Piney 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

Piney Guard Station

Piney Guard Station is a rustic cabin that was constructed in the 1930s as a work station for Forest Service crews. This 14x22-foot log cabin only has a single room. Natural Features: Piney Guard Station is located at 9,100 feet in the White River National Forest, Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District, which is near Vail. The cabin is nestled in a forest dominated by aspen, spruce, pine, and fir trees. Guests can enjoy views of the Gore Mountain Range from a meadow to the cabin’s north side. Local wildlife, including moose, may be spotted near the lake, which sits across the road from the cabin. The White River National Forest is also home to elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mule deer, Canada lynx, and black bear. Birders may see bald eagles, peregrine falcons, Barrow’s golden-eye and black swifts. Recreation: The cabin is conveniently located near a variety of year-round recreational activities. The Forest Service road leading to the cabin is used by mountain bikers, hikers, snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers. This area is popular for hunting big and small game, game birds, and waterfowl. Facilities: Piney Guard Station can sleep up to 4 people. It contains a bunk bed, 2 cots, storage cabinets, a table and benches, and a woodstove. Skillet, dishware, and utensils are provided. A two burner stove and lantern are provided. These require 16.4-oz. propane cylinder bottles, which are not provided and are your responsibility. A picnic table and metal fire ring are just outside the cabin’s door. A vault toilet is located approximately 50 feet from the cabin. Guests can easily gather firewood around the cabin. No drinking water, electricity, or trash service is available; guests must bring their own water and garbage bags to pack out trash. Guests should consider packing most items they would bring on a regular camping trip. See pictures of Piney Guard Station.

Before you go

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