Seedhouse Guard Station

$100.00/night

925 WEISS DR., CO. 80487
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO 80487

Overview

Seedhouse Guard Station is located approximately 26 miles north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It was constructed in 1933 and offers a unique lodging opportunity for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in the Routt National Forest.

This historic cabin is available for rent in the fall and winter. Guests can drive directly to the cabin when the roads are clear; however, winter access is only available by snowmobiling, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing over three miles from the end of the plowed road. The cabin offers some amenities, but guests need to pack in several of their own supplies.

Recreation

Trailheads leading to hiking and horseback riding trails are an easy drive from the guard station. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes near the cabin through the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness.

Anglers can fish for trout in the Elk River.

In winter, the area is blanketed by snow for wintertime play. Snowmobiling, skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities. All motorized activity, including snowmobiling, is prohibited in wilderness areas.

Facilities

The historic guard station is furnished with two sets of bunkbeds with mattresses and can accommodate up to five guests (3 twin beds, 1 full bed). Other amenities include a propane range, refrigerator, lights, heater, table and chairs, cooking utensils and cookware.

A campfire ring and a picnic table are located outside. An outhouse with vault toilet is nearby. Horses may be kept in the corral or in the pasture in the fall; however, fencing is not provided. Hay must be certified weed-free.

Drinking water and electricity are not available. Guests must provide their own supply of water for cooking, cleaning and washing. In winter, there is a large pot provided for melting snow.

Guests need to provide their own food, headlights or flashlights, sleeping bags, pillows, towels, dish soap, matches, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. All trash and food must be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving.

Natural Features

The guard station is nestled beneath a canopy of fir and pine forest at an elevation of 8,000 feet along North Fork Elk Creek near the Middle Fork Elk River. Mount Zirkel Wilderness is nearby, one of the original areas protected under the 1964 Wilderness Act. The area boasts ecosystems ranging from sagebrush meadows in the lower areas to alpine tundra at high elevations.

Wildlife is abundant near the cabin, including elk, deer and coyote. Migratory birds, squirrels and an occasional black bear find habitat in the forest as well.

Nearby Attractions

Across the road from Seedhouse Campground. Less than 3 miles from several trail heads, many with access to the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area. Close to the Elk River. Closest store and restaraunts are Clark Store and Glen Eden Resort and Hahn Peak Roadhouse.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

ADA accessible: all 1 sites
Largest party: 5 people

Fees

Recreation.gov reservation & cancellation fees are typically NOT refundable to individuals who voluntarily cancel or change their reservations. If you are unsure how to use Recreation.gov call their reservation line 877-444-6777. Any refund requests made less than 4 days prior to the start date of your reservation will be denied. If the Forest Service cancels a reservation due to fire, COVID, or other safety reasons we will issue full refunds.

Directions

The guard station is located about 26 miles north of Steamboat Springs, CO. From Steamboat Springs, take Highway 40 west and turn right on County Road 129. Head north on 129 (toward Clark) about 18 miles. One mile after Clark, take the first right after crossing the Elk River, Routt County Road 64, which is also Forest Service Road 400. Stay on this for 8 miles and the guard station is behind a locked gate, tucked in some trees on the left, across from the Seedhouse Campground. The last 3 miles is a dirt road and is not maintained in the winter. Fall access to the guard station is over both paved and gravel/dirt roads. Road conditions are variable and 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Winter access to the guard station is by ski or snowmobile only. Parking is available at the end of county maintenance. The distance from a plowed road to the guard station is approximately 3.5 miles. The main road to the facility is a groomed snowmobile trail, but guests may have to break trail into the guard station.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

11 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

Justin B

Loop:Seedhouse

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

A great setting! We love this cabin. It's only too bad that cell service is starting to encroach. Careful, if you are cooking heating and lighting the place without opening windows, you will set off the carbon monoxide detector. That's a lot of gas for a small space.

Justin B

Loop:Seedhouse

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

Love the cabin! Though, it was a bit mousey and all eating utensils needed to be washed before they could be used. Also there were a number of broken mantels in the lights. Thankfully there were replacement mantels in the cupboard by the door. When turning on the lights be gentle push the lever in before turning to the on position. You will probably not hear the gas. It is a great place to disconnect and be together as a family.

tony f

Loop:Seedhouse

Site:

Reviewed 3 years ago

So many flies. Had a blast smashing them. They just kept coming. See u next year

erin b

Loop:Seedhouse

Site:

Reviewed 3 years ago

Always love it here. Thank you for prepping it so nice and clean :)

Stacy H

Loop:Seedhouse

Site:

Reviewed 4 years ago

The cabin had all the essentials. Very rustic and felt like camping without running water. The flys inside, during winter, were annoying. But overall, beautiful landscape and fun adventure. Would recommend!

Garth R

Loop:Seedhouse

Site:

Reviewed 5 years ago

Great spot. Well equipped, cozy but fits 4-5 folks well

Availability

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

Reserve

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in November, when about 13% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 4 years of reservations.