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.
Flood Watch issued October 30 at 12:19AM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Pueblo CO
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...A portion of south central Colorado, including the following areas, the Eastern San Juan Mountains, and the Upper Rio Grande Valley. * WHEN...From late Saturday night through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Heavy rainfall is expected to fall Sunday and Monday across the area, leading to elevated concerns for flooding in areas that have recently received a lot of moisture, or have recently experienced flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!