Elk Valley Guard Station

Open — Currently operates as a warming hut under special use permit. No fees required at this time. Starting May 1, 2026, the station will be available as a rental cabin at $75 per night for up to six people, reservable through Recreation.gov.

About

Elk Valley Guard Station is a historic U.S. Forest Service guard station located in Cache County, Utah, within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest near Hardware Ranch. The building has served the forest since before 1941, when the site was formally withdrawn to protect improvements from public claims. Today, the guard station functions primarily as a warming hut for winter recreationists, particularly snowmobilers exploring the 180 miles of groomed trails in this top-rated riding area. The station is currently operated under special use permit by a local snowmobile club and provides shelter along trails featuring gradual climbs through forested terrain with access to excellent play and hill-climbing areas. The remote location experiences extremely cold temperatures typical of the region's high-elevation sinkholes. In 1992, the Forest Service considered disposing of the property but ultimately retained it for recreational use through the special use permit arrangement. Starting May 1, 2026, the Elk Valley Guard Station is approved to transition to a rental cabin available through Recreation.gov at $75 per night for up to six people. The site has experienced some natural challenges including beaver activity causing minor flooding near the cabin structure.

Directions

From Meadowville, Utah, head east on State Highway 30 for approximately 5 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 102 and continue for about 3 miles to reach the Elk Valley Guard Station. Be aware that the road includes a gate; please close it after passing through.

Nearby Campgrounds