Piney Guard Station

About

Piney Guard Station is a historic single-room log cabin constructed in the 1930s as a work station for Forest Service crews. Nestled at 9,100 feet in the White River National Forest's Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District near Vail, the 14x22-foot cabin sits in a forest of aspen, spruce, pine, and fir trees with views of the Gore Mountain Range from an adjacent meadow. The cabin sleeps up to 4 people with a bunk bed and two cots. Inside amenities include storage cabinets, a table with benches, a woodstove for heat, and basic kitchenware including a skillet, dishware, and utensils. A two-burner propane stove and lantern are provided, though guests must supply their own 16.4-oz propane cylinders. Outside the cabin door sits a picnic table and metal fire ring, with a vault toilet located approximately 50 feet away. The area offers year-round recreation including hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling on Forest Service roads. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with moose frequently spotted near the lake across the road, along with elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and black bear. Summer access requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle on the rough, rutted FSR 744; those with 2WD vehicles must park 3 miles away and hike in. Winter access is via snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes.

Directions

Take I-70 to exit 157. Head north on Highway 131 through Wolcott for about 5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 700 (Muddy Pass Road). Continue approximately 7 miles to the intersection with Forest Road 744. Turn onto FR 744 and travel 3 miles to the cabin. Summer access requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Those with 2WD or lower-clearance vehicles must park at the FR 700/744 intersection and hike, bike, or ATV the final 3 miles.