Aquarius Ranger Station

P.O BOX 129 138 SOUTH MAIN ST
LOA, UT 84747

Overview

Aquarius Ranger Station is located about 15 miles south of Loa, in eastern Utah. It sits on the west side of beautiful Boulder Mountain, which makes up half of the expansive Aquarius Plateau. The station was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 and was used by generations of Forest Service employees working in the surrounding back country.

Recreational activities abound in the surrounding area. Guests enjoy fishing in many lakes on Boulder Top, and exploring local trails.

Recreation

Pine Creek Reservoir is less than a mile from the ranger station. This small lake covers three acres, and offers fishing for brook trout. Cook Lake, Miller Lake and numerous additional fishing lakes are scattered across Boulder Top.

Many hiking, biking and off-road vehicle trails meander through the surrounding area. The Great Western Trail spans nearly 4,500 miles through five states, and runs alongside the station. Hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and off-road enthusiasts love this spectacular trail.

Big game hunting for black bear, mule deer, elk, grouse and antelope is also a popular activity.

Facilities

The Aquarius Ranger Station Complex can accommodate a maximum of 20 people, with four inside and 16 camped outside in tents or RVs. The rustic two-room cabin sleeps four people comfortably on one double bed and one set of bunk beds. No linens or bedding are provided. Two or three RVs and several tents are allowed outside.

The cabin is equipped with a table and chairs, a wood stove and propane appliances including a cook stove and oven, and hot water heater. Some pots and pans, dishes and utensils are provided, but guests are encouraged to bring their own.

A vault toilet is located adjacent to the cabin, as is a campfire circle and several picnic tables. Potable water is available inside the cabin and at a hydrant outside. Solar lighting is available inside the cabin.

Please note: pets are not allowed inside the Ranger Station.

No smoking in the Ranger Station.

Natural Features

The ranger station is situated at the edge of a meadow lined with aspens and mixed conifers, at an elevation of 8,700 feet. Grasses, sagebrush and summer wildflowers fill the meadow. From the front porch, guests are awarded scenic views of surrounding area. Summer days are warm and nights are cool.

Boulder Mountain rises to an elevation of 11,317 feet. Capitol Reef National Park lies on its eastern edge. Boulder is comprised of over 50,000 acres of rolling pine, spruce and aspen forests on its slopes and broad, lake-studded meadows on its top.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Fire pit: all 1 sites
Picnic table: all 1 sites
Longest RV: 30 ft
Largest party: 20 people

Directions

From Loa, travel directly south on the paved county road for about 2 miles. From that point, turn south on Forest Road 154 and travel about 8 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 178 and travel about 5 miles, then turn left onto the Aquarius Ranger Station Road and travel approximately a quarter-mile to the cabin.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

17 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

Cory S

Loop:Aqrs

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The cabin was wonderfully remote, clean, and well maintained. The pit toilet was also very clean and as good as a pit toilet gets. We very much appreciate everyone who does their part to care for and clean the place when they stay there. It makes a difference for the next people.

Carole I

Loop:Aqrs

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

We always enjoy our stay at Aquarius. It would be appreciated though if the road in was grated. Some major rocks in the path. This was also the first time in our handful of visits that the bathroom was not cleaned before our visit.

Ruth S

Loop:Aqrs

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

I always like going to the cabin , I have gone there with friends for many years. We bring our mules and ride the Mt.

Mavin J

Loop:Aqrs

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Had our family reunion here. Everyone really enjoyed the experience. Excellent facility.

Steven W

Loop:Aqrs

Site:

Reviewed 3 years ago

The thing about Aquarius is that you don't know what you will find there, so you have to come prepared. You are not going to drive back to Loa for something you lack. We found the water in the sink working and lots of firewood in the shed. But note, it was the end of the season, not the beginning. The instructions for using the wood stove seemed to be missing, but we had used it before so that was not a problem. The solitude and beauty of the Aquarius experience are hard to describe to someone who has not been there, but for us it was another wonderful stay.

Steven G

Loop:Aqrs

Site:

Reviewed 3 years ago

Great location for solitude and viewing the Milky Way. Just for all future visitors to be aware the description about hot water is incorrect. There is NO water going to the sink/water heater. There was a note saying "sorry for the inconvenience" on the counter from the Forest Service. Sure wish they would have said to bring a something to heat water for dishes when I called for the lock code. Honestly, this cabin is not worth the high rental fee. It's very similar to other guard stations at 1/3 the cost with a working sink. It is a cool location, but again very expensive for what you are actually getting.

Availability

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

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