Oak Lookout/Cabin
Closed for the season. Opens mid-June 2026 and operates through mid-October. Heavy snowfall may cause cancellations. 4WD may be required starting October 1 depending on weather conditions. Reservations via Recreation.gov.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Fire Weather Watch issued June 10 at 11:51AM MDT until June 12 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Fire Weather Watch for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from Friday morning through Friday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 203 Lower Colorado River below 8000 feet. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, until 10 PM MDT this evening. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Friday morning through Friday evening. * WINDS...Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...6 to 11 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.
Red Flag Warning issued June 10 at 11:51AM MDT until June 10 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Fire Weather Watch for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from Friday morning through Friday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 203 Lower Colorado River below 8000 feet. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, until 10 PM MDT this evening. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Friday morning through Friday evening. * WINDS...Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...6 to 11 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.
About
Oak Cabin is a historic single-story cabin built in the 1930s for Forest Service employees at the Cold Springs Work Center on Colorado's Uncompahgre Plateau. Surrounded by aspen trees and mountain scenery at approximately 9,000 feet elevation, the cabin provides a secluded retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Access is via a combination-locked gate; guests must call the Grand Valley Ranger District with their reservation number to obtain the code. The cabin sleeps four guests with two twin beds in the bedroom and a queen sofa sleeper in the living room. A single bathroom with flush toilet and shower provides modern convenience. The kitchen includes a propane stove, refrigerator, and basic cooking/eating utensils. No electricity is available, so guests must bring battery-powered or propane lanterns (kerosene lanterns prohibited). Heating comes from a wood stove with firewood available for gathering on-site. The surrounding area offers extensive recreation. The Divide Forks ATV complex provides over 50 miles of trails for OHV enthusiasts. Mountain bikers use the popular Tabaguache Trail System, while hikers and horseback riders find ample terrain. Fall hunting is popular in the area. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle may be required in October depending on snow conditions.
Directions
From I-70: Take Clifton/Delta Exit #37. After exiting onto I-70 business loop, go to the third stoplight and turn left on Hwy 141. Proceed south to the intersection of Hwy 141 and Hwy 50. Turn left on Hwy 50 to Whitewater (2.5 miles). Turn right on Hwy 141 and travel 14.4 miles. Turn left (south) at the sign reading NATIONAL FOREST ACCESS, DIVIDE ROAD, UNCOMPAHGRE PLATEAU. Follow this road 19.6 miles, turn left on Forest Road 406 at the COLD SPRINGS WORK CENTER sign, go 0.3 mile, then turn right on 406.1A. Cabin is 0.5 mile ahead on the left past a combination-locked gate.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $150 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 242-8211 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Recreation.gov - Oak Cabin | |
| USFS Oak Cabin Page |
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