Seedhouse Guard Station

About

Seedhouse Guard Station is a historic one-room cabin constructed in 1933, offering a unique backcountry lodging experience in the Routt National Forest near the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness. The cabin sits at 8,000 feet elevation beneath a canopy of fir and pine along North Fork Elk Creek. It accommodates up to 5 guests with two bunk beds (3 twin beds and 1 full bed) plus basic kitchen supplies including pots, pans, dishes, and utensils. The cabin is equipped with propane-powered heating, stove, lights, and refrigerator, but has no potable water or electricity. A vault toilet and campfire ring with picnic table are located outside. Guests must bring their own drinking water, food, sleeping bags, and pack out all trash. Fall visitors can drive directly to the cabin via a dirt road, while winter access requires parking at the Hinman lot and traveling approximately 3.5 miles by ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile. The area offers excellent recreation including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, and fishing in the nearby Elk River. Reservations require a 3-night minimum and must be made at least 3 days in advance through Recreation.gov.

Directions

From Steamboat Springs, take Highway 40 west and turn right on County Road 129. Head north toward Clark for about 18 miles. One mile past Clark, take the first right after crossing the Elk River onto Routt County Road 64 (also Forest Service Road 400). Continue 8 miles to the guard station on the left, behind a locked gate across from Seedhouse Campground. The last 3 miles is a dirt road not maintained in winter. Winter access requires parking at the Hinman lot and traveling 3.5 miles by ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile.