Carnero Guard Station
The cabin opens for the 2026 season on May 22 and operates through November 18. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov. Access is via combination lock provided after booking. Forest Road 41G is unimproved but passable by passenger car when weather permits.
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.
About
Carnero Guard Station is a historic Forest Service cabin situated in a high open meadow surrounded by forest at 9,840 feet elevation in the north-central San Luis Valley. Originally proposed in 1907 and constructed in 1908, it was first named John Smith Ranger Station after a homesteader who built a cabin nearby but never filed on the land. The name changed to Carnero Guard Station by 1916. The two-room cabin features a combined kitchen and dining area plus a bedroom with bunk beds accommodating up to 12 people. All appliances run on propane: stove, refrigerator, heater, and lighting. The kitchen includes a table, chairs, cooking utensils, and pots and pans. Potable water is available from an outside hand pump. A vault toilet, fire ring, and picnic table are provided outside. Guests must pack out all garbage. The cabin makes an excellent base camp for hunting and fishing in nearby creeks, with OHV trails about 10 miles southwest leading to within 2 miles of the La Garita Wilderness. Elk, deer, and moose are commonly spotted in the area. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, though access may require snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes when roads are snow-covered.
Directions
From Saguache, travel south on Highway 285 approximately 17 miles to the La Garita turnoff (County Road G). Go west to La Garita (6 miles), then proceed west on County Road 41G approximately 17 miles. The cabin is on the right. Alternatively, access from Highway 114 west of Saguache via Forest Road 41G heading south.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| 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 | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (719) 655-2547 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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