Brewery Creek Guard Station

$50.00/night

46525 ST HWY 114
SAGUACHE, CO 81149

Overview

Brewery Creek Guard Station is situated at an elevation of 9,500 feet in a densely wooded aspen grove overlooking Brewery Creek. The cabin is a few miles south of the Continental Divide on the northern end of the San Luis Valley in the Rio Grande National Forest.

Built in 1935, the two room cabin was originally used by a forest ranger who oversaw the Poncha and Bonanza Districts of what was then called the Cochetopa National Forest.

Today the cabin is a comfortable getaway for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in south central Colorado.

Recreation

The area offers many opportunities for hiking and off-road vehicle adventures in summer, hunting in the fall, and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.

Several hiking trails are in close proximity to the cabin, including several leading up to Antora and Antora Meadows.

Facilities

The cabin is furnished with three bunkbeds (the top is a single bed, the bottom is a fold-out futon couch that sleeps two) and can accommodate up to nine people.

The cabin has stove, refrigerator and heater, all powered with propane. The kitchen is equipped with cooking utensils and some pots and pans. Picnic tables, a fire pit and a outdoor vault toilet are also on site.

The guard station does not have electricity, though water is available from an outside hand pump. Water is also available at the Saguache Ranger District Office during business hours from May through November.

Although the cabin has most amenities, guests do need to provide their own food, sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. It is recommended that guests bring an additional light source in case of emergencies.

Natural Features

The cabin offers wonderful views of Antora Peak (13,266 feet) and Windy Point (12,129 feet) towering over the valley. Active beaver dams occupy the nearby creek just below the cabin, where anglers can cast a line into the frigid waters. Elk, deer, and other wildlife are often seen in meadows adjacent to the cabin.

Nearby Attractions

Brewery Creek Guard Station is located 2 miles from Bonanza, a historical silver mining town that was booming in the 1880's. Today visitors to Bonanza can see old mines, historical buildings, and old time mining equipment as they follow the Bonanza Mines Off-Highway Vehicle Tour. Maps for the Bonanza Off-Highway Vehicle Tour are available at the Saguache Ranger Station.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Pets allowed: all 1 sites
Longest RV: 25 ft
Largest party: 9 people

Directions

From Saguache, go north on Hwy 285 for 15 miles to Villa Grove. Take the Bonanza turnoff, County Rd LL56, on the left 0.1 mile north of Villa Grove. Stay on LL56 about 13 miles west to the "Brewery Creek " sign and make a left turn, crossing a bridge. Travel on Forest Road #880 for 1.5 miles. There are 2 boundary gates before the cabin gate, one is for private property next to the Bonanza Ranch, and the second gate is the Bureau of Land Management / Forest boundary. The cabin gate is to the right of the road beyond the second gate. Winter access may be limited to showshoes, skis or snowmobile. During the spring snow melt, March through mid May, hiking 1.5 miles may be the only option for accessing the cabin. Seasonal road closures may also be in effect, check conditions prior to your arrival.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

16 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

john d

Loop:Brewery Creek

Site:

Reviewed 15 days ago

Great stay. First time staying at a guard station. Tired our dogs out (and myself) going on several long hikes. Colors were mostly over with. But a nice visit.

Brian G

Loop:Brewery Creek

Site:

Reviewed 17 days ago

Amazing cabin, clean with amazing features and location.

Michal K

Loop:Brewery Creek

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Great cabin, well maintained and easy access. Found a great trail straight out the back and did an 8 mile loop up around the mountain. Caught a few fish in the beaver pond but they were too small to keep. Peaceful and secluded, didn't see another person the entire time (although three houses are visible across the valley). There are mice in the cabin, but they seem to be under control with traps and cleanliness. The water pump has been improved and, while it still takes some strength, it is much easier than it used to be. No phone service at all (which is a plus in my book).

RODNEY H

Loop:Brewery Creek

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

Remote but accessible. Quiet, peaceful and beautiful country as always. Fishing just below the cabin was great for small brookies. Alone without interruption from anyone. Beautiful star lit nights. Perhaps some screens on the windows would allow open windows to circulate air in the cabin Oven and stove top worked great. Third time here and it was super! Did a thorough clean upon departure. Will return in the Fall.

Kristine D

Loop:Brewery Creek

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

My family have been coming to Brewery Creek Guard Station for 9 years. We really enjoy the cabin and environment. The cabin was cleaner than usual this time. I think whoever is maintaining the cabin is top notch. We always appreciate this experience!

Lise B

Loop:Brewery Creek

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

Lovely spot! Using the propane appliances can be tricky but we figured it out. We didn't see another soul all weekend. Beds were reasonably comfortable. We would return.

Availability

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

Reserve

Popularity: Quiet

Busiest in November, when about 22% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 4 years of reservations.