Idaho / Bonneville County / Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Caribou Mountain Guard Station

Open — Open year-round for reservations. Winter access requires snowmobile or skis for the 6-mile approach from the nearest road access.

About

Caribou Mountain Guard Station sits at 7,000 feet elevation on Caribou Mountain, the second highest peak in southeastern Idaho at 9,803 feet. Named after "Cariboo Jack," who discovered gold here in 1870, the area retains its adventurous spirit today. The guard station is nestled in a stand of mixed conifers at the edge of a meadow, offering sweeping views down to Grays Lake marshes. The cabin accommodates up to 15 people and serves as a base for year-round recreation. Summer and fall visitors can drive directly to the station and enjoy hiking, mountain biking, hunting, and fishing. The Caribou Mountain ATV Trail and Caribou Mountain Mine Trail provide off-road vehicle opportunities. Winter transforms the landscape into snowmobiling and cross-country skiing terrain, though guests must be prepared to travel the final 6 miles by snowmobile or skis. Wildlife is abundant, including black bear, wolf, elk, moose, mule deer, bison, grizzly bear, mountain lion, and pronghorn. Nearby Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers exceptional bird watching, with sandhill cranes, whooping cranes, and trumpeter swans among the species. The refuge is open for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Guests must bring all water and supplies needed for their stay.

Directions

From Soda Springs, take Highway 34 north approximately 33 miles. Turn left onto Grays Lake Road. Drive north about 11.5 miles and turn right onto McCoy Creek Road (Forest Road 087). Follow Forest Road 087 for 6.5 miles to the guard station. Winter access requires snowmobile or skis for the final 6 miles.

Nearby Campgrounds