Summit Springs Guard Station

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Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov

Summit Springs Guard Station

Summit Springs Guard Station is located a couple of miles off the Sheep Creek Geological Loop southwest of Flaming Gorge in the high Uinta Mountain Range. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the complex in 1931 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. It was one of 11 guard stations built in the area to serve as homes for rangers who patrolled the forest on horseback prior to the modern age of vehicles. The complex includes the guard station, bunkhouse, parking area, and fenced yard. The Ashley National Forest has chosen to rehabilitate and rent this guard station and bunkhouse to the public so that guests can enjoy a rustic experience similar to that of the first rangers. The complex is set in a rolling pasture, surrounded and interspersed with aspen and pine trees. Wildlife and summer flowers are abundant during the use season. Nearby Attractions: Flaming Gorge Recreation Area is known not only for its beautiful red cliffs, but also for its world -class fishing for lake, brown, and rainbow trout. Boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and scuba diving are popular activities on the reservoirs. The dam is about 23 miles east of the complex. Sheep Creek Loop Scenic Backway (Geological Loop) is a 10 mile drive through spectacular canyon scenery and back in time. Millions of years of geologic history can be seen in a 20 minute drive, thanks to the Uinta Crest Fault and other rock features. The town of Manila is about 15 miles away, off the north end of Sheep Creek Loop where visitors can find grocery stores and other amenities. Included in this complex: •Broom & Dust Pan •Bunkbed(s) With Mattresses •Cell Phone Service •Cooking Pots •Cooking Utensils •Electricity •Group Cooking Facilities •Heater •Heating Stove •Kitchen •Lights •Pets Allowed •Propane Heat •Propane Stove •Propane refrigerator •Table & Chairs •Wood Stove Know Before You Go • Bring your own linens, dishes, silverware, cups, and glasses. (Pans are provided.) • Water available from May 15 through September 15 depending upon weather. • Limited power for lights only. • The lighting is very limited and provided via generator. No outlets are available for any other electronic appliances or items. • The cabin has 1 bedroom, 8 beds and 4 rooms. Propane heating and showers are provided. • The bunkhouse has 1 bedroom, 12 beds and 1 room and heated with a wood stove. • Off-road vehicles are allowed only on authorized roads, trails and routes as identified on the Ashley National Forest Vernal Ranger District Travel Map. • Staff reside onsite and will provide access upon arrival. • Pets are only allowed outdoors. No pets in the buildings. • There is a $50 cleaning deposit due at check in. Funds should be cash or check (no credit cards) and will be collected onsite. The money will be refunded if the buildings and grounds pass inspection at check out time.

Before you go

Scenic drives that pass close

• Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway2 mi
• Flaming Gorge - Green River Basin Scenic Byway9 mi