Caribou Mountain Guard Station

$60.00/night

Show on map208-847-0375
322 N. 4th St.
Montpelier, ID 83254

Overview

Caribou Mountain and the National Forest are named after a man known as "Cariboo Jack," who discovered gold in this area in 1870. He was an adventurous man who became a local legend. Today, the guard station on Caribou Mountain is a haven for adventurers who enjoy a variety of recreational activities.

The guard station can be accessed by car during the warmer months, but only snowmobiles or skis can be used in winter. Guests should be prepared to make the 6-mile trek with all the gear and supplies they need to make their stay comfortable.

Recreation

Guests at Caribou Mountain Guard Station can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Off-road vehicle trails include the Caribou Mountain ATV Trail and the Caribou Mountain Mine Trail. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message.

Facilities

The cabin can accommodate a maximum of 15 guests. One sleeping room is available with a total of six single beds. Guests must bring their own bedding and sleeping pads. A propane cook stove, propane lights and space heater are available, in addition to a supply of propane. A dining area includes a table and chairs. Only a few dishes and cups are provided. A vault toilet and picnic table are located outside.

Drinking water is not provided. Guests are required to bring their own water, as well as garbage bags to pack out their trash. Bedding, dish soap, cooking pots, kitchen utensils and emergency items like a first aid kit are not available.

Natural Features

Caribou Mountain is the second highest peak in southeastern Idaho, with an elevation of 9,803 feet, and the tallest mountain in the Caribou Range. The marshes of Grays Lake spread out below the summit at an elevation of 6,386 feet.

The guard station sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet and is tucked into a stand of mixed conifers at the edge of a meadow. Wildlife in the area include black bear, wolf, elk, moose, mule deer, bison, grizzly bears, mountain lion and pronghorn (bear safety tips).

Nearby Attractions

Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a popular place for bird watching. Sandhill cranes, whooping cranes and trumpeter swans are the main attractions, but the refuge is home to many bird species. Areas of the refuge are open for hiking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

  • Largest party: 15 people

Directions

From Soda Springs, take Highway 34 north approximately 33 miles. Turn left on to Greys Lake Road. Drive north about 11.5 miles on Greys Lake Road and turn right onto McCoy Creek Road (Forest Road 087). Follow McCoy Creek Road (Forest Road 087) for 6.5 miles to the guard station. Maps are available upon request at the district office.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

15 reviews
5 stars
7
4 stars
1
3 stars
2
2 stars
5
Travis C
Loop:Caribou Mountain Guard Station
Site:
Reviewed 24 days ago
Had a great time
Scott E
Loop:Caribou Mountain Guard Station
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Reviewed 3 months ago
Great location, comfy & cozy
Leslie S
Loop:Caribou Mountain Guard Station
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
This is a great area, but definitely not for summer! The mosquitos were so bad that we left after one night. Also getting into the cabin was kind of confusing. The code is on the bottom of the lock on the back door. The picnic bench out back and fire ring aren't that nice and on a hill. Looks like a fun trail out behind the cabin, but we didn't explore b/c we got eaten alive. I've heard it's a good hunting cabin, but again, not worth it for summer.
John C
Loop:Caribou Mountain Guard Station
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
The drive to the cabin was fine. All new country. That drive from Soda Springs up past Grey's lake was beautiful. Any 2-wheel drive vehicle will do just fine. The cabin was in good shape, but I was expecting mattresses on the beds like at other FS cabins and there was none. Slept on the plywood which made for a long uncomfortable night. Not sure who's fault that was. Mine I suppose for assuming mattresses would be there. Second issue was there was No cookware, silverware, cups, etc. Fortunately I brought one pot and one tin cup. We made a spoon out of plastic packaging material and my partner and I took turns using the little cup to eat chili. I suppose that was my fault too. Lastly, the mosquitos were HORRENDOUS. We met a cowboy who drove up. Nice guy. The next morning we were chomping at the bit to leave when a herd of sheep came by the road in front of the cabin. That was pretty fun. Fortunately we only rented the place for one night. Maybe at another time of year it would be better but it was too buggy to sit outside and too hot to sit inside. The drive out down McCoy creek was real nice. Managed to catch a couple of cutthroats and it got less buggy too. I probably won't be back yet I'm glad I went!
Elena H
Loop:Caribou Mountain Guard Station
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
The cabin was great, plenty of space, everything was in good repair. We loved the access to lots of 4wheeling trails. The only reason I gave this cabin 3 stars was because the mosquitos were horrible. We were eaten alive and didn't even do a camp fire because there were too many of them.
Sheldon C
Loop:Caribou Mountain Guard Station
Site:
Reviewed 3 years ago
The code wouldn't work, tried for an hour, over and over again. Finally the lock opened and it wasn't even on the right code. Then the heater wouldn't light. Tried over and over again to light the pilot, we were about to cancel our hunting trip and head home. I have some HVAC experience and got my tools out, found that the pilot was clogged. Managed to get it cleared after another hour of work. Finally got some heat. We love hunting from the cabin, but it needs some updates. The windows might as well be open they let in so much cold air. If you're sleeping near a window you will be cold. Not worth the cost until some updates are completed.
Availability

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

Reserve
Popularity: Quiet

Busiest in November, when about 39% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 4 years of reservations.

Season dates

Peak season

Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028

Reservable online

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