Upper Crossing Guard Station Cabin
The numbers that decide it
Recreation.gov publishes no site-level detail for this campground, so we cannot say what length of rig it takes. Call the managing office before committing to it in a large vehicle.
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.
Upper Crossing Guard Station Cabin
Upper Crossing Guard Station is the original headquarters of the old Cochetopa National Forest that existed for only a few years during the early part of the last century. The cabin is also located in an area that was once one of the favorite camping areas of the Ute Indians in the San Luis Valley. Located along a scenic byway near the Continental Divide, Upper Crossing Guard Station provides a remote setting that is easily accessible year-round via U.S. Highway 114. The brief dirt road leading to the cabin is actually the old stagecoach route, complete with historic graffiti that served as billboards advertising goods and services at the stagecoach stops. Though Upper Crossing Guard Station offers visitors relaxing solitude in a secluded setting, the cabin is situated near a paved highway and also offers numerous modern amenities, such as: running water, heated water, electricity, propane heat, a full bathroom (with ADA accessible shower) and ADA accessible kitchen with appliances. The cabin was recently remodeled and is the Rio Grande National Forest’s most accessible facility to persons with disabilities, despite it being a remote and historic Forest Service Guard Station. Views from the cabin include the Continental Divide and unspoiled surrounding countryside, as well as some of the State’s most scenic working ranches. The cabin sits at the confluence of two creeks and offers visitors the opportunity for various streamside activities, including fishing. The surrounding public lands are a wide open opportunity for visitors to enjoy all sorts of Colorado outdoor recreation.
Before you go
Reservations
Reservations accepted
Fees
Fee is $75.00 per night plus a reservation fee from Recreation.gov.
Hours
Open year round: Cabin reservations are available all week.
Restrictions
Make sure the fire in the outside fire ring is completely out. No hot coals above or below the surface of the soil. Clean the cabin, leaving it in the condition is was found or better. Please lock door when leaving. Be sure to close and lock the gate when you leave. During the winter you may need to snowmobile, snow shoe or ski from the nearest maintained road (approximately .5 miles) in order to access the cabin. Horses are not allowed. Dogs must be under master’s control at all times and are not allowed to harass wildlife or livestock. Renters are required to pack out all garbage. Please leave the cabin as nice or nicer than when you arrived. Occasionally government livestock is located next to the guard station. Please do not interact with them.
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.