Paradise Guard Station

355 N Vernal Ave
VERNAL, UT 84078

Overview

Paradise Guard Station is located on the Ashley National Forest, approximately 25 air miles northwest of Vernal, in eastern Utah. Folklore states the district ranger built the cabin in his spare time in 1922 and it has changed very little since then. In 1929, the Bartlett Sawmill was built just 75 yards south. It burned down in 1940, but some remnants of the old facility still remain.

The Ashley National Forest Vernal Ranger District has chosen to rent this guard station to the public so visitors can enjoy a rustic experience similar to that of the first rangers. Guests enjoy canoeing and fishing on Paradise Park Reservoir, and exploring local hiking, biking and off-road vehicle trails.

Recreation

Paradise Park Reservoir is nearby, covering just less than 60 acres. Canoeing and fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout are popular activities. Dead Lake, Mill Pond and Julius Park Reservoir are within a short distance.

The Ashley-Karst National Geologic Recreation Area offers dramatic canyons, densely forested backcountry areas, and vast networks of caves.

A variety of hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicle trails crisscross the surrounding area, including the 8.4-mile Deadman Lake Trail, which begins at Paradise Campground.

Facilities

The guard station complex can sleep four to eight. The cabin contains two, twin-size bunk beds for four people, though no linens, bedding or pillows are provided. Level parking is provided for a maximum of one RV/camp trailer. Ample room for tent camping is available outside.

Please note that this cabin is RUSTIC. There is no sink, stove, oven or refrigerator. The cabin has no water or plumbing, however there is a vault toilet outside for year-round use. A wood-burning stove is supplied for heat. A combination campfire ring and grill is located outside.

The cabin remains locked; call the Vernal Ranger District office, at (435) 789-1181, three business days prior to arrival, to confirm the combination lock code. COMBINATION CODE REQUIRED to enter cabin. (Some combination locks used have off-set entry lines. If code is not working, try off-setting entry line).

Natural Features

The small white cabin sits at the edge of a grassy meadow surrounded by a dense spruce-fir forest, at an elevation of 10,000 feet. Paradise Creek, a tributary of the Whiterocks River, flows lazily through the meadow in front of the cabin.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (435) 789-1181.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Pets allowed: all 1 sites
Largest party: 4 people

Directions

Follow the mileage indications below and look for signs on the ground when traveling to Paradise Guard Station. Leave with plenty of time to arrive at the guard station before dark. From Vernal, travel west on Highway 121/Maeser-Lapoint Highway, toward Lapoint. After passing the landfill and descending the hill along the curved road, some houses come into view. While approaching Deep Creek Road, look for brown signs to Paradise Park Reservoir. Turn right (north) at Deep Creek Road (approximately 12.5 miles west of the Dry Fork Canyon Road junction with Highway 121). Continue north on Deep Creek Road for nearly 7 miles and watch for a fork in the road. Turn left (northwest) onto Paradise Park Road and continue approximately 8.5 miles, reaching the Ashley National Forest boundary. The paved road ends and turns to an unsurfaced road at the cattle guard. Paradise Park Road becomes Forest Road 104. Follow the road along the switchbacks and continue northwest for approximately 9.5 miles. The guard station will be visible on the left side, at the junction with Paradise Park Campground. Travel may require skiing or snowshoeing during winter months.

Stay Limit

Check in from 3 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

14 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

Chris W

Loop:Pags

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Eighth summer we have stayed up here and the guard station is as reliable as ever for a great time. However, the timing for us wasn't great, as ranchers brought their herds up to graze 3 out of 4 days we were there and they made a lot of noise at night. Not ideal, but certainly not a deal breaker.

Kelly M

Loop:Pags

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

Relatively peaceful, but less remote than the drive suggests. Positioned directly on the main road in the area, traffic can be seen and heard (especially since there is a cattle grate nearby that you can hear each vehicle and trailer pass over) periodically throughout the day ranging from 5 AM to midnight, and blowing dust across the cabin as cars and ATVs pass. The cabin itself is lovely, but I may not return if the price increases to $60/night since there is no power or running water. The creek running near the cabin is lovely and you can easily walk to the reservoir and some peaceful quiet spots in the woods that are more private than the cabin itself. Overall, a nice stay if you are not looking for total peace and quiet, or privacy. No cows around while I was there, but I am guessing they are responsible for the number of flies in the area.

Chelsea S

Loop:Pags

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

What a special place. Well stocked with firewood and other essentials. Really clean pit toilet. Sky full of stars!

Chris W

Loop:Pags

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Great location and beautiful surroundings. Comfortable enough but not too much - you are supposed to be camping, right?! We've been coming here every summer for 7 years and don't plan to stop anytime soon.

Kyle R

Loop:Pags

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Cody E

Loop:Pags

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

The perfect night out! This area truly is paradise. We love staying here and have an awesome time every time we do. It is so peaceful and the stars were insane!

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

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