Colton Guard Station
Closed for the season. The cabin is not available for reservations during April, May, or November. Opens June 1 for vehicle access. Winter season (December through March) requires snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe access. Reservations via Recreation.gov; call the Vernal Ranger District at (435) 789-1181 three business days prior to confirm door lock combination.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT A strong low pressure system off the Pacific Coast will begin to draw in tropical moisture associated with Topical Storm Rachel this weekend. This strong southerly fetch will draw anomalously high moisture content across the Desert Southwest and into eastern Utah and western Colorado. The chance for widespread precipitation increases Saturday evening into Sunday. Total precipitation forecasts range from 1 to 3 inches across high terrain, with highest amounts favoring the Uintas, Tavaputs and the Southwest San Juan mountains. Embedded thunderstorms are also possible Sunday afternoon, increasing the threat for flash flooding across vulnerable terrain. While confidence in location and rainfall rates remain low at this time, the potential for rapidly rising rivers, streams, normally dry arroyos and slot canyons are possible Sunday through Monday. Please follow the evolving forecast, especially if your plans including recreating or commuting across eastern Utah and western Colorado Sunday onward. Also, keep in mind weather potential above your location and upstream, particularly for those who reside below sensitive terrain like recent burn scars.
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.
Fireworks and Spark Arrestor Order 04-2021-01
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR §261.52(t)Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order as described…
About
Colton Guard Station offers a unique opportunity to stay in a piece of forest history. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, the complex once served as a residence for rangers patrolling Ashley National Forest on horseback. The cabin and grounds sit in Colton Hollow at 8,500 feet elevation, surrounded by aspens and pines with abundant wildlife and summer wildflowers. The main cabin sleeps four on a twin bunk and double futon, with a separate bunkhouse providing additional sleeping space on twin mattresses. The kitchen includes a propane stove/oven, table and chairs, and basic cookware. Heat comes from a wood-burning stove. Solar lights are provided but unreliable; guests should bring battery-powered lanterns. An outdoor campfire ring with grill is available. Running water and a flush toilet operate mid-June through mid-September only; the rest of the season, an outdoor vault toilet is available and guests must bring their own water. Summer access is by vehicle via Forest Road 019, approximately 5 miles west of US Highway 191. Winter access requires snowmobile, cross-country ski, or snowshoe travel. The nearby Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offers world-class fishing and water recreation, while the Ashley-Karst National Geologic Recreation Area features dramatic canyons and cave networks.
Directions
From Vernal, travel north on US Highway 191 for approximately 20 miles. Turn left (west) on Forest Road 020 at the paved parking lot with restroom. Continue northwest on paved FR 020 for approximately 2 miles. Turn left (southwest) on Forest Road 019 and continue approximately 1.75 miles to a sharp right hairpin turn. Follow the turn down into the ravine to reach Colton Guard Station.
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 | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (435) 789-1181 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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