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Upper Crossing Guard Station

Rio Grande National Forest

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Summary

Upper Crossing Guard Station is a remote cabin in Rio Grande National Forest where guests can find plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation. It provides amenities including electricity, heat and inside running water, as well as fishing, hiking, hunting and winter sports. The cabin is located along scenic byways and is at the confluence of two creeks, providing stunning views of the Continental Divide.

Overview

Upper Crossing Guard Station is located at an elevation of 8,400 feet, along a scenic byway near the Continental Divide, offering visitors a comfortable lodging experience in a remote setting in Rio Grande National Forest.

This 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.

Today, guests to the guard station will find plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation in south central Colorado.

Recreation

The area offers many opportunities for hiking in summer, hunting in the fall and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.

The cabin sits at the confluence of two creeks and offers visitors excellent fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brown and brook trout right out the front door.

Hiking opportunities are in close proximity to the cabin, extending out to nearby wilderness and other public lands.

Facilities

Upper Crossing Guard Station has all the amenities of a standard home, including electricity, heat and inside running water. It is furnished with three bunk beds, with twin beds on the top and fold-out full beds on the bottom, accommodating up to nine people. The cabin has electric lights, propane heater and wood burning stove. The living area has a table and chairs, couch and other furniture. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, stove, hot water, some cooking utensils and some pots and pans. A picnic table, campfire grill and horseshoe pit are also on-site.

Although the cabin has most amenities, guests do need to provide their own food, sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. It is recommended that guests bring an additional light source in case of emergencies.

Natural Features

Upper Crossing Guard Station provides a remote setting that is easily accessible year-round via CO 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.

Views from the cabin include portions of the Continental Divide and unspoiled surrounding countryside, showcasing high mountain peaks, diverse forests, streams and lakes in addition to some of Colorado's most scenic working ranches.

Historically, Ute Indians traveled through this area and found it favorable for living in the San Luis Valley.
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Campground Matrix

Set alerts at more campgrounds to increase your odds of getting a place to stay! Below is a list of the closest campgrounds supported on Campflare. Or, view all campgrounds in Rio Grande National Forest.

Nearby Campgrounds Distance Notification Rate
Carnero Guard Station
Rio Grande National Forest
10.5mi
Stone Cellar Guard Station
Rio Grande National Forest
14.8mi 78%
Brewery Creek Guard Station
Rio Grande National Forest
18.7mi
Penitente Canyon
Penitente Canyon
22.7mi
Ohaver Lake
Psicc
26.2mi 74%
Snowblind
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre And Gunnison National Forest
26.5mi 90%
Made with ❤️ in Mammoth Lakes
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