Piney Guard Station
4.6516 reviewsEAGLE-HOLY CROSS RANGER DISTRICT PO BOX 190, MINTURN, CO 81645, USA
Piney 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 rental costs $50 per night across all seasons (May 21 to November 23). Additional reservation fees vary depending on booking methods: $8 online, $9 via contact center, or $3 in person.
About this campground
Step back in time at Piney Guard Station, a charming 1930s log cabin that offers an authentic wilderness retreat in Colorado's high country. This rustic sanctuary welcomes adventurers year-round, though Mother Nature occasionally closes the door during late fall and spring transitions. Inside, you'll find the simple comforts that have sheltered forest workers for generations: sturdy bunk beds for restful mountain nights and a crackling wood stove that becomes your best friend after a day of alpine exploration. True to its backcountry roots, the cabin embraces off-grid living with no running water or electricity—just you, the wilderness, and the stars.
Piney Guard Station offers cabin lodging as the primary accommodation option. The rustic, single-room cabin is available year-round, with closures during spring and late fall.
Historical SignificanceThese weathered log walls have stories to tell. Built during the 1930s when the Forest Service was carving civilization from wilderness, Piney Guard Station stands as a testament to the hardy souls who managed America's forests. Originally serving as a remote work station where crews would bunk between days of trail building and fire watching, the cabin showcases the practical architecture and can-do spirit of early conservation efforts. Every hand-hewn beam and carefully fitted log speaks to an era when forest rangers were part lumberjack, part naturalist, and full-time mountain dwellers.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Piney Guard Station into a snow-globe paradise where temperatures plunge and powder blankets the landscape. Reaching your mountain hideaway becomes part of the adventure, as snowmobiles and cross-country skis replace wheels on the access route. When summer arrives, the high-altitude climate delivers crisp mornings and sun-warmed afternoons, though afternoon thundershowers may roll through to water the wildflower meadows. Pack your rain gear and mud boots—mountain roads have a personality of their own during the warmer months, but the payoff is worth it when you're surrounded by blooming alpine gardens and wildlife emerging from their winter hideaways.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 9,100 feet, Piney Guard Station puts you literally on top of the world—or at least high enough to feel like it. At this elevation, the air is crisp and thin, the stars seem close enough to touch, and the panoramic mountain vistas stretch endlessly before you. The alpine environment creates its own weather patterns and moods, from morning mists that cling to the valleys below to afternoon sunshine that sets the peaks aglow. Here in the thin air, every breath reminds you that you've climbed far above the everyday world.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by a living cathedral of towering spruce, fir, and quaking aspen, Piney Guard Station offers front-row seats to nature's grandest theater. The majestic Gore Mountain Range dominates the horizon, its peaks and ridges creating an ever-changing backdrop as light and weather paint new scenes throughout the day. This high-altitude ecosystem bustles with wildlife—you might spot a moose browsing in the willows, elk bugling across the meadows, or bighorn sheep navigating impossible cliffs. Lucky visitors might glimpse the elusive Canada lynx padding through the snow or catch sight of mountain goats balanced on distant ledges. Black bears roam these forests too, while mule deer graze in the twilight hours, completing a wilderness cast that makes every moment at the cabin feel like a National Geographic documentary.
Geological RegionPiney Guard Station claims its place in the heart of White River National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a masterpiece of peaks, valleys, and alpine ecosystems. At 9,100 feet, the cabin sits in the transition zone where dense forests of aspen, spruce, pine, and fir create a patchwork quilt across the mountainsides. The nearby Gore Mountain Range showcases Colorado's dramatic geological history, with exposed rock faces telling stories millions of years in the making. This is classic Rocky Mountain terrain—rugged, beautiful, and humbling in its scale, where every ridge and valley has been carved by ice, wind, and time into the spectacular landscape that surrounds your mountain retreat.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details are not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources. Snowshoeing or backpacking access is required during certain seasons, which may limit accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeThe cabin is approximately 14 x 22 feet in size, providing space for up to four occupants.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is secluded and surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, offering a high level of privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for summer access and snow gear for winter. Bring extra firewood, a shovel, and cable winch in case of vehicle difficulties.
Best CampsitesSingle cabin available (campsite 01).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Unknown
Check-out
Unknown
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sleeps up to 4 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 with surrounding meadow and forest.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 21 to November 23. Closed late fall through spring (November 24 to May 20).
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov online, contact center, or mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityOnly reservable in advance; walk-up availability is not indicated.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies. For late cancellations (less than 14 days before check-in), the first night's fee is forfeited. Changes to reservations incur a $10 fee if altering the reservation dates entirely. Same-day cancellations are not permitted.
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
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
This year-round destination offers a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, hunting, and wildlife viewing during warmer months, and snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing during winter.
Hiking
Several hiking trails are accessible from the cabin, offering opportunities to explore the nearby Gore Mountain Range and the forest dominated by spruce, pine, and fir trees.Biking
Mountain biking is possible along the Forest Service road leading to the cabin during the summer months.Wildlife viewing
The White River National Forest is home to diverse wildlife such as moose, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mule deer, Canada lynx, and black bears. Birdwatching opportunities include species such as bald eagles and peregrine falcons.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Some user reviews describe hiking the 10 miles in snowpack as a unique and challenging adventure.Water Sports
Water sports are not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources or reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Metal fire ring provided. Use firewood gathered near cabin to prevent tree-killing pathogens.
- Quiet hours are Unknown
Hazards
General hazardsRoad access can be hazardous due to ruts and mud, especially after rain. Wildlife such as bears and moose may pose safety concerns. Mice activity within the cabin has been reported.
Active alertsCall Eagle-Holy Cross District for updated road and snow conditions before travel.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Nearest emergency services are located in Minturn (~15 miles away), including a ranger station and medical facilities in Vail (~25 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 21, 2025 - September 20, 2025 (Peak Season).
Trash and recyclingGuests must bring garbage bags and take their trash with them as no trash service is available.
Proximity to water featuresLake near the cabin attracts moose and birds.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of firewood availability, muddy and rutted roads, and mouse activity in the cabin.
HostRangers occasionally check road and cabin conditions. Contact Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District at 970-827-5715 for assistance.
Campground Map
EAGLE-HOLY CROSS RANGER DISTRICT PO BOX 190, MINTURN, CO 81645, USA
Driving directionsTake I-70 east from Grand Junction, CO, about 126 miles or heading west from Denver about 119 miles to exit 157. Take Highway 131 north through the town of Wolcott about 5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road #700 (Muddy Pass Road). Seasonal access directions apply: during summer (May 21 - November 22), a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is mandatory due to rough, rutted, and muddy road conditions. For winter access (November 23 - May 20), snowpack dictates whether you can drive partially to the cabin or must park further away and snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe to reach your destination.
The road leading to the cabin is challenging and requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles due to severe ruts, mud, and rugged terrain during summer. In winter, snowpack conditions often necessitate parking several miles away and accessing the cabin via snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes. Visitors should call the ranger station to confirm current road and snow conditions.Nearby places
Minturn (~15 miles, ~25 min drive), Vail (~25 miles, ~40 min drive), Wolcott (~5 miles, ~10 min drive)
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies for food, water, and camping gear are available in Minturn (~15 miles away) and Vail (~25 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.7
16 reviews
Piney Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Piney Guard Station highlight the remote, rustic experience and scenic beauty surrounding the cabin. Many reviewers appreciated the peacefulness and wildlife sightings, while some noted challenges with the access roads and insufficient firewood during wet weather.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews praise the cabin's charm, remote location, and stunning scenery. Wildlife sightings such as moose and elk were frequently mentioned. Guests also appreciated the cozy atmosphere provided by...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback includes the difficulty of accessing the cabin due to poor road conditions, lack of firewood during rainy periods, and the presence of mice inside the cabin. Some reviewers also...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing high-clearance 4WD vehicles for access, as well as a shovel, cable winch, and bug spray. Guests suggest calling the ranger station to check road conditions and packing...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter visitors described hiking or snowmobiling to the cabin in heavy snow as a rewarding adventure. Summer guests noted the beauty of wildflowers and wildlife but pointed out challenges with muddy...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'This place is AMAZING. It felt like we found a gem of Colorado in this location.' - CHRISTY H
2. 'Awesome little cabin in a beautiful spot, we had a great time!' - MICHAL K
3. 'Lovely cabin, very...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Most reviews reference campsite 01 in PINEY GUARD Loop. Specific feedback mentions the cabin's small size and the need for lifted or high-clearance vehicles for road access. Guests suggest early...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility challenges are noted due to the remote location and rugged access roads. Winter access often requires snowshoeing or snowmobiling, and some reviewers described hiking 10 miles in heavy...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and some reviewers brought dogs along. One mentioned the importance of cleaning up after pets and not leaving them unattended around the cabin.
Based on 16 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025