Pine Valley Guard Station

About

Pine Valley Guard Station is a charming historic cabin nestled in the Pine Valley Recreation Area of the Dixie National Forest at 6,800 feet elevation. Built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the station originally housed a recreation guard who assisted summer visitors. Today it serves as a rustic rental cabin surrounded by ponderosa pines with scenic views of the Pine Valley Mountains. The one-bedroom cabin accommodates up to 6 guests on a futon and double/twin bunk beds with mattresses provided. Modern amenities include electricity, an electric range, refrigerator, cookware, dishes, and an electric fireplace heater. During summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day), indoor plumbing provides cold running water, a shower, and flush toilet. A year-round outhouse is also available. An outdoor campfire ring with grill allows for campfire cooking. The cabin offers easy access to Pine Valley Reservoir for rainbow trout fishing and numerous non-motorized trails leading into the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness. During winter, access requires a 1.5-mile snowshoe, cross-country ski, or hike from the trailhead at the recreation area entrance. Guests must bring their own bedding, flashlight, and drinking water for winter visits, and are responsible for cleaning the cabin and packing out all trash.

Directions

From Exit 6 in St. George, Utah, turn north onto Bluff Street, which becomes Utah Highway 18 North. Continue 27 miles, then turn east onto Pine Valley Highway and travel 6.9 miles into Pine Valley. From the Pine Valley stop sign, turn east onto Main Street and follow 2 miles to the Pine Valley Recreation Area. The Guard Station is located a quarter mile past the reservoir parking lot on the north side of the road. During winter months, access requires a 1.5-mile cross-country ski, snowshoe, or hike from the winter trailhead at the recreation area entrance.