Cowpuncher Guard Station
Closed — The cabin is temporarily closed. Normal operating season is May 16 through November 30. Roads are typically closed by snow 5.5 miles from the cabin from late November to mid-April, requiring snowmobile or skis for winter access. Reservations operate on a 6-month rolling basis.
From Recreation.gov
A location closure has been issued, and the facility is closed at this time. Reservation-holders will receive an email with additional information. Please check back for location closure updates.
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.
Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02
This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.
Pine Valley Area and Trail and Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety while crews perform work to clean up debris flows and damage from flooding.
Cedar City and Pine Valley Ranger Districts Camping Restrictions (Order Number 0407-25-11)
To reduce conflicts with other public uses and recreational activities at developed and dispersed camp sites.
Forestwide Occupancy and Use Camping (Order 0407-25-01)
The following is prohibited on National Forest System land within the Dixie National Forest:
Pine Valley and Cedar City Off Highway Vehicle Road Restrictions Developed Campgrounds (0407-23-01)
Pine Valley and Cedar City Ranger Districts Off Highway Vehicle Road Restrictions Within Developed Campgrounds - This order is intended to provide OHV access in campgrounds which have legal access to riding opportunities while also providing a quiet recreation experience at some locations.
Pine Valley and Cedar City Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-22-11)
Pine Valley and Cedar City - Camping Restrictions at Forest Service trailheads, administrative sites and/or other facilities, and areas within one-half mile of developed campgrounds unless designated by the Dixie National Forest as an approved campsite.
Powell Dave's Hollow Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-22-03)
This purpose of this Order is to facilitate resource protection and proper management of National Forest Lands and the adjacent private and National Park Service lands from recreation impacts associated with camping in the Dave’s Hollow area and to provide recreational opportunities to more membe
Powell Seasonal Road and Motorized Trail Restrictions (Order 0407-22-04)
Powell Ranger District - Seasonal Road and Motorized Trail Restrictions
Powell East Fork Sevier River Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-21-12 )
The purpose of this order is to protect soil, water, and vegetative resources from recreation impacts associated with camping near the East Fork of the Sevier River and associated riparian areas, and to provide greater recreation opportunities to more members of the general public.
Powell Water Resources Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-21-20 )
The purpose of this Order is to protect wildlife habitat, wildlife, soil, water, and vegetation resources from the effects of recreational use and camping.
Powell Escalante Ranger Dist. Off-highway Road Closures in Developed Campgrounds (Order 0407-21-13)
The purpose of this Order is to reduce traffic, dust, and noise in portions of developed campgrounds, while permitting certain types of OHV use that do not contribute to these issues where appropriate and ingress and egress where necessary.
Powell Tom Best Area Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-21-19)
The purpose of this Order is to protect wildlife habitat, wildlife, soil, water, and vegetation resources from the effects of recreational use and camping.
Escalante Food Storage Restrictions (Order 0407-21-18)
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and wildlife by: (1) minimizing the likelihood of adverse interactions between bears and humans; and (2) reducing the risk of habituating or attracting bears due to the improper storage of food and refuse in the Restricted Areas.
Forestwide Occupancy and Use Cannabis Possession (Order: 0407-21-07)
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.
Cedar City Parking Restrictions Along Hwy14, Hwy 143 and Mammoth Creek Road (Order: 0407-21-10)
Dixie National Forest Cedar City Ranger District - Parking restrictions along Hwy 14, Hwy 143, and Mammoth Creek Road
Forestwide - Occupancy and Use - Alcohol (Order: 0407-21-06)
The purpose of this Order is to protect public and employee health and safety by preventing alcohol-related accidents and sanitation issues, as well as to protect resources by preventing damage to public lands and facilities.
Using a Developed Recreation Site By More Users Than Allowed (Occupancy & Use Order 0407-21-04)
The purpose of this Order is to protect soil, water, and vegetation resources.
About
Cowpuncher Guard Station is a historic Forest Service cabin rental located in the Dixie National Forest, 20 miles northeast of Escalante in southern Utah. Situated at 8,000 feet elevation, the cabin sits in a secluded meadow surrounded by pine and aspen groves next to Pine Creek, a small trout stream open to public fishing. The cabin is comfortably furnished with bunk beds and one full-size bed, a table and chairs, wood cook stove, propane stovetop, and kitchen sink with cold running water during summer and early fall. Amenities include battery-operated lanterns, pots and pans, dishes and utensils, a covered porch with picnic table, fire ring, and provided firewood. A vault toilet is located 150 feet from the cabin. The cabin is accessed via the scenic Hells Backbone Road and is surrounded by trails including the Great Western Trail, offering abundant opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Pine Creek provides excellent trout fishing. The location serves as a cool escape from the surrounding desert landscape and makes an ideal base for exploring the Escalante area, including the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Anasazi State Park, and Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. Posey Lake is located 7 miles away. Summer days are warm and nights are cool at this elevation.
Directions
From Highway 12 in Escalante, turn north on 300 East (Pine Lake/Hells Backbone Road). Drive 14 miles to the junction of Forest Roads 154 and 153. Continue on FR 153 for 4.5 miles. Turn left on FR 145 towards Cowpuncher and Blue Spruce Campground. Travel 0.7 miles to Cowpuncher Gate. The cabin is 0.2 miles past the gate.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| ccalbaum@fs.fed.us | |
| Phone | +1 (435) 826-5499 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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