Cabin interior with folded out benches for added sleeping space.

Utah › Sanpete County › Manti-La Sal National Forest

Seely Creek Guard Station

Closed

Closed for the season. The guard station typically opens late June through October. Snow makes the cabin inaccessible to wheeled vehicles during winter months; winter access requires snowmobiles. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov. Guests must call the ranger office at least 3 days prior to arrival to obtain the cabin key code.

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About

Seely Creek Guard Station is a rustic historic cabin built in 1908, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and located near the top of the Wasatch Plateau within the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The cabin sits in a beautiful wildflower-filled meadow at approximately 10,000 feet elevation, with Seely Creek flowing along the meadow's edge. The spacious interior features four single bunks without mattresses, a table and chairs, and both a fireplace and woodstove for heating. Solar-powered lighting is available but guests must bring their own water, linens, and bedding. The guard station accommodates a maximum of 30 people total: 6 inside the cabin and up to 24 camping outside in a maximum of six vehicles. A vault toilet is located approximately 50 feet behind the cabin, and a campfire ring is set up outside the fenced area on the north side. Horseback riders may bring up to 20 horses, though no corrals or hitching posts are provided; the surrounding meadow can be used for picketing or hobbling. Skyline Drive runs along the ridge just above the cabin, providing access to over 60 miles of trails for off-road vehicles, mountain biking, and hiking. In winter, the area becomes popular for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing. John August Lake is less than three miles away for fishing and alpine scenery. Due to the high elevation, guests should be prepared for all types of weather including snow or hail, especially after September.

Directions

From Ephraim, head east on Center Street for 0.4 miles, then south on S 300 E (Ephraim Canyon Road) for 1.1 miles. Bear east on Ephraim Canyon Road/State Route 29 and continue approximately 14.2 miles to the top of the plateau. At Skyline Drive (FR 0150), head south briefly, then turn east/northeast at FR 2326 for 0.09 miles until it becomes FR 0050, the road to Seely Creek Guard Station. The road dead-ends at the cabin in approximately 0.26 miles. The last mile through the meadow often requires 4WD or high clearance when wet.