Utah / Daggett County / Ashley National Forest

Summit Springs Guard Station

Closed — Closed for the season. Open mid-May through mid-September. Reservations available on Recreation.gov. Water available May 15 through September 15 depending on weather.

About

Summit Springs Guard Station is one of 11 historic guard stations built in the Ashley National Forest during Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal era. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1931, this National Register-listed complex served as a home for rangers who patrolled the forest on horseback before the age of modern vehicles. The Ashley National Forest has rehabilitated and opened the facility for public rental, offering guests a rustic experience similar to that of the first rangers. The complex sits at 8,278 feet elevation in a scenic rolling pasture interspersed with aspen and pine trees, where wildlife and wildflowers are abundant during summer. The main cabin sleeps 8 and features a furnished sitting area, fully equipped kitchen, two flush toilets, two showers, and propane heating. The separate bunkhouse accommodates 12 on bunk beds with wood stove heat. The fenced yard includes space for up to 4 RVs or tents, a double vault toilet, and a group gathering area with tables and fire ring. The entire complex can host up to 40 people. Located just 2 miles off the Sheep Creek Geological Loop, the guard station provides access to numerous summer trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV use. Sheep Creek Bay at Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a short 12-mile drive, offering excellent fishing for lake, brown, and rainbow trout. The spectacular Sheep Creek Loop Scenic Backway showcases millions of years of geologic history in a 10-mile drive. The town of Manila, 15 miles north, provides grocery stores and other amenities.

Directions

From Manila, UT at the intersection of UT 43 and UT 44, turn south on UT 44 between Forest Service Office and Brownings restaurant. Drive 13 miles to the upper (second) road to Sheep Creek Geological Loop. Turn right onto the Loop, drive 2 miles to FS 364, and turn left onto the drive into Summit Springs. From Vernal, UT turn north on US 191. Drive 34.8 miles to Greendale Junction. Continue onto UT 44. Drive 14.7 miles to the upper (first) road to Sheep Creek Geological Loop. Turn left onto the Loop, drive 2 miles to FS 364, and turn left onto the drive into Summit Springs.

Nearby Campgrounds