Hewinta Guard Station

Closed — Closed for the season due to snow. The area is typically inaccessible in winter due to snow closure of forest roads. Summer season generally runs from late June through September, depending on snowpack.

About

Hewinta Guard Station is a historic Forest Service facility located in the remote northern region of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Summit County, Utah. Positioned near the Wyoming state line at approximately 9,000 feet elevation, the guard station served as an administrative outpost for forest rangers managing the High Uintas region. The guard station is situated near China Meadows Campground along Forest Service Road 073, providing access to wilderness trailheads including the West Fork Smiths Fork Trail. This area historically served as a key communication point, with telephone lines connecting it to other guard stations across the North Slope of the Uinta Mountains. The Bear River-Smith Fork Trail, which passes near the guard station, was originally constructed as the main access route across the North Slope and served as the telephone line trail connecting Whitney Guard Station to Hewinta Guard Station. The surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing in a rugged mountain setting. The location provides access to alpine meadows, pristine streams, and spectacular mountain scenery characteristic of the Uinta Range. Winter access is limited due to snow and road closures.

Directions

From Robertson, Wyoming, head south on State Highway 150 for approximately 20 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 058 and continue for about 5 miles to reach the Hewinta Guard Station.

Nearby Campgrounds