Alder Guard Station

FSR 610
South Fork, CO 81154

Overview

Alder Guard Station is located 2 miles north of the town of South Fork along Alder Creek in the Rio Grande National Forest. The guard station was constructed in 1910 and was the residence and office for the local ranger district. Today the historic cabin is a comfortable getaway for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in south central Colorado.

Visitors may reserve the cabin for a maximum of five nights to allow others the opportunity to rent the cabin.

Recreation

The Alder Bench trailhead is located north of the guard station on Forest Road 610. In the past, this trail was used by stockmen taking livestock up to the high country towards Blue Park and Long Park.

In the fall, visitors use this trail to hunt elk and deer as this area is considered winter range for both. The 6.5 mile trail is also open for off-road single track riding, horse and foot travel, and mountain biking, but can be very rocky and steep in places.

Anglers will enjoy the scenic backdrop of Alder Creek when casting lines for a variety of trout.

Facilities

The two story cabin is furnished with 2 beds in each bedroom (2 bedrooms), and a futon on the first floor. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, electric stove, refrigerator, cooking utensils and some pots and pans.

The bathroom has hot water and a flush toilet. A wood stove is the only source of heat for the guard station. Picnic tables are also on site. Firewood is not provided; please bring all the firewood you will need for your stay.

Although the cabin has several amenities, guests do need to provide their own sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags.

Lighting is available, however guests are advised to bring an additional light source in case of emergency.

Occasionally the water well overflows due to ground water pressures. The water then may not test safely. To avoid this you are encouraged to bring spare drinking/cooking water.

Natural Features

The Rio Grande National Forest encompasses of a myriad of ecosystems ranging from high elevation desert to the craggy peaks of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The Alder Guard Station, located in the Divide Ranger District, is surrounded by mixed conifer forests, aspen groves, and wilderness areas, though its immediate vicinity is manicured, with a fenced lawn.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Electric hookups: all 1 sites
Picnic table: all 1 sites
Longest RV: 35 ft
Largest party: 10 people
Power up to 15 amps

Directions

From South Fork, Colorado: Travel approximately .5 miles on Highway 149 towards Creede. After crossing the Rio Grande River bridge, turn east (right) on County Road 15 (North River Road) and go approximately 1 mile to Forest Road 610. Turn north (left) on Forest Road 610 and go 2 miles. Alder Guard Station is on the left less than 50 yards from Forest Road 610.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

17 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Annette B

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Reviewed 2 months ago

beds are old ,floor needs fixing in dinning room .mice problem .dust problem ,too much traffic on dirt road .roads showing rocks now was hard in car to drive up to the cabin .bathroom was remodeled shower stall was ok .was a little more dirt than before,no grass ,roof might have been leaking theres staining in livingroom ceiling.

Richard G

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Reviewed 3 months ago

Missed having a fire. It would of helped with all the biting bugs. It is a cabin in the woods so bugs are part of the experience. What a beautiful place to unwind and relax. The house was clean. Seen one little mouse out one night, but once again you're in the middle of the woods. So seeing one little mouse in the house is a true testament to the hard work the USF does in and around the place. A truely unique and easy experience.

Carlton G

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Reviewed 4 months ago

This by far one of the best places I’ve stayed! Wish I could have had more time. Will definitely plan to stay again and spend more time!

Bobby M

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Reviewed 5 months ago

This place is quiet and was very clean when we got there! Phone service is sketchy at best but who needs it?

Andrew O

Loop:Alder Guard Station

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Reviewed 6 months ago

All went very well, the remodeled bathroom was Great! Only issues were the amount of quad, motorcycle, truck-trailer traffic going by...but not too bad. Exceeded our expectaions!

Kingdon P

Loop:Alder Guard Station

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Beautiful view from the front porch. All appliances were in good working order. For older travelers needing to get up during the night when nature calls going down the stairs to the bathroom is a challenge.

Availability

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

Reserve