Copper Basin Guard Station

About

Copper Basin Guard Station is a historic Forest Service cabin available for rental in the Pioneer Mountains of south-central Idaho. The two-bedroom, 900-square-foot log cabin comfortably accommodates six adults with room for up to eight people total. Furnishings include one queen bed, two full-sized bunk beds, and a queen sleeper sofa. The cabin features propane-powered cooking stove, refrigerator, furnace, and lights, plus a wood stove for supplemental heat. The bathroom has hot and cold running water, a flush toilet, and a shower. Copper Basin is a remote mountain valley surrounded by the Pioneer and White Knob mountain ranges at elevations between 7,500 and 8,000 feet. The area offers abundant recreational opportunities including stream and lake fishing on the East Fork of the Big Lost River, day hikes to high mountain lakes via the Bellas Trail, mountain biking, horseback riding on the Broad Canyon Trail, OHV riding on the Lake Creek Trail, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The basin is known for its wide open spaces, stunning mountain peaks, and abundant wildlife. Guests must bring their own food, bedding, towels, toiletries, and trash bags. Campfires are permitted only in the provided metal fire ring. There is no electricity, phone service, cell coverage, or internet at the cabin. Pets, smoking, and candles are prohibited inside the cabin.

Directions

From Mackay, Idaho, drive north on Highway 93 approximately 17 miles and turn left on Trail Creek Road. Travel approximately 15 miles (paved for the first 12 miles, then gravel). Turn left at the Wildhorse/Copper Basin turnoff, continue 2 miles, and bear left on Road 135 for approximately 14 miles. The guard station is on the right at the intersection of Roads 135 and 138. From Ketchum, take Trail Creek Road (208) northeast for approximately 23 miles, turn right at the Wildhorse/Copper Basin turnoff, continue 2 miles, bear left on Road 135 for 14 miles to the station.