Cowpuncher Guard Station/Rental Cabin
Closed — Currently closed for winter. The cabin operates seasonally from late spring through fall. Roads are typically closed by snow 5.5 miles from the cabin from late November to mid-April. During winter months, access requires snowmobile or skis. Reservations operate on a 6-month rolling basis via Recreation.gov.
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 rental cabin located in the Dixie National Forest, 20 miles northeast of Escalante in southern Utah. Built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the cabin sits in a secluded meadow at 8,000 feet elevation, surrounded by pine and aspen groves next to a small trout stream. The cabin comfortably accommodates up to 7 guests with bunk beds and one full-size bed. The cabin is furnished with a table and chairs, wood cook stove, propane stovetop, and kitchen sink with cold running water during summer and early fall. Battery-operated lanterns provide lighting, and the cabin includes pots, pans, dishes, and utensils. A covered porch extends the living space, with a picnic table and fire ring below. Firewood is provided, and a vault toilet is located 150 feet from the cabin. The area offers abundant recreation opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding along trails that include the Great Western Trail. Pine Creek flows through the site providing excellent trout fishing. The scenic Hells Backbone Road is nearby, and Posey Lake is 7 miles away. The cabin serves as an excellent base for exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Anasazi State Park, and scenic Highway 12.
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 | 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 | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (435) 826-5499 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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