Cowpuncher Guard Station
Currently closed due to a location closure. The facility typically operates from May 16 through November 30. Roads are usually closed by snow 5.5 miles from the cabin from late November through mid-April. Reservations require a minimum 2-night stay, and Friday and Saturday nights must be booked together. Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights.
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.
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…
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.
Cedar City Ranger District Seasonal Road and Motorized Trail Restrictions
The purpose of this order is to ensure public safety, protect resources, and minimize damage to the road infrastructure.
Cedar City Ranger District Temporary Road and Trail Closure
The purpose of this Order is to reduce road damage during logging operations.
Pine Valley Ranger District Area and Trail and Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety while crews perform work to restore the Pine Valley Recreation Area and 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.
Cedar City Ranger District Temporary Road Closure Brian Head Peak Road (Order 0407-25-08)
The purpose of this order is to ensure public safety during the reconstruction/rotomilling of the existing travel surface, for the entirety of the Brian Head Peak Road (NFSR 30047).
Cedar City Temporary Road Closure Webster Flat Road (Order 0407-25-02)
The purpose of this order is to ensure public safety, protect resources, and minimize damage to the road infrastructure during snow melt in the spring months.
Forestwide Occupancy and Use Camping (Order 0407-25-01)
The following is prohibited on National Forest System land within the Dixie National Forest: 1. Camping in the same developed campground or other developed recreation site for a period in excess of 14 consecutive days or for more than 14 days in any 30-day period. [36 CFR § 261.58(a)]. 2.…
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.
Cedar City Ranger District Motorized Trail Size Restrictions
This order is intended to provide an OHV recreational experience and protect trail infrastructure not designed for larger motorized vehicles.
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…
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.
About
Cowpuncher Guard Station is a historic Forest Service cabin available for overnight rental in the Dixie National Forest of southern Utah. Located 20 miles northeast of Escalante at 8,000 feet elevation, the cabin sits in a secluded meadow surrounded by pine and aspen groves, adjacent to Pine Creek, a small trout stream. The setting offers a cool escape from the surrounding desert landscape. The cabin is comfortably furnished with bunk beds and one full-size bed, accommodating up to 7 guests. Interior amenities include a propane stovetop, wood cook stove for heating, kitchen sink with cold running water (available summer and early fall only), battery-operated lanterns, and cooking supplies including pots, pans, dishes, and utensils. A covered porch extends the living space with a picnic table, and a fire ring is located below the porch. Firewood is provided. A vault toilet is situated 150 feet from the cabin. The area offers abundant recreation including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding on the Great Western Trail and other nearby routes. Pine Creek provides trout fishing opportunities. The scenic Hells Backbone Road is minutes away, and Posey Lake is 7 miles distant. The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Anasazi State Park, and Escalante Petrified Forest State Park are all located nearby.
Directions
From Highway 12 in Escalante, turn north on 300E. Drive 14 miles to the junction of Forest Roads 154 and 153. Continue on FR153 for 4.5 miles. Turn left on FR145 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 | 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 | $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| 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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