Kelley Guard Station

The numbers that decide it

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

Kelley Guard Station

Kelley Guard Station is a historic Forest Service guard station built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. Located about 45 miles north of Kemmerer, Wyoming, along the Big Springs Scenic Backway, the cabin attracts overnight guests year-round and provides convenient access to hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Big Springs Scenic Backway is a 68-mile road that boasts magnificent mountain views, wildflowers covered meadows and river valleys where grazing sheep may be spotted. The guard station has running water, a flush toilet, bathroom sink, shower and kitchen sink available during the summer months only. There is no running water available during winter months but there is an outhouse located behind the guard station. The two-room cabin is equipped with propane range/oven, heater, refrigerator, lights and a wood cook stove. It sleeps 4 people on 2 bunk-beds with mattresses. Natural Features: The cabin is perched on a grassy space surrounded by a stand of mixed conifers at 8,200 feet in elevation. Kelley Creek flows beside the guard station, offering a serene soundtrack of flowing water. Moose, elk, eagles and sandhill cranes are among the wildlife likely to be seen. An abundance of wildflowers color the landscape in summer. The Bridger-Teton National Forest offers more than 3.4 million acres of public land for outdoor recreation. With its pristine watersheds, abundant wildlife and immense wildlands, the forest comprises a large part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest intact ecosystem in the lower 48 states. Recreation: Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing and off-road vehicle riding are popular summer activities in the surrounding area. Snowmobiling and cross country skiing can be done right out the front door in winter. For more information such as reservations, seasons of use, fees, etc. go to www.recreation.gov

Before you go

Scenic drives that pass close

• Big Spring Scenic BackwayPasses it
• Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway26 mi
• Oregon Trail Bear Lake Scenic Byway26 mi