Alpine Ranger Station
Closed — Reservations are not currently available. The facility is inaccessible during winter months due to snow and road closures at 9,600 feet elevation.
From Recreation.gov
Reservations are not currently available as work on this web page is currently in progress. Please check back for updates.
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.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
Crested Butte Winter Recreation Management 2025-19
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District will implement annual winter travel restrictions beginning Dec. 31, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2030, in the Crested Butte Area.
Almont Triangle winter wildlife closure
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District is renewing the annual winter closure for the Almont Triangle area, which will span from Dec. 12 at 12 a.m. to April 30 at 11:59 p.m., and each subsequent year through 2030 from Dec. 1 at 12 a.m.
Grand Mesa Winter Road Closure
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Grand Valley Ranger District is temporarily closing several roads in Mesa County to ensure public safety while timber is being harvested in the area. The following roads will be closed to visitors Monday through Friday from Dec.
GMUG National Forests begin prescribed fires
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are planning prescribed fire operations over the next several months, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the spring as conditions allow.
St. Germain Area Closure Order
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety during the construction rebuild of the powerlines by San Miguel Power Association (SMPA).
Cottonwood Road Closure
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests announce temporary closure of a short section of Cottonwood Road (National Forest System Road 504), from the intersection of Lockhart Road (NFSR 507) to the intersection of NFSR 504.1E, for public safety.
Little Bear Campground and Island Lake Day-Use Area, Roads and Trail Closure
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Grand Valley Ranger District announces temporary closure of Little Bear Campground and the Island Lake day-use area for reconstruction and rehabilitation starting June 2.
Crystal Creek Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety during the Bald Timber Sale.
Forest Hill Road and Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety due to the presence of mine tailings that contain elevated levels of lead and arsenic.
Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Occupancy and Use Regulations
To protect natural resources and wilderness character, this order describes prohibitions in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness
Matterhorn Mill Site Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and the historic Matterhorn Mill.
Taylor Park Reservoir Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources from the zebra mussel/quagga mussel and other aquatic invasive species infestation.
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
The purpose of this Order is to mitigate the effects of high levels of use and to protect natural resources and wilderness character.
Crested Butte Area Camping and Fire Prohibitions
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public safety, as well as to provide high-quality, sustainable recreational opportunities for visitors.
Tincup Camping Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire and to protect public safety, natural resources, and property in the Tincup area.
Taylor Canyon and Reservoir Camping Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect Forest visitors, to protect NFS resources and to provide quality recreational opportunities for visitors in the Taylor River Corridor of the Gunnison National Forests
Food and Refuse Storage Order
The purpose of this Order is to is to protect public safety and wildlife by minimizing human-wildlife interactions.
Doctor Park (NFS Trail 424) Seasonal Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide seasonal resource protection for migrating bighorn sheep.
Irwin Lodge Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and to avoid visitor conflicts.
Lizard Head Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Lizard Head Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
La Garita Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the La Garita Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
Powderhorn Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Powderhorn Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
Mount Sneffels Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
Uncompahgre Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Uncompahgre Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness and Fossil Ridge Recreation Management Area, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
Perimeter Trail Winter Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect a bighorn sheep winter concentration area.
Almont Triangle Winter Closure
This Order is necessary to protect the special biological communities of deer, elk and bighorn sheep on critical winter range.
Colorado Ski Safety Act Closure Order
The purpose of this Order is protect the health and safety of National Forest visitors and to protect the resources within the boundary of the developed ski areas.
Telluride Ski Area Motorized Travel Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect visitors and ski area employees from hazards associated with the public operating vehicles, including over the snow machines, within the Telluride Ski Area and preventing undue interference with ski area maintenance and operations that are authorized under
East Naturita & Thunder Roads Camping Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources along National Forest System Roads 609 and 642.
Cement Creek Winter Recreation Analysis Area
The purpose of this Order is to prevent conflicts of winter uses within the Cement Creek Analysis area.
East Brush Creek Winter Recreation Analysis Area
The purpose of this Order is to prevent conflicts of winter uses within the East Brush Creek Analysis area.
East Kebler Pass Winter Recreation Analysis Area
The purpose of this Order is to prevent conflicts of winter uses within the East Kebler Pass Analysis area.
Middle Brush Creek Winter Recreation Analysis Area
The purpose of this Order is to prevent conflicts of winter uses within the Middle Brush Creek Analysis area.
Upper East River Winter Recreation Analysis Area
The purpose of this Order is to prevent conflicts of winter uses within the Upper East River Analysis area.
Washington Gulch Winter Recreation Management
The purpose of this Order is to provide short-term resource protection or to protect public health and safety.
West Brush Creek Winter Recreation Area Analysis
The purpose of this Order is to prevent conflicts of winter uses within the West Brush Creek Analysis area.
General Occupancy and Use on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
This Order is necessary to protect Forest visitors, to protect the resources of the National Forest System within the Restricted Area, and to provide quality recreational opportunities for visitors.
West Elk Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the West Elk Wilderness and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
Raggeds Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Raggeds Wilderness and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
About
The Alpine Ranger Station sits at 9,600 feet on the Alpine Plateau in a beautiful alpine valley surrounded by aspen, spruce, and fir forest. This historic Forest Service facility offers two semi-rustic cabins for rent with some modern amenities. The main cabin accommodates up to four people with two sets of bunk beds, featuring a semi-modernized kitchen with propane stove, refrigerator, and sink, plus solar electric lighting and a pot belly wood stove for heat. The second cabin has a queen bed on the ground level and a sleeping loft. A separate bathhouse with vault toilet is located near the main cabin. The station is located near the end of Forest Service Road 868, adjacent to Blue Creek and Soldier Creek, offering scenic views of the Cannibal Plateau and Uncompahgre Wilderness. A horse barn and small corral are available for guests, making this an ideal base for horseback riding. The trailhead to Uncompahgre Peak, a popular 14,000-foot summit, is only a mile away. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, OHV use including ATV and motorcycle routes, and wildlife viewing in the surrounding National Forest. Guests must bring their own water for all uses, bedding, towels, and be prepared to pack out all trash. Basic kitchen supplies and cleaning supplies are provided. Cell phone service may not be available depending on provider. The small town of Lake City, about an hour drive away, offers grocery stores, gas, and restaurants.
Directions
From Gunnison: Take US-50 west approximately 35 miles. Turn left on County Road 66 to FSR 867. Follow FSR 867 for approximately 20 miles to its junction with FSR 868. Turn right. Alpine Ranger Station will be 5 miles ahead on the right-hand side; a locked gate is at the entrance. From Lake City: From the Lake City Community school travel north on state highway 149 for approximately 11.1 miles. Just after a sign that says "National Forest Access Big Blue" turn left onto Forest Service Road 867. Remain on FSR 867 until the junction with FSR 868, then continue straight on FSR 868. The cabin will be approximately 5 miles ahead on the right-hand side. County road 66, FSR 867, and FSR 868 are gravel roads with switchbacks that may be difficult to travel when wet.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 641-0471 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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