Aspen Guard Station
Closed — Open May through November for 2-4 night stays. Reservations managed by Jersey Jim Foundation.
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.
Falls Creek Closure Area, Camping, and Motor Vehicle Travel Restrictions
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R.
Dolores River Restoration Project Closure Order
The Dolores Ranger District has issued a Forest Closure Order for Dolores River Restoration Project located on "The Beach" for the construction of instream structures and bank improvements.
West Fork Road and Bridge Closure Order
The Pagosa Ranger District's West Fork Bridge is closed by Forest Order due to damage during the October 2025 flood events. Forest Road 648 (West Fork) is closed at location identified by this order.
Multiple roads and trails damaged by flooding on SJNF
In early October, severe flooding events created ongoing safety and access concerns for Forest users on the Columbine and Pagosa Ranger Districts of the San Juan National Forest.
Lemon Reservoir Restrictions
The following act is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters on the Columbine Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest:
Cascade Flume Safety Closure
Area closure: The purpose of this Order is for public health and safety during the Cascade Tacoma Flume repair. The recent failure of the flume resulted in infrastructure damage and a landslide that has destabilized the Described Area.
McPhee Reservoir Prohibitions
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters on the Dolores Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest:
Mancos/Dolores Camping Restrictions
The following are prohibited on the National Forest System Lands on the Mancos-Dolores Ranger District, San Juan National Forest.
Forest Orders
Visit our Forest Order page for a list of all the current Forest Orders: Closures, Fire Restrictions, and Camping, Occupancy, and Use Restrictions.
About
Aspen Guard Station is a historic ranger cabin that offers visitors a unique blend of past and present. Built between 1938 and 1941 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this cabin once housed Forest Service Rangers who patrolled the Montezuma National Forest on horseback, managing timber permits, livestock grazing, and assisting the public. The cabin served active rangers for over 40 years and operated as an Artist-In-Residence program from 1994 to 2011. Since 2018, the Jersey Jim Foundation has operated it as a short-term vacation rental. The cabin is well-equipped with modern conveniences powered by propane, including a full kitchen with hot running water, full-sized stove with oven, refrigerator, small heater, and lights. The cupboards are stocked with dinnerware, cookware, and even a stone pizza baking dish. The kitchen table and benches look out at the beautiful aspen trees the station is named for. An interior toilet provides comfort, though guests must bring their own potable water for drinking and cooking. Located 11.5 miles north of Mancos along West Mancos Road (Forest Road 561), the guard station is accessible year-round via a chip-seal paved road that transitions to well-maintained gravel suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles. The location offers excellent access to day hiking, mountain biking, and OHV road riding in the surrounding San Juan National Forest.
Directions
From Mancos, travel 11.5 miles north on Forest Road 561 (West Mancos Road). The road is chip-seal paved for the first 10 miles, then transitions to well-graveled forest road accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 676-1147 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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