Carnero Guard Station

$50.00/night

46525 ST HWY 114
SAGUACHE, CO 81149

Overview

Carnero Guard Station is situated in a high open meadow surrounded by forest at an elevation of 9,840 feet. The high-elevation cabin is located in the north-central area of the San Luis Valley in the Rio Grande National Forest.

The guard station was first proposed in 1907 by the Cochetopa National Forest, and was originally named the John Smith Ranger Station after a homesteader who built a cabin near the site, but never filed on the land. Construction on the cabin began in 1908 and the name was changed to the Carnero Guard Station in 1916.

Recreation

The cabin is a good base camp for hunting, and fishing, which is available at several creeks within a short drive. The area also offers many opportunities for hiking and off-road vehicle adventures in summer, and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.

There is an off-road vehicle trail about 10 miles southwest of the cabin that travels to within 2 miles of the La Garita Wilderness.

Elk, deer, and other wildlife are often seen in meadows adjacent to the cabin, and moose have been spotted in the Moon Pass area, about 5 miles west.

Facilities

The two-room cabin is furnished with four bunk beds (the top bunk is a single bed, the bottom is a fold-out futon couch that sleeps two) and can accommodate up to 12 people. The cabin has a stove, refrigerator, heater and lighting, all powered with propane. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, cooking utensils and some pots and pans. A picnic table, fire pit and an outdoor vault toilet are also on site. There is no electricity at the cabin, however water is available by an outside hand pump. Water is also available at the Saguache Ranger District Office during business hours from May through November.

Natural Features

Volcanic rock outcroppings dot the forested hillsides and wide pastures near the cabin. The La Garita Wilderness is located approximately 20 miles west of the guard station and features about 35 miles of the Continental Divide well above the timberline.

This area also provides habitats for large herds of elk and mule deer, and on the southern slopes, there is an ancient forest of towering spruce and fir. It is a landscape of rushing streams, broad and gentle alpine meadows, beaver ponds, long talus slopes and tremendous mountain beauty.

Nearby Attractions

Guests at Carnero Guard Station are a short drive from Penitente Canyon, which has become a great draw for rock climbing.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Fire pit: all 1 sites
Picnic table: all 1 sites
Pets allowed: all 1 sites
Longest RV: 40 ft
Largest party: 12 people

Directions

Carnero Guard Station may be reached by traveling south on Highway 285 approximately 15 miles south of Saguache to the La Garita turnoff (Road G). In La Garita proceed west on County Road 41G for approximately 17 miles. Look for the cabin on the right. NOTE: Forest Road 41G leading to the cabin is unimproved but may be traveled by passenger car, weather permitting. The cabin may also be accessed from Highway 114 west of Saguache, also on Forest Road 41G. During winter months, the cabin may be accessible only by snowmobile, skis or snowshoes.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

22 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

RODNEY H

Loop:Carnero

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

This was our fourth visit. Of all the Guard Stations we've stayed the Carnero Guard Station sits at the top! Comfort, cleanliness and quiet is what you can expect. We missed the huge dining room couch but the smaller couch was satisfactory. The sleeping room propane wall heater did not work but the front room heater worked great! The Aspens were at their peak and did not disappoint. This hidden beauty is a little peace of heaven. It is a treasure among rainbows.

Larry G

Loop:Carnero

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

The cabin was recently remodeled and was great. I very much appreciate the forest service providing these opportunities. The new vault toilet was a nice surprise and very clean. I hope we left everything as clean as the previous tenants. It rained almost every day and the cabin and porch were a great refuge from the afternoon rains. We had a great time riding the ATVs every day and the ride up to Boot Mtn was amazing. We'll definitely rent this cabin again in a few years and do it all again.

david p

Loop:Carnero

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

A secret slice of heaven

Christine K

Loop:Carnero

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Might be our favorite place to escape now!! Shhhh don’t tell

RODNEY H

Loop:Carnero

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

4th time here and it was fantastic! Aspens were gorgeous and weather was prime. We did miss the horses though. The Saguache Ranger visited us and provided supplies of TP and paper towels. He came back the next day and supplied the cabin with a separate outhouse broom. The dining/kitchen front room propane wall heater did not function but it was not needed. The new front porch roof/ADA ramp was a great addition to the cabin! Hats off to Ranger Matthew for going above and beyond! What a relaxing and peaceful little piece of heaven...Carnero Guard Station.

Christine K

Loop:Carnero

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

This cabin is our favorite in the area. Perfectly relaxing more of a house than an old fashioned cabin. The nightlight in the outhouse is also wonderful!!

Availability

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

Reserve

Popularity: Moderate

Busiest in November, when about 40% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 5 years of reservations.