Colorado / Routt County / Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

Seedhouse Guard Station

Closed — Open for winter season with reservations available through Recreation.gov. Winter access requires snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing approximately 3.5 miles from the Hinman parking lot. 3-night minimum stay required.

About

Seedhouse Guard Station is a historic Forest Service cabin constructed in 1933, located approximately 26 miles north of Steamboat Springs in the Routt National Forest. Situated at 8,000 feet elevation beneath a canopy of fir and pine forest along North Fork Elk Creek near the Middle Fork Elk River, the cabin offers a unique backcountry lodging experience for fall and winter visitors. The cabin accommodates up to 5 guests with two sets of bunk beds (3 twin beds, 1 full bed) and comes furnished with propane range, refrigerator, lights, heater, table and chairs, and cooking utensils. Outside amenities include a campfire ring, picnic table, vault toilet outhouse, and corral for horses. No electricity or drinking water is provided; guests must bring their own water or melt snow in winter using the provided pot. Access varies seasonally. From September through October, guests can typically drive directly to the cabin via dirt road in a passenger vehicle, though 4-wheel drive is recommended. Once winter snow accumulates (usually late October through December), the final 3.5 miles requires snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing from the Hinman parking lot where plowing ends. The cabin is located behind a locked gate across from Seedhouse Campground. Recreation opportunities include proximity to Continental Divide Trail, Mt. Zirkel Wilderness trailheads within 3 miles, Elk River fishing, and winter sports. Wildlife viewing for elk, deer, coyote, and occasional black bears is excellent. Guests must pack out all trash, provide their own supplies including sleeping bags and toilet paper, and clean the cabin before departure.

Directions

From Steamboat Springs, take Highway 40 west and turn right on County Road 129. Head north on 129 toward Clark about 18 miles. One mile after Clark, take the first right after crossing the Elk River onto Routt County Road 64 (Forest Service Road 400). Continue 8 miles; the guard station is behind a locked gate on the left, across from Seedhouse Campground. Fall: Last 3 miles is dirt road, 4WD recommended. Winter: Park at Hinman parking lot at end of plowed road; ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile final 3.5 miles.

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