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.
Red Flag Warning issued July 2 at 12:40AM MDT until July 3 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 10 AM Friday to midnight MDT Friday night. The Fire Weather Watch for Friday is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225 and 229. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 5 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution and avoid any activities which could start a wildfire.
Red Flag Warning issued July 2 at 12:40AM MDT until July 4 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 10 AM Friday to midnight MDT Friday night. The Fire Weather Watch for Friday is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225 and 229. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 5 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution and avoid any activities which could start a wildfire.
Air Quality Alert issued July 2 at 9:10AM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Grand, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Eagle, Summit, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Mesa, Pitkin, Lake, Park, Delta, Gunnison, Chaffee, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores, and northern parts of Montezuma and Saguache Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Craig, Steamboat Springs, Walden, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Meeker, Rangely, Glenwood Springs, Eagle, Vail, Breckenridge, Central City, Georgetown, Grand Junction, Aspen, Leadville, Fairplay, Delta, Gunnison, Buena Vista, Salida, Montrose, Nucla, Ouray, Telluride, Dove Creek, Cortez and Saguache. WHEN...900 AM Thursday July 02 to 900 AM Friday July 03 IMPACTS...Areas downwind of large fires in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah could have periods of moderate to heavy smoke through at least Friday morning. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
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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