Alder Guard Station
Open for the 2026 season. Operating season runs mid-May through end of September. Reservations required through Recreation.gov with a maximum 5-night stay. Check-in after 2:00 PM, check-out by noon. Bears have been spotted in the area; do not leave food or trash outside.
Red Flag Warning issued July 1 at 2:30PM MDT until July 3 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THURSDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT THURSDAY NIGHT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, AND 229... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, AND 229... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225 and 229. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 5 percent. * IMPACTS...Elevated fire danger is expected. Fires will catch and spread rapidly and erratically.
Fire Weather Watch issued July 1 at 2:30PM MDT until July 3 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THURSDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT THURSDAY NIGHT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, AND 229... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, AND 229... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225 and 229. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 5 percent. * IMPACTS...Elevated fire danger is expected. Fires will catch and spread rapidly and erratically.
Red Flag Warning issued July 1 at 2:30PM MDT until July 1 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THURSDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT THURSDAY NIGHT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, AND 229... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, AND 229... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225 and 229. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 5 percent. * IMPACTS...Elevated fire danger is expected. Fires will catch and spread rapidly and erratically.
About
Alder Guard Station is a historic Forest Service cabin constructed in 1910, originally serving as the residence and office for the local ranger district. Situated 2 miles north of South Fork at 8,400 feet elevation along Alder Creek, the cabin offers a comfortable basecamp surrounded by mixed conifer forests, aspen groves, and nearby wilderness areas. The renovated cabin features modern amenities including electricity, hot water, a flush indoor toilet, electric stove, refrigerator, and kitchen utensils. A wood stove provides the only heat source, with firewood provided. Sleeping accommodations include two bunkbeds, one single bed on the second floor, and a couch on the first floor. Picnic tables are available outside, and a vault toilet is also on site. Guests must pack out all trash. The Alder Bench trailhead sits just north of the cabin on Forest Road 610, offering 6.5 miles of trail for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and OHV use. The area provides excellent fall hunting for elk and deer, and Alder Creek offers trout fishing opportunities.
Directions
From South Fork, travel northwest on State Highway 149 for approximately 1 mile. After crossing the Rio Grande River bridge, turn right onto County Road 15 (North River Road) and continue for about 1 mile. Turn left onto Forest Road 610 and travel north for 2 miles. Alder Guard Station is on the left, less than 50 yards from the road. Park behind the guard station at the trailhead.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (719) 657-3321 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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