La Prele Guard Station
Currently closed for the season. Opens May 21, 2026 and operates through late October. Reservations required via Recreation.gov; walk-ins not accepted under any circumstances. Weather and road closures may affect opening and closing dates.
Special Weather Statement issued August 29 at 4:56PM MDT by NWS Cheyenne WY
Scattered virga showers and thunderstorms in the area are producing strong, downburst winds along and west Interstate 25. Gusty shower and thunderstorm activity will be possible through 10PM this evening. Strong winds could be hazardous to travelers in light weight and high profile vehicles. Be prepared for sudden changes in wind speed and direction in the vicinity of these showers. Little to no rainfall is expected.
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.
About
La Prele Guard Station is a historic log cabin originally built as a remote ranger station in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. When the La Prele Ranger District was discontinued in 1956, it was converted into a work center. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 and now serves as a unique rental cabin for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in the Laramie Mountains. The cabin sits in a grassy clearing surrounded by mixed conifer forest at an elevation of 7,800 feet, with La Prele Creek flowing nearby. Wildlife viewing is abundant, including elk, deer, migratory birds, and occasional black bear or moose. The property features two bedrooms with beds and mattresses for up to six guests, a full bathroom with flush toilet and bathtub/shower, a kitchen with propane refrigerator and stove, and a living/dining area with a stone fireplace adequate for heating. Limited electricity and propane lighting are available. Recreational opportunities abound in the vicinity, including hiking, fly fishing in La Prele Creek and its beaver ponds, rock climbing, mountain biking, OHV riding, and hunting. The Twin Peaks OHV Trailhead is three miles north, providing access for elk and deer hunters with views of the Laramie Mountains from the peaks.
Directions
From Douglas (37 miles): From I-25 Exit 140, turn right onto S Riverbend Dr, right onto WY-94 (Esterbrook Road), right on WY-91 (Cold Springs Road). In 3 miles, turn left on WY-91 (Cold Springs Road). Continue on CR 24 (Cold Springs Road) for 33.8 miles. Alternatively, from I-25 Exit 146, go east on WY-96. In 3.1 miles, turn right on WY-91 (Cold Springs Road). Continue on CR 24 (Cold Springs Road) for 33.8 miles. From Laramie (105 miles): Follow HWY 30 north to Medicine Bow, take HWY 487 North and turn right on CR 62 (Little Medicine Road) for 29.8 miles, continue on CR 24 (Cold Springs Road) for 4.4 miles.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (307) 358-4690 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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