Colorado › Gunnison County › Uncompahgre National Forest

Jackson Guard Station

Open

Open year-round. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Summer access by standard vehicle; winter access requires snowmobile, cross-country skis, snowshoes, or fat bike for the 3.5-mile approach from the Forest Boundary parking area.

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Red Flag Warning issued June 17 at 1:54PM MDT until June 17 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

1:54 PM — 9:00 PM

* AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 200 Little Snake Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 201 Routt Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 202 White River Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 207 Southwest Colorado Lower Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 290 Paradox Valley Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 291 Northern San Juan Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 292 North Fork Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 293 Gunnison Basin Forecast Area and Fire Weather Zone 294 Southwest Colorado Upper West Forecast Area. In Utah, Fire Weather Zone 486 Eastern Uinta Basin, Fire Weather Zone 487 Book Cliffs, Fire Weather Zone 490 Colorado River Basin and Fire Weather Zone 491 Southeast Utah. * TIMING...Until 9 PM MDT this evening. * WINDS...West 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...7 to 12 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.

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.

Beaver Park Pit Closure Order

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests’ Norwood Ranger District closed public access to the Beaver Park Gravel Pit area beginning June 17 to protect public health and safety during active gravel crushing operations.

Mount Sneffels Wilderness Occupancy and Use

This order establishes specific restrictions within the Mount Sneffels Wilderness to protect natural resources, wildlife and the overall wilderness character. It outlines limits on group size, camping, campfires, waste disposal, dog control and other activities to reduce environmental impacts in…

Uncompahgre Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Uncompahgre Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.

Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness and Fossil Ridge Recreation Management Area, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.

La Garita Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the La Garita Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.

Powderhorn Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Powderhorn Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.

GMUG National Forests begin prescribed fires

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are planning prescribed fire operations this spring, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the summer as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help…

Little Bear Campground and Island Lake Day Use Area, Roads and Trail Closure

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Grand Valley Ranger District continues seasonal and year‑round closures for the Little Bear Campground, Island Lake day-use area and associated trails. These closures are required to ensure public safety during reconstruction…

Gold Creek Bridge Closure Order

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District to temporarily close Gold Creek Bridge and surrounding area for public safety during bridge reconstruction efforts starting March 17, 2026. The closure prohibits entry onto or travel on the bridge and…

Colorado Ski Safety Act

Order Number 2026-01 applies to areas under special use permits for Powderhorn, Telluride, and Crested Butte ski resorts on National Forest System lands within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. The order is intended to protect public safety and forest resources. The order…

Crested Butte Winter Recreation Management 2025-19

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District will implement annual winter travel restrictions beginning Dec. 31, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2030, in the Crested Butte Area.

Almont Triangle winter wildlife closure

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District is renewing the annual winter closure for the Almont Triangle area, which will span from Dec. 12 at 12 a.m. to April 30 at 11:59 p.m., and each subsequent year through 2030 from Dec. 1 at 12 a.m. to April…

Grand Mesa Winter Road Closure

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Grand Valley Ranger District is temporarily closing several roads in Mesa County to ensure public safety while timber is being harvested in the area. The following roads will be closed to visitors Monday through Friday from Dec. 10…

Crystal Creek Road Closure

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety during the Bald Timber Sale.

Forest Hill Road and Area Closure

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety due to the presence of mine tailings that contain elevated levels of lead and arsenic.

Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Occupancy and Use Regulations

To protect natural resources and wilderness character, this order describes prohibitions in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness

Matterhorn Mill Site Area Closure

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and the historic Matterhorn Mill.

Taylor Park Reservoir Use Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources from the zebra mussel/quagga mussel and other aquatic invasive species infestation.

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

The purpose of this Order is to mitigate the effects of high levels of use and to protect natural resources and wilderness character.

Crested Butte Area Camping and Fire Prohibitions

The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public safety, as well as to provide high-quality, sustainable recreational opportunities for visitors.

Taylor Canyon and Reservoir Camping Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to protect Forest visitors, to protect NFS resources and to provide quality recreational opportunities for visitors in the Taylor River Corridor of the Gunnison National Forests

Tincup Camping Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire and to protect public safety, natural resources, and property in the Tincup area.

Food and Refuse Storage Order

The purpose of this Order is to is to protect public safety and wildlife by minimizing human-wildlife interactions.

Doctor Park (NFS Trail 424) Seasonal Closure

The purpose of this Order is to provide seasonal resource protection for migrating bighorn sheep.

Irwin Lodge Road Closure

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and to avoid visitor conflicts.

Lizard Head Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Lizard Head Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.

General Occupancy and Use on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

This Order is necessary to protect Forest visitors, to protect the resources of the National Forest System within the Restricted Area, and to provide quality recreational opportunities for visitors.

West Elk Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the West Elk Wilderness and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.

Raggeds Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Raggeds Wilderness and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.

About

Jackson Guard Station is a historic Forest Service cabin situated at 9,000 feet elevation in a small aspen grove near the southeast shores of Silver Jack Reservoir. The cabin sits at the base of High Mesa, close to where the Cimarron River flows into the reservoir. Originally built to house Forest Service work crews, this rustic retreat now offers visitors a year-round escape in the Uncompahgre National Forest. The cabin features two bedrooms with four twin-size beds, a kitchen equipped with a propane stove and refrigerator, and a wood-burning stove for heat. Basic dishes, cooking utensils, and cleaning supplies are provided. A vault toilet is located outside, along with a fire ring and picnic table. There is no electricity or running water, so guests must bring their own potable water, bedding, toiletries, and battery-powered or propane lanterns. Summer recreation includes hiking, mountain biking, OHV riding, and fishing at Silver Jack Reservoir. The area is also popular for hunting. In winter, vehicle access ends at the Forest Boundary, requiring a 3.5-mile approach by snowmobile, cross-country skis, snowshoes, or fat bike. Nearby attractions include Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the Uncompahgre Wilderness, and the San Juan Mountains.

Directions

From Montrose, take Highway 50 east for approximately 20 miles. Turn south onto County Road 858 (Big Cimarron Road) and continue for approximately 20 miles. Shortly after passing Silver Jack Reservoir on the right, Jackson Guard Station will be on the left. From Gunnison, take Highway 50 west for approximately 43 miles, then turn left onto County Road 858 and continue for approximately 20 miles. In winter, park at the Forest Boundary and travel 3.5 miles to the cabin.

Nearby Campgrounds

Silver Jack Campground 1.8mi Beaver Lake 2.8mi Big Cimarron 3.4mi Big Blue Campground 7.4mi Alpine Ranger Station 7.5mi Ridgway State Park 12mi Cimarron Campground 16mi Amphitheater 15mi The Gate Campground 14mi

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Location

38.2133333, -107.5232444

7787 County Rd 858, Cimarron, CO 81220

Amenities

Water	No
Fires Allowed	Yes
Toilets	Yes
Dump Station	No
Wifi	No
Pets Allowed	No
Showers	No
Electric Hookups	—
Water Hookups	—
Sewer Hookups	—
Camp Store	No
Price	$75

Vehicle

Max RV Length	—
Max Trailer Length	—
Big Rig Friendly	No
Pull Through Sites	No

Contact

Phone

+1 (970) 240-5300

Cell Service

AT&T	None
Verizon	None
T-Mobile	None

Useful Links

Colorado State Tourism
Colorado State Road Conditions
View on Recreation.gov
USFS Jackson Guard Station Page

Availability

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