooks, forests, meadows and historic sites. The Ashley-Karst National Geologic Recreation Area offers dramatic canyons, densely forested backcountry areas, and vast networks of caves.
Location
Trout Creek Guard Station is located in Utah
Directions
Follow the mileage indications below and look for signs on the ground when traveling to Trout Creek 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 020/018; a paved parking lot with a restroom is located at this intersection. Follow paved Forest Road 020 northwest approximately 9 miles. The pavement ends and the road turns to gravel after the East Park Campground junction. Continue on gravel Forest Road 020 (locally called White Cloud Loop after pavement ends) approximately 10 miles. Trout Creek Park will be in the foreground and Trout Creek Guard Station will be visible to the northwest. Turn right (north) to Trout Creek Guard Station (red building). If you reach the intersection with Forest Road 018 (Red Cloud Loop), you have gone too far.
Address
355 N Vernal Ave
Vernal, UT 84078
Coordinates
40.7547222 N
109.6741667 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
