The campground climbs up a hillside above South Fork Creek among Spruce and
Aspen trees. There are 8 sites. Fishing in area streams, mountain biking on
forest roads. Fishing is possible in Cave Creek (just below campground), Poso
Creek, South Fork Carnero Creek. Mountain biking can be enjoyed up to
Coolbroth Canyon which leads to La Garita Trail and Geronimo Creek Trail. Big
game hunting is also possible in this area.

<p>The campground climbs up a hillside above South Fork Creek among Spruce and Aspen trees. There are 8 sites. Fishing in area streams, mountain biking on forest roads. Fishing is possible in Cave Creek (just below campground), Poso Creek, South Fork Carnero Creek. Mountain biking can be enjoyed up to Coolbroth Canyon which leads to La Garita Trail and Geronimo Creek Trail. Big game hunting is also possible in this area.</p>

Single site - $10/night.  
Day use - $10/day (picnicking).  
Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided near the entrance.

Bird's eye view of the campground

Poso Campground

The campground is situated at the base of Storm King Mountain (elevation
10,849). It lies in an Aspen glen amidst rolling and rocky hills on the Middle
Fork of Carnero Creek. There are 6 campsites and 2 picnic sites with tables,
fire rings.  A vault toilet is available. There is no drinking water available
here. Firewood is limited and no refuse receptacles are provided. Fishing is
found in area streams and mountain biking on forest roads.  4WD forest roads
685 and 684 are nearby.

<p>The campground is situated at the base of Storm King Mountain (elevation 10,849). It lies in an Aspen glen amidst rolling and rocky hills on the Middle Fork of Carnero Creek. There are 6&nbsp;campsites and 2 picnic sites with tables, fire rings.&nbsp; A vault toilet is&nbsp;available. There is no drinking water available here. Firewood is limited and no refuse receptacles are provided.&nbsp;Fishing is found in area streams and mountain biking on forest roads.&nbsp;&nbsp;4WD forest roads 685 and 684 are nearby.</p>

Storm King Campground

## 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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
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.
<br/><br/> 
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.<h2>Recreation</h2>
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.
<br/><br/>
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.
<br/><br/>
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.<h2>Facilities</h2>
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.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
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. 
<br/><br/>
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.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Guests at Carnero Guard Station are a short drive from Penitente Canyon, which has become a great draw for rock climbing.

Front side of guard station, with fenced yard, outhouse, picnic table and fire ring.

CARNERO GUARD STATION

Carnero Guard Station has a functioning kitchen with propane powered stove and refrigerator

large bedroom with 4 bunk beds and a dresser, can sleep up to 12

large bedroom with 4 bunk beds and a dresser

Driveway going into the guard station grounds

Carnero Guard Station

Cathedral Campground is northwest of Del Norte and northeast of South Fork, on
Embargo Creek. It was remodeled in 2010 and now has 22 sites.   17 are dead
end spurs and 5 are pull through sites.  The sites vary from 35 to 45 feet in
length.  This campground is located in a mature aspen and spruce grove with a
beautiful view of Cathedral Rock to the north. Embargo Creek flows alongside
the east side of the grounds. There is ample fishing in Embargo Creek and
hiking/horseback riding/mountain biking on Cathedral Creek Trail #794, Embargo
Trail # 792 and Fremont's Camp Trail #885. Motorcycles may use both Cathedral
and Embargo Trails. ATV's are not allowed on the trails.The campground is
composed of two large loops along Cathedral Creek. The left-hand loop features
a large meadow and a few open sites. The right-hand loop has a dense Aspen and
spruce (including Blue) forest and a more rustic feel.  **Scroll down to
Information Center for individual site details.**

John Charles Fremont's winter camp is nearby. He attempted an ill-fated
expedition across the Rocky Mountains for a transcontinental railroad route in
late 1848.

<p>Cathedral Campground is northwest of Del Norte and northeast of South Fork, on Embargo Creek. It was remodeled in 2010 and now has 22 sites.&nbsp;&nbsp; 17 are dead end spurs and 5 are pull through sites.&nbsp; The sites vary from 35 to 45 feet in length.&nbsp; This campground is located in a mature aspen and spruce grove with a beautiful view of Cathedral Rock to the north. Embargo Creek flows alongside the east side of the grounds. There is ample fishing in Embargo Creek and hiking/horseback riding/mountain biking on Cathedral Creek Trail #794, Embargo Trail # 792 and Fremont&#39;s Camp Trail #885. Motorcycles may use both Cathedral and Embargo Trails. ATV&rsquo;s are not allowed on the trails.The campground is composed of two large loops along Cathedral Creek. The left-hand loop features a large meadow and a few open sites. The right-hand loop has a dense Aspen and spruce (including Blue) forest&nbsp;and a more rustic feel.&nbsp; <strong>Scroll down to Information Center for individual site details.</strong></p><p>John Charles Fremont&#39;s winter camp is nearby. He attempted an ill-fated expedition across the Rocky Mountains for a transcontinental railroad route in late 1848.</p>

Single Site - $10/night  
Day use - $10 (picnicking)  
Envelopes and fee tube are available near the entrance.

Cathedral Campground

The campground offers 6 campsites located in the wide-open fields of Saguache
Park, offering spectacular views of the La Garita Mountains. It lies beside
the confluence of tributaries forming Saguache Creek. Saguache Creek offers
good fishing opportunities. Big game hunting, 4 WD roads #774 and #776, and
all trails of the La Garita Wilderness can be accessed from this campground.
CAUTION - This area is very remote, it is 58 miles from Saguache, 36 miles of
dirt road. Please be prepared. Hiking in the La Garita Wilderness, mountain
biking and four-wheeling on area roads are all local activities.

<p>The campground offers 6 campsites&nbsp;located in the wide-open fields of Saguache Park, offering spectacular views of the La Garita Mountains. It lies beside the confluence of tributaries forming Saguache Creek. Saguache Creek offers good fishing opportunities. Big game hunting, 4 WD roads #774 and #776, and all trails of the La Garita Wilderness can be accessed from this campground. CAUTION - This area is very remote, it is 58 miles from Saguache, 36 miles of dirt road.&nbsp;Please be prepared. Hiking in the La Garita Wilderness, mountain biking and four-wheeling on area roads are all local activities.</p>

Stone Cellar Campground

## Overview

Stone Cellar Guard Station is a remote cabin located at an elevation of 9,500
feet, just outside the boundary of La Garita Wilderness in Saguache Park in
the Rio Grande National Forest.  
  
The cabin is a secluded getaway for guests seeking relaxation and recreation
in south-central Colorado.

## Recreation

The area offers many opportunities for hiking in summer, hunting in the fall
and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.  
  
The cabin is located in a meadow with Saguache Creek flowing through it,
affording visitors excellent fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brown and brook
trout right out the back door.  
  
The cabin is adjacent to a working cow camp, where guests can witness real
cowboys at work during the summer months. In the fall, this cabin makes an
excellent big game hunting camp.

## Facilities

Stone Cellar Guard Station is a log structure furnished with four bunk beds,
with twin beds on the top and fold-out full beds on the bottom, accommodating
up to 12 people. The cabin has stove, refrigerator and heater, all powered
with propane. The living area has a table and chairs, couch and other
furniture. The kitchen is equipped with some cooking utensils and some pots
and pans. A picnic table, a fire pit and a outdoor vault toilet are also on-
site.  
  
There is no electricity at the guard station, 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.  
  
Although the cabin has some 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.  
  
Stone Cellar Campground is located approximately about a half-mile from the
guard station.

## Natural Features

Situated in an expansive inter-mountain grassland and located close to the
Continental Divide, this cabin offers guests seeking solitude and seclusion an
opportunity to experience wilderness at its best.  
  
About 35 miles of the Continental Divide lie well above timberline in the La
Garita Wilderness, adjacent to the guard station. This area provides ideal
habitats for large herds of elk and mule deer, and on the southern slopes lies
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
mountain beauty.

## Nearby Attractions

Visitors may want to take a day to visit Bonanza, a historical silver mining
town that was booming in the 1880s. 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 tour are available at the
Saguache Ranger Station.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Stone Cellar Guard Station is a remote cabin located at an elevation of 9,500 feet, just outside the boundary of La Garita Wilderness in Saguache Park in the Rio Grande National Forest.<br/><br/> 

The cabin is a secluded getaway for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in south-central Colorado.<h2>Recreation</h2>
The area offers many opportunities for hiking in summer, hunting in the fall and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.<br/><br/>

The cabin is located in a meadow with Saguache Creek flowing through it, affording visitors excellent fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brown and brook trout right out the back door.<br/><br/>  

The cabin is adjacent to a working cow camp, where guests can witness real cowboys at work during the summer months. In the fall, this cabin makes an excellent big game hunting camp.<h2>Facilities</h2>
Stone Cellar Guard Station is a log structure furnished with four bunk beds, with twin beds on the top and fold-out full beds on the bottom, accommodating up to 12 people. The cabin has stove, refrigerator and heater, all powered with propane. The living area has a table and chairs, couch and other furniture. The kitchen is equipped with some cooking utensils and some pots and pans.  A picnic table, a fire pit and a outdoor vault toilet are also on-site.<br/><br/> 

There is no electricity at the guard station, 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.<br/><br/>   

Although the cabin has some 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.<br/><br/> 

Stone Cellar Campground is located approximately about a half-mile from the guard station.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Situated in an expansive inter-mountain grassland and located close to the Continental Divide, this cabin offers guests seeking solitude and seclusion an opportunity to experience wilderness at its best.<br/><br/>



About 35 miles of the Continental Divide lie well above timberline in the La Garita Wilderness, adjacent to the guard station. This area provides ideal habitats for large herds of elk and mule deer, and on the southern slopes lies 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 mountain beauty.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Visitors may want to take a day to visit Bonanza, a historical silver mining town that was booming in the 1880s. 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 tour are available at the Saguache Ranger Station.

Front view of Stone Cellar Guard Station, a classic log cabin with ADA access ramp and awning over the front door

STONE CELLAR GUARD STATION

Kitchen with classic wood stove oven, modern oven and refrigerator

Living quarters, with leather loveseat, fabric chair with ottoman, 4 sets of bunkbeds (bottom is full size, top is single)

Front door view of Stone Cellar Guard Station

Stone Cellar Guard Station

## Overview

Upper Crossing Guard Station is located at an elevation of 8,400 feet, along a
scenic byway near the Continental Divide, offering visitors a comfortable
lodging experience in a remote setting in Rio Grande National Forest.  
  
This guard station is the original headquarters of the old Cochetopa National
Forest that existed for only a few years during the early part of the last
century.  
  
Today, guests to the guard station will find plenty of opportunities for
relaxation and recreation in south central Colorado.

## Recreation

The area offers many opportunities for hiking in summer, hunting in the fall
and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.  
  
The cabin sits at the confluence of two creeks and offers visitors excellent
fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brown and brook trout right out the front
door.  
  
Hiking opportunities are in close proximity to the cabin, extending out to
nearby wilderness and other public lands.

## Facilities

Upper Crossing Guard Station has all the amenities of a standard home,
including electricity, heat and inside running water. It is furnished with
three bunk beds, with twin beds on the top and fold-out full beds on the
bottom, accommodating up to nine people. The cabin has electric lights,
propane heater and wood burning stove. The living area has a table and chairs,
couch and other furniture. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, stove,
hot water, some cooking utensils and some pots and pans. A picnic table,
campfire grill and horseshoe pit are also on-site.  
  
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

Upper Crossing Guard Station provides a remote setting that is easily
accessible year-round via CO Highway 114. The brief dirt road leading to the
cabin is actually the old stagecoach route, complete with historic graffiti
that served as billboards advertising goods and services at the stagecoach
stops.  
  
Views from the cabin include portions of the Continental Divide and unspoiled
surrounding countryside, showcasing high mountain peaks, diverse forests,
streams and lakes in addition to some of Colorado's most scenic working
ranches.  
  
Historically, Ute Indians traveled through this area and found it favorable
for living in the San Luis Valley.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Upper Crossing Guard Station is located at an elevation of 8,400 feet, along a scenic byway near the Continental Divide, offering visitors a comfortable lodging experience in a remote setting in Rio Grande National Forest.<br/><br/> 

This guard station is the original headquarters of the old Cochetopa National Forest that existed for only a few years during the early part of the last century.<br/><br/> 

Today, guests to the guard station will find plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation in south central Colorado.<h2>Recreation</h2>
The area offers many opportunities for hiking in summer, hunting in the fall and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.<br/><br/>

The cabin sits at the confluence of two creeks and offers visitors excellent fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brown and brook trout right out the front door.<br/><br/> 


Hiking opportunities are in close proximity to the cabin, extending out to nearby wilderness and other public lands.<h2>Facilities</h2>
Upper Crossing Guard Station has all the amenities of a standard home, including electricity, heat and inside running water. It is furnished with three bunk beds, with twin beds on the top and fold-out full beds on the bottom, accommodating up to nine people. The cabin has electric lights, propane heater and wood burning stove. The living area has a table and chairs, couch and other furniture. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, stove, hot water, some cooking utensils and some pots and pans. A picnic table, campfire grill and horseshoe pit are also on-site.<br/><br/> 


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.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Upper Crossing Guard Station provides a remote setting that is easily accessible year-round via CO Highway 114. The brief dirt road leading to the cabin is actually the old stagecoach route, complete with historic graffiti that served as billboards advertising goods and services at the stagecoach stops.<br/><br/>

Views from the cabin include portions of the Continental Divide and unspoiled surrounding countryside, showcasing high mountain peaks, diverse forests, streams and lakes in addition to some of Colorado's most scenic working ranches.<br/><br/>

Historically, Ute Indians traveled through this area and found it favorable for living in the San Luis Valley.

Front door view of Upper Crossing Guard Station

UPPER CROSSING GUARD STATION

North Facing, front door view of Upper Crossing Guard Station,

Side view of Upper Crossing Guard Station

Side view showing Accessible Ramp

Master bedroom, equipped with 1 bunk bed and a dresser. Sleeps up to 3

View of living room and dining room. Table has 4 chairs (more in storage), shelf equipped with First Aid kit, history/diary booklets, toys/games, and miscellaneous books.

Living room, equipped with inset wood stove, couch, coffee table

2nd bedroom, has 2 bunk beds with capacity of 6 people total

Upper Crossing Guard Station

Elevation: 10,800' This small, isolated dispersed (HORSE FRIENDLY) campground
is located 16.8 miles east of Creede on Forest Road 600. Campers will find
this to be a good vantage point for viewing vistas of distant mountains. There
are 3 camping units at this site with picnic tables and fire rings. There is a
vault-type toilet, but no water or refuse receptacles. **A small stream can
provide emergency drinking water only if it is treated or boiled.** Trails and
4 WD roads are nearby, as well as fishing in East Bellows Creek. There is lots
of room here to accommodate large groups (family reunions, etc.).  This is a
very Horse Friendly campground with plenty of nearby grazing and room for
trucks/trailers.   The 4x4 road takes off here for the Wheeler Geological Area
attraction.  East Bellows trail #790 goes into the Wilderness Area from here
to Wheeler Geologic Area and is a foot or horse trail only, no motorized
vehicles or mountain bikes allowed.  Call 719-658-2556 for "real time"
conditions.  **14 DAY CAMPING LIMIT.**

<p>Elevation: 10,800&#39; This small, isolated dispersed (HORSE FRIENDLY) campground is located 16.8 miles east of Creede on Forest Road 600. Campers will find this to be a good vantage point for viewing vistas of distant mountains. There are&nbsp;3 camping units at this site with picnic tables and fire rings. There is a vault-type toilet, but no water or refuse receptacles. <strong>A small stream can provide emergency drinking water only if it is treated or boiled.</strong> Trails and 4 WD roads are nearby, as well as fishing in East Bellows Creek. There is lots of room here to accommodate large groups (family reunions, etc.).&nbsp; This is a very Horse Friendly campground with plenty of nearby grazing and room for trucks/trailers.&nbsp; &nbsp;The 4x4 road takes off here for the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/attmain/riogrande/specialplaces">Wheeler Geological Area</a> attraction.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=28996&amp;actid=51">East Bellows trail #790</a> goes into the Wilderness Area from here to Wheeler Geologic Area and is a foot or horse trail only, no motorized vehicles or mountain bikes allowed.&nbsp; Call 719-658-2556 for &quot;real time&quot; conditions.&nbsp; <strong>14 DAY CAMPING LIMIT.</strong></p>

Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping

## 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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
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.<br/><br/>

Visitors may reserve the cabin for a maximum of five nights to allow others the opportunity to rent the cabin.<h2>Recreation</h2>
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. <br/><br/>
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.
<br/><br/>
Anglers will enjoy the scenic backdrop of Alder Creek when casting lines for a variety of trout.<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>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. <br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br> <br>Lighting is available, however guests are advised to bring an additional light source in case of emergency.</p>

<p>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.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
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.<br/><br/>

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.

Poso Campground

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