BROWSE GUARD STATION
Closed — The road to Browse Guard Station is gated and closed during winter months. Access typically requires high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. No facilities or services available.
Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.
Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02
This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.
Pine Valley Area and Trail and Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety while crews perform work to clean up debris flows and damage from flooding.
Cedar City and Pine Valley Ranger Districts Camping Restrictions (Order Number 0407-25-11)
To reduce conflicts with other public uses and recreational activities at developed and dispersed camp sites.
Forestwide Occupancy and Use Camping (Order 0407-25-01)
The following is prohibited on National Forest System land within the Dixie National Forest:
Pine Valley and Cedar City Off Highway Vehicle Road Restrictions Developed Campgrounds (0407-23-01)
Pine Valley and Cedar City Ranger Districts Off Highway Vehicle Road Restrictions Within Developed Campgrounds - This order is intended to provide OHV access in campgrounds which have legal access to riding opportunities while also providing a quiet recreation experience at some locations.
Pine Valley and Cedar City Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-22-11)
Pine Valley and Cedar City - Camping Restrictions at Forest Service trailheads, administrative sites and/or other facilities, and areas within one-half mile of developed campgrounds unless designated by the Dixie National Forest as an approved campsite.
Powell Dave's Hollow Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-22-03)
This purpose of this Order is to facilitate resource protection and proper management of National Forest Lands and the adjacent private and National Park Service lands from recreation impacts associated with camping in the Dave’s Hollow area and to provide recreational opportunities to more membe
Powell Seasonal Road and Motorized Trail Restrictions (Order 0407-22-04)
Powell Ranger District - Seasonal Road and Motorized Trail Restrictions
Powell East Fork Sevier River Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-21-12 )
The purpose of this order is to protect soil, water, and vegetative resources from recreation impacts associated with camping near the East Fork of the Sevier River and associated riparian areas, and to provide greater recreation opportunities to more members of the general public.
Powell Water Resources Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-21-20 )
The purpose of this Order is to protect wildlife habitat, wildlife, soil, water, and vegetation resources from the effects of recreational use and camping.
Powell Escalante Ranger Dist. Off-highway Road Closures in Developed Campgrounds (Order 0407-21-13)
The purpose of this Order is to reduce traffic, dust, and noise in portions of developed campgrounds, while permitting certain types of OHV use that do not contribute to these issues where appropriate and ingress and egress where necessary.
Powell Tom Best Area Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-21-19)
The purpose of this Order is to protect wildlife habitat, wildlife, soil, water, and vegetation resources from the effects of recreational use and camping.
Escalante Food Storage Restrictions (Order 0407-21-18)
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and wildlife by: (1) minimizing the likelihood of adverse interactions between bears and humans; and (2) reducing the risk of habituating or attracting bears due to the improper storage of food and refuse in the Restricted Areas.
Forestwide Occupancy and Use Cannabis Possession (Order: 0407-21-07)
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.
Cedar City Parking Restrictions Along Hwy14, Hwy 143 and Mammoth Creek Road (Order: 0407-21-10)
Dixie National Forest Cedar City Ranger District - Parking restrictions along Hwy 14, Hwy 143, and Mammoth Creek Road
Forestwide - Occupancy and Use - Alcohol (Order: 0407-21-06)
The purpose of this Order is to protect public and employee health and safety by preventing alcohol-related accidents and sanitation issues, as well as to protect resources by preventing damage to public lands and facilities.
Using a Developed Recreation Site By More Users Than Allowed (Occupancy & Use Order 0407-21-04)
The purpose of this Order is to protect soil, water, and vegetation resources.
About
Browse Guard Station is a weathered piece of Forest Service history located in the Dixie National Forest on the Pine Valley Ranger District. Built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the guard station served as a ranger residence and fire lookout through the mid-20th century before being decommissioned. The site is most famous for the towering Giant Sequoia tree planted behind it by University of Utah botanist Dr. Walter Cottam in 1933 or 1934 as part of the Browse Experiment Station plant studies. Standing approximately 108 feet tall, the sequoia is a remarkable survivor in habitat far from its native California range. The area was originally developed in 1921 as the Mill Creek Browse Experimental Range to study browse vegetation as cattle forage. The guard station and surrounding area have witnessed multiple forest fires but survived intact, though the structure is now abandoned and closed to entry. The Browse Guard Station was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. Access requires a rough, high-clearance 4x4 road approximately 7.5 miles from I-15 Exit 30. The first half is passable by passenger cars but after the forest gate, only high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. The road is not heavily maintained and prone to washouts. The site offers primitive dispersed camping with fire rings and benches but no facilities. No motorized vehicles are allowed beyond the guard station as the area borders designated wilderness. The location serves as a trailhead for the Leap Creek Trail and Anderson Valley Trail system.
Directions
From I-15, take Exit 30 (Browse Exit). Head west on the dirt road for approximately 7.5 miles. The first half is moderately passable; after the forest gate, high-clearance 4WD is required. Road is rough, prone to washouts, and not suitable for trailers.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (435) 865-3700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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