Duncan Cabin
Closed for winter. The cabin opens May 22, 2026 and operates through November 18, 2026. Reservations via Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Contact Saguache Ranger District at (719) 655-2547 prior to arrival for current fire and road closure information.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
Fall/Winter Slash Pile Burns Planned
Rio Grande National Forest announced today their winter slash pile burning plans. As conditions allow, fire crews plan to burn numerous piles of woody debris from timber sale and thinning project areas across the Rio Grande National Forest. This year’s pile burn areas include:Saguache Ranger…
Motor Vehicle Seasonal Groomed Road Closures
This special order is to protect public safety by preventing damage to groomed snowmobile and cross-country ski routes.
Wolf Creek Pass Winter Recreation Area
This special order restricts parking, camping and snowmobile use at Wolf Creek Pass.
Food Storage Regulations
This special order covers food storage restrictions from April 1 to December 1 annually, within recreation sites across the entire Rio Grande National Forest. The purpose of this Order to protect wildlife and human safety by reducing the risk of adverse interactions between bears and humans.
Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Occupancy & Use
This special order covers the entire Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area including the portion on the San Isabel National Forest. The includes restrictions on group size, camping, campfires, horse use, dogs, switchback cutting, and wagon or cart use.
Beaver Creek Recreation Area Use Restrictions
This special order restricts camping, parking, and dogs in the Beaver Creek Recreation Area. It also prohibits boats at Million Reservoir.
Big Meadows Recreation Area Use Regulations
This special order prohibits camping, parking, campfire and stove use, and restricts dogs within the Big Meadows Recreation area on the Divide Ranger District.
Camping limit on Rio Grande National Forest
This special order establishes a 14-day camping limit within a continuous 30-day period anywhere on the Rio Grande National Forest.
La Garita Wilderness Use Restrictions
This special order covers the entire La Garita Wilderness area including portions on the Gunnison National Forest. The order restricts group size, camping, campfire and stove use, equipment storing, horse use, dogs, and cutting switchbacks on trails.
Weminuche Wilderness and South San Juan Wilderness Restrictions
This special order restricts group use, horse use, camping, campfires, and dogs in the Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas.
Spectacle Lake Restriction
This special order prohibits anyone from being in Spectacle Lake due to biological considerations.
Camping Restriction N. Crestone Trailhead
This special order restricts camping at the North Crestone Trailhead.
Forest Road #950 N. Crestone Closure
This special order closes FSR # 950, near Crestone, seasonally from November 25 to May 1 annually.
Park Creek Road Speed Limit
This special order establishes a 25 MPH speed limit on FSR # 380 Park Creek Road.
Alamosa Canyon Speed Limit
This special order establishes a speed limit of 20 MPH or less on FSR # 250 in the Alamosa Canyon.
Rito Hondo Day Use Area
This special order restricts parking, camping, boat use, and campfire use around the Rito Hondo Dam.
Road Canyon Reservoir Day Use Area
This special order restricts parking, camping and campfire uses in the area around Road Canyon Reservoir #1.
Conejos Canyon Roads and Camping Restrictions
This special order restricts the vehicle use and parking and limits camping to designated areas on FSR# 250 along the Conejos River.
About
Duncan Cabin is a historic one-room cabin dating to the 1880s, situated at 8,120 feet elevation in the Rio Grande National Forest southeast of Crestone, Colorado. The cabin sits on a west-facing slope overlooking the San Luis Valley, surrounded by pinon, juniper, and rabbitbrush vegetation with larger conifers nearby. Access requires a 4-mile hike, bike, or horseback ride from Liberty Gate; no motorized or e-bike access is permitted. The cabin sleeps up to 6 people with two bunk beds (single top bunk, fold-out futon bottom) and includes a wood stove, table and chairs, and basic cooking utensils. Outside amenities include a vault toilet, picnic table, fire pit, and a corral for horses. There is no electricity or potable water on-site. The nearest water source is Pole Creek, approximately 1,500 feet from the cabin. The area offers excellent opportunities for horseback riding, hunting, hiking, and stargazing near the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is designated an International Dark Sky Park. Large herds of elk, pronghorn, and mule deer inhabit the surrounding area.
Directions
From Moffat, CO on State Highway 17, turn toward Crestone on County Road T for 12 miles. Before reaching Crestone, turn right at Camino Baca Grande Road for 2 miles. Turn right at Camino Real Road (look for small brown 'Liberty Road' sign). Follow Camino Real for 3.4 miles, then turn left at Camino Del Ray. Continue 2.5 miles to the top of the hill and turn right at Camino Baca Grande at the brown 'Liberty' sign. Pavement ends; continue on the rough road 5 miles to Liberty Gate on Forest Road 952. From Liberty Gate, it is 4 miles on foot, bicycle, or horseback to the cabin (note stream crossing 2 miles from the gate).
Location
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 | $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| mailroom_r2_rio_grande@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (719) 655-2547 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS Rio Grande NF - Duncan Cabin |
Availability
Photos
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