Aspen Leaf Cabin
Currently closed for the season. Reopens mid-June 2026 and operates through mid-October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Heavy snowfall may cause rental cancellations. A 4WD vehicle may be required late in the season depending on conditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
GMUG National Forests begin prescribed fires
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are planning prescribed fire operations this spring, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the summer as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help…
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 continues seasonal and year‑round closures for the Little Bear Campground, Island Lake day-use area and associated trails. These closures are required to ensure public safety during reconstruction…
Gold Creek Bridge Closure Order
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District to temporarily close Gold Creek Bridge and surrounding area for public safety during bridge reconstruction efforts starting March 17, 2026. The closure prohibits entry onto or travel on the bridge and…
Colorado Ski Safety Act
Order Number 2026-01 applies to areas under special use permits for Powderhorn, Telluride, and Crested Butte ski resorts on National Forest System lands within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. The order is intended to protect public safety and forest resources. The order…
Check Avalanche Conditions Before Heading Out
Avalanche conditions can change quickly. Before venturing into the backcountry, always check the latest avalanche forecast to stay safe and make informed decisions.Anyone venturing into the field should be cautious. Avoid avalanche terrain. View current conditions:…
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. to April…
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. 10…
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.
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.
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
Aspen Leaf Cabin offers a genuine backcountry cabin experience on the north end of the Uncompahgre National Forest. Originally constructed in the 1930s as a Forest Service work station, the cabin now welcomes visitors seeking a remote mountain retreat at 9,000 feet elevation. The setting features open meadows dotted with aspen groves and mountain shrubs, with wildlife including black bears, mountain lions, marmots, and deer in the surrounding area. The cabin sleeps up to six with one bedroom containing three twin beds and a queen sofa sleeper in the living room. Basic cooking and eating utensils are provided. A flush toilet and shower serve as the bathroom facilities. There is no electricity; propane powers the stove and refrigerator, and guests must bring battery or propane lanterns for lighting. A fireplace provides heat, but firewood must be packed in. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility with no trash service. The location provides excellent access to over 50 miles of ATV trails in the Divide Forks complex and the popular Tabeguache mountain bike trail system. Big Creek Reservoir lies about 14 miles away for fishing. The nearest grocery store is in Grand Junction, 44 miles from the cabin. A 4WD vehicle may be required in October depending on weather conditions.
Directions
From Grand Junction, head south on Highway 50. Turn right on County Road 141 heading south for 14.5 miles. Make a sharp left on Divide Road (unmarked; prior to turn a sign reads "National Forest Access Divide Road, Uncompahgre Plateau"). Follow this road for 19.6 miles and turn left on Forest Road 406 at the "Cold Springs Work Center" sign. Go a quarter-mile and turn right on 406.1A. The cabin is a half-mile after the turn; Aspen Leaf is the first cabin on the left. Have the combination lock code ready to enter the gate. Parking for a maximum of three vehicles is in front of the cabin.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 242-8211 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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