Cape Horn Winter Rental

About

Cape Horn Winter Rental is a rustic guard station located in beautiful Elk Meadow, approximately 16 miles northwest of Stanley in central Idaho. Situated at 6,660 feet in a stand of lodgepole pines, the cabin offers breathtaking views of the Sawtooth Mountain Range from its front porch. During summer months, the station serves Forest Service operations, but from December 15 through March 15, it opens for public rental. The cabin accommodates up to 8 guests with one double bed, one single bed, and a couch, plus floor space for sleeping bags. Amenities include a wood stove for heat, a four-burner electric stove and oven, cooking equipment, dishes, and a battery-powered lantern. Firewood is provided but may require splitting. Electricity powers lights and the stove but is unreliable during storms due to heavy snowfall on power lines. Access is exclusively by human-powered or motorized winter travel. Cross-country skiers can reach the cabin in less than 2 miles from Highway 21, while snowmobilers follow the Stanley-Landmark Trail for approximately 4 miles. Highway 21 may close during severe weather, and the distance from plowed roads varies from 1.7 to 9 miles depending on conditions. Guests must bring their own food, bedding, toiletries, and trash bags as this is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility with no potable water available.

Directions

Located in Elk Meadow, 16 miles northwest of Stanley, Idaho. Access is by skiing less than 2 miles cross-country from State Highway 21, or approximately 4 miles via the Stanley-Landmark Snowmobile Trail. First-time renters should contact the district office at (208) 879-4100 for detailed directions. A lock combination is provided in the confirmation email.