Colton Guard Station

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.