Cape Horn Winter Rental

Show on map208-879-4100calene.thomas@usda.gov
Cape Horn Winter Rental (ID) 311 North U.S. Highway 93
CHALLIS, ID 83226

Overview

Cape Horn Winter Rental is located in beautiful Elk Meadow, approximately 16 miles northwest of Stanley, in central Idaho. It sits at an elevation of 6,660 feet. Guests enjoy the area for its endless winter recreation opportunities, including cross-country skiing, back country downhill skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Recreation

The Cape Horn area offers unlimited cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling opportunities in the surrounding meadows, and downhill skiing is available on the slopes behind the cabin. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message.

Facilities

The cabin is open for reservations during the winter only. In the summer, it is used by Forest Service employees as a guard station.

The cabin can comfortably accommodate four people on one double bed and one single bed, each with mattresses, and one couch. More people can use sleeping bags on the floor, but due to the cabin's size, group size is limited to eight people. Guests need to bring their own food, toiletries, towels, bedding and trash bags.

The cabin is equipped with electricity, which powers the lights and a standard four-burner stove and oven, but due to heavy snowfall on power lines, electricity cannot be guaranteed at all times. Be prepared to cook meals on the wood stove if the power is out. Firewood is provided, though it may need to be split.

A table and chairs and additional seating is provided, along with a battery powered lantern and a wooden rack for drying clothes. The water system is turned off during the winter season so the indoor flush toilet and running water are not available. A vault toilet is located behind the station.

Natural Features

The cabin is situated in a stand of lodgepole pines. On clear days, the cabin's front porch affords breathtaking views of the rugged Sawtooth Mountain Range to the south.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

  • Largest party: 10 people

Directions

The guard station it is less than two miles by skiing cross-country from State Highway 21 or approximately four miles by following the Stanley-Landmark Snowmobile Trail. If you are a first time renter, it is important to get detailed directions. To obtain these, click here or call the district office at (208) 879-4100.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

18 reviews
5 stars
15
4 stars
2
1 stars
1
Lisa M
Loop:Cape Horn Winter Rental
Site:
Reviewed 9 months ago
Thanks to the rec tech who answered all my questions. Amazing place to spend a couple nights, has everything you need.
Jared B
Loop:Cape Horn Winter Rental
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
The GPS coordinates need updated to the actual building itself. We came into the rental during a storm and the gps coordinates on the site mark the open field by the rental, which was a 1/2 a mile away. Luckily we found the rental but I imagine it could be dangerous if someone didn’t make it.
Jenny T
Loop:Cape Horn Winter Rental
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
Great fully stocked cabin.
Tyler R
Loop:Cape Horn Winter Rental
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
Great little cabin in a beautiful valley!
ROYCE D
Loop:Cape Horn Winter Rental
Site:
Reviewed 3 years ago
Disclaimer about the road is legit. It snowed 4 days prior to the reservation and road was not plowed. No signs off the highway. Snow covers the mile markers. Been done the Cape Horn road many times in the summer and still drove past in the winter.
Amelia F
Loop:Cape Horn Winter Rental
Site:
Reviewed 4 years ago
Always keep coming back to spend the night and enjoy it throughly.
Availability

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

Reserve
Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in November, when about 0% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 4 years of reservations.

Season dates

Peak season

Dec 15, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2027 – Mar 15, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Dec 15, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2028 – Mar 15, 2028

Reservable online

Peak season

Dec 15, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

Availability not checked yet

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