Brewery Creek Guard Station
04 reviews46525 ST HWY 114, SAGUACHE, CO 81149, USA
Brewery Creek Guard Station
$50.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Cabin is available for $50 per night during peak season (May 22 – November 17, 2025). Fees exclude discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Step back in time at Brewery Creek Guard Station, a lovingly preserved 1935 ranger cabin nestled deep within the Rio Grande National Forest. This enchanting mountain retreat welcomes up to nine guests into its rustic embrace, where modern comforts meet historic charm at 9,500 feet elevation. Surrounded by whispering aspens and powered by propane amenities, this year-round sanctuary offers an authentic taste of Colorado's high country heritage while serving as your basecamp for endless alpine adventures.
Brewery Creek Guard Station offers a unique lodging experience in a historic cabin setting. It does not provide traditional tent, RV, or group campsite options.
Historical SignificanceThese weathered walls have witnessed nearly a century of forest service dedication, originally serving as a vital outpost for rangers protecting the Cochetopa National Forest in 1935. The guard station stands as a living monument to the men and women who shaped Colorado's conservation legacy. Just down the mountain, the historic town of Bonanza whispers tales of silver rush dreams, where fortune seekers once carved their hopes into these ancient hills.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather here dances to its own rhythm, painting each season with distinct personality. Summer afternoons often crescendo with dramatic thunderstorms that roll across the peaks, while spring and fall nights dip below freezing, wrapping the forest in crystalline frost. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland, though reaching your cabin may require the adventurous spirit of snowshoes, cross-country skis, or snowmobiles as snow blankets the access roads.
ElevationPerched at 9,500 feet where the air grows thin and the views grow grand, the cabin commands a spectacular vantage point among towering aspen groves. From this lofty perch, your eyes can trace the jagged silhouettes of surrounding peaks that soar beyond 13,000 feet, their snow-capped summits piercing the endless Colorado sky like ancient sentinels watching over the valley below.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to golden light filtering through a cathedral of quaking aspens, their leaves dancing in mountain breezes that carry stories from Antora Peak and Windy Point. Just steps away, Brewery Creek bubbles with life, its banks dotted with industrious beaver dams that create mirror-like pools reflecting the sky. The surrounding meadows serve as nature's grand theater, where elk bugle at dawn, deer graze in twilight's glow, and countless woodland creatures perform their daily rituals against a backdrop of Colorado's most stunning high-country scenery.
Geological RegionTucked into the northern reaches of the magnificent San Luis Valley, this mountain haven occupies a special corner of the Rio Grande National Forest where geology tells an ancient story. Dense aspen forests cloak the mountainsides like nature's own tapestry, while the dramatic profiles of Antora Peak and Windy Point rise from the earth, testament to millions of years of geological artistry that has sculpted this remarkable landscape into one of Colorado's most captivating wilderness areas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates up to nine people with bunkbeds and futon-style couches.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin provides a secluded experience, surrounded by dense aspen groves.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive with essential supplies including food, sleeping gear, and emergency light sources.
Best CampsitesOnly one cabin available; no additional campsites within the campground.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is unspecified in authoritative sources.
Check-out
Check-out is unspecified in authoritative sources.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights allowed during a visit and total 14 nights within a 30-day rolling window.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 9 guests are permitted in the cabin, which is furnished with three bunkbeds accommodating nine people.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin within a wooded area overlooking Brewery Creek.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 22, 2025 – November 17, 2025. Reservable June 28, 2025 – November 17, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityUnspecified for Brewery Creek Guard Station; reservations are recommended.
Cancellation PolicyReservations canceled more than 14 days before arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (within 14 days of arrival) forfeit the first night's fee. No refunds for cancellations after check-in date.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities at Brewery Creek Guard Station span multiple seasons and interests, including hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, off-road driving, hunting, and winter sports such as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. "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."
Hiking
Several hiking trails are in close proximity to the cabin, including trails leading up to Antora and Antora Meadows. These provide opportunities for scenic exploration in the Rio Grande National Forest.Fishing
Fishing in Brewery Creek, located near the cabin, is possible, although the fish tend to be small. Brandon-Dean Morris notes, "Fun fishing in Brewery Creek - just don’t expect to make a magazine cover. I caught over a dozen and all were really fun on light tackle just…not much bigger than your hand."Biking
Biking opportunities are available, although specific trails and difficulty levels are not detailed in the source materials.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as elk, deer, and beavers can often be spotted in meadows adjacent to the cabin and around Brewery Creek. "Active beaver dams occupy the nearby creek just below the cabin" and elk and deer are noted as commonly seen.Cultural and Educational Programs
Nearby attractions include Bonanza, a historical silver mining town featuring old mines, historical buildings, and equipment. Maps for the Bonanza Mines Off-Highway Vehicle Tour are available at the Saguache Ranger Station.Winter Activities
Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, as well as access challenges during heavy snow or spring snowmelt.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not addressed in the source materials.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire pit available on site. Burning garbage is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are Unspecified in authoritative sources for Brewery Creek Guard Station.
Hazards
General hazardsAltitude sickness is a risk at 9,500 feet; wildlife encounters are possible. Expect freezing temperatures and thunderstorms seasonally. Access may be limited by weather conditions.
Active alertsSeasonal road closures and challenging conditions during spring snow melt and winter; contact Saguache Ranger District for updates.
Weather forecast
54
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 80%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Saguache Ranger District Office - 30 miles away; nearest hospital and police likely in Saguache.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 22, 2025 – November 17, 2025
Trash and recyclingGuests must pack out all garbage and food. Burning trash in the fire pit is strictly prohibited.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Brewery Creek, which hosts active beaver dams and fishing opportunities.
Common complaints"The new water pump is hard to use," limiting convenience (user review). Some guests reported challenges with access codes and combination locks, which required additional support from the ranger office.
HostVisitors may be checked by forest employees during their stay for routine safety and maintenance. Contact Saguache Ranger District for assistance.
Campground Map
46525 ST HWY 114, SAGUACHE, CO 81149, USA
Driving directionsFrom Saguache, go north on Hwy 285 for 15 miles to Villa Grove. Take the Bonanza turnoff, County Rd LL56, on the left 0.1 miles 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. Winter access may require snowshoes, skis, or snowmobiles. Seasonal road closures may apply; check conditions before arrival.
Access includes a well-maintained county dirt road leading to a two-track for the final stretch. Passenger cars are generally able to navigate the route, unless winter conditions apply, which require snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes. Spring snow melt may limit access to hiking for 1.5 miles.Nearby places
Saguache - 30 miles (approximately 45 minutes)
Villa Grove - 15 miles (approximately 25 minutes)
Bonanza - 2 miles (approximately 5 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies for food, fuel, and camping essentials are available in Saguache, approximately 30 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Brewery Creek Guard Station has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The cabin consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, maintenance, and scenic location, though occasional inconveniences such as water pump difficulty and gate combination issues are noted. Reviews collectively highlight the rustic yet comfortable nature of the experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Common praise includes the cleanliness of the pit toilets, the quality of the cabin furnishings, and the scenic views from the site. Brandon-Dean Morris describes it as "kind of the Ritz Carlton of...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include difficulty with the water pump (noted by JOSEPH B) and problems accessing the cabin due to a non-functional door combination lock (mentioned by Rodney H).
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Guests are advised to follow written directions rather than relying on Google Maps (as suggested by Brandon-Dean Morris). Bringing candles and lanterns is also recommended for emergencies, as noted...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter visits require additional preparation due to snowfall and limited access. One reviewer described the cabin as cold in early November, but praised its warmth and propane heater once inside....
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Great cabin experience. This location has propane lanterns, a cook stove, and even a well so it’s kind of the Ritz Carlton of forest service cabins :)" - Brandon-Dean Morris
"Beautiful and quiet....
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 001 from Loop BREWERY CREEK received reviews noting issues with door combinations, but also praise for the scenic drive and cabin comfort.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned in the user reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be under control at all times. One user appreciated the pet policy but reminded owners to keep pets off the furniture due to allergy concerns.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025