Colorado › Mesa County › Uncompahgre National Forest

Oak Lookout/Cabin

Closed

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.

Flash Flood Warning issued July 20 at 8:09PM MDT until July 20 at 11:15PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

8:09 PM — 11:15 PM

FFWGJT The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Central Mesa County in west central Colorado... * Until 1115 PM MDT. * At 809 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, highways, and county roads. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... mainly rural areas of Central Mesa County This includes the following streams and drainages... Snyder Creek, Kannah Creek, Gunnison River, Big Dominguez Creek, Deer Creek, East Creek, Little Dominguez Creek and Dry Fork Big Dominguez Creek.

Flash Flood Warning issued July 20 at 8:04PM MDT until July 20 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

8:04 PM — 10:00 PM

FFWGJT The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... The Turner Gulch burn scar in... Southwestern Mesa County in west central Colorado... * Until 1000 PM MDT. * At 804 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain over the Turner Gulch Burn Scar. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Excessive rainfall over the burn scar will result in debris flows. The debris flow can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding in and around the Turner Gulch Burn Scar. SOURCE...Radar. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of areas in and around the Turner Gulch Burn Scar. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... mainly rural areas of Southwestern Mesa County This includes the following streams and drainages... Bear Creek, Ute Creek, Maverick Canyon, Cow Creek, Gill Creek, West Creek, North Lobe Creek and Calamity Creek.

Flash Flood Warning issued July 20 at 7:40PM MDT until July 20 at 10:30PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

7:40 PM — 10:30 PM

FFWGJT The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Southwestern Delta County in west central Colorado... Central Mesa County in west central Colorado... * Until 1030 PM MDT. * At 740 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.7 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... mainly rural areas of Southwestern Delta and Central Mesa Counties

Hydrologic Outlook issued July 20 at 10:32AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

10:32 AM — July 21st, 12:00 AM

ESFGJT Anomalous moisture has become established across portions of eastern Utah and western Colorado. Scattered thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain are expected this afternoon and early evening. Rainfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour will be possible with the stronger storms. These rates could lead to flash flooding and debris flows especially over steep terrain and recent burn scars. Also, rain over the past several days has lead to saturated soils, which increase the chances for excessive runoff. As a reminder: Keep an eye on our forecasts through the end of the week and stay tuned for updated hydrology alerts if visiting or if you reside below vulnerable terrain to flash flooding and/or debris flows. Storms across the west develop quickly, leaving little room for lead time in flashy terrain.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Elk Wildfire Area Closure Order

For the safety of firefighters and the public, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District has expanded the closure area in the vicinity of the Elk Wildfire effective July 15 at noon. (NOTE: The closure map is located at the bottom of this page)

Uncompahgre National Forest

Governor Basin Area, Road, and Trail Closure

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Ouray Ranger District will implement a temporary closure in the Governor Basin area to protect public health and safety during a time‑critical removal action at the abandoned Governor Basin Mine Site. Fafo Holdings, LLC will…

Uncompahgre National Forest

Gold Mountain Wildfire Area Closure Order-Amended

For the safety of firefighters and the public, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests’ Ouray Ranger District has expanded the existing closure area in the vicinity of the Gold Mountain Fire.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

Based on persistent severe fire conditions, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests will begin Stage 2 Fire Restrictions at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Lizard Head Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use Order

Lizard Head Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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 National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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…

Uncompahgre National Forest

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…

Uncompahgre National Forest

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…

Uncompahgre National Forest

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…

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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…

Uncompahgre National Forest

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…

Uncompahgre National Forest

Crystal Creek Road Closure

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

Uncompahgre National Forest

Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Occupancy and Use Regulations

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

Uncompahgre National Forest

Matterhorn Mill Site Area Closure

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

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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

Uncompahgre National Forest

Food and Refuse Storage Order

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

Uncompahgre National Forest

Doctor Park (NFS Trail 424) Seasonal Closure

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

Uncompahgre National Forest

Irwin Lodge Road Closure

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

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

ASPEN LEAF 0.0mi Aspen Leaf Cabin 0.0mi Oak Cabin 0.0mi Divide Forks Campground 2.4mi Columbine Campground 22mi Buckeye Recreation Area 24mi Saddlehorn Campground 32mi James M Robb-colorado River State Park-fruita Section 35mi Dewey Bridge Campground 30mi

Location

38.65018081665039, -108.67433166503906

Whitewater, CO 81527

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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