Laprele Guard Station

Closed — Open seasonally from late May or early June through late October. Weather and road conditions may affect opening and closure dates, particularly after snow events at the beginning and end of the season. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Laprele Guard Station provides a distinctive lodging experience in a historic cabin originally constructed as a remote ranger station by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936. After the La Prele Ranger District was discontinued in 1956, the site was converted into a work center and later made available for public rental. The entire compound was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, preserving its architectural and historical significance. The log cabin accommodates up to six guests in two bedrooms with beds and mattresses. Modern conveniences include electricity, indoor plumbing with a flush toilet and shower, propane water heater, refrigerator, and stove. The kitchen is equipped with basic cooking utensils and cookware. A stone fireplace provides heating during the summer season. Outside, guests can enjoy a campfire ring and picnic table. A small horse corral accommodates up to six horses with advance arrangements. For larger groups, nearby Campbell Creek Campground offers additional tent and RV sites. Situated at 7,800 feet elevation in a grassy clearing surrounded by mixed conifer forest, the guard station sits along La Prele Creek with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities including elk, deer, black bears, and moose. Recreation opportunities include fly fishing for trout in La Prele Creek and its beaver ponds, hiking, mountain biking, OHV riding, rock climbing, and hunting. The Twin Peaks OHV trailhead is located three miles north, providing access through public lands with scenic views of the Laramie Mountains.

Directions

From Douglas (37 miles): From I-25 Exit 140, turn right onto S Riverbend Drive, right onto WY-94, then right on WY-91 (Cold Springs Road). In 3 miles, turn left on WY-91. Continue on CR 24 (Cold Springs Road) for 33.8 miles. From I-25 Exit 146: East on WY-96 for 3.1 miles, turn right on WY-91, continue on CR 24 for 33.8 miles. From Laramie (105 miles): Follow Highway 30 north to Medicine Bow, take Highway 487 north, turn right on CR 62 (32 Mile Road/Little Medicine Road) for 29.8 miles, continue on CR 24 for 4.4 miles.

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