Elwood Cabin
Open for reservations. Summer season runs early June through mid-October with vehicle access. Winter access requires snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes. Contact Conejos Peak Ranger District one week before arrival for the access combination and current road conditions.
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.
About
Elwood Cabin sits in a mountain saddle at 11,000 feet elevation overlooking an open meadow in the San Juan Mountains. Built in 1911 by the Mountain States Telephone Company as a line shack for crews maintaining the transcontinental telephone line, it later served as Forest Service quarters from 1950 to 1962. Today it offers a unique backcountry lodging experience. The cabin accommodates up to 4 guests on two bunk beds (4 bunks total). Amenities include a wood stove for heat, propane lighting, a propane cook stove with table, chairs, and cooking utensils, and firewood stocked in an adjoining shed. An outdoor vault toilet is provided. Guests must bring their own drinking water, sleeping bags, linens, food, matches, toilet paper, and garbage bags. All trash must be packed out. Summer access is via Park Creek Road (FSR 380), passable by most vehicles in dry conditions. In winter, the road is unplowed and the cabin requires a 2-mile ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile trip from the cleared parking area. Avalanche awareness and winter travel skills are essential for cold-season visits. Nearby recreation includes fishing at Iron Creek and Platoro Reservoir, hiking in the South San Juan Wilderness, and exploring the Summitville ghost town.
Directions
From Del Norte, take US 160 west to South Fork. Continue west on US 160 for 8 miles to Park Creek Road. Travel 15 miles on Park Creek Road to Summitville Road. Turn right on FSR 380; the cabin is about 2 miles on the left. From Pagosa Springs, go east on US 160 over Wolf Creek Pass, continue 9 miles to Park Creek Road, then follow the same route.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (719) 274-8971 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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