Carnero Cabin Guard Station
USFS · Lookout/Cabin · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Lookout/Cabin
- Hours
- Check in time is after 2:00 pm Check out time is before 12:00 pm
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Nearest dump station
- Taylor Lagoons Dump Station · 56.7 mi
- Coordinates
- 37.9896, -106.4235
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
The Carnero Guard Station, first proposed in 1907, by the Cochetopa National Forest, was originally named the John Smith Ranger Station after a homesteader who built a cabin near the site, but never filed on the land. The name was changed to the Carnero Guard Station by 1916. Construction began on April 16, 1908 by W.L. Ward, the contractor. At that time Tebo Gallegos was the Carnero District Ranger. The cabin is a good base camp for hunting. Fishing is available in several creeks within an easy drive (please check Colorado Division of Wildlife for fishing seasons and rules). The trailhead for the La Garita Wilderness (20 miles west) can be reached via 4 x 4 and Forest Service roads. There is an ATV trail about 10 miles southwest of the cabin that travels to within 2 miles of the La Garita Wilderness. Reminder, no motorized vehicles allowed in any wilderness area. Wildlife in the area includes deer, elk and coyote. Moose have been spotted in the Moon Pass area, about 5 miles west. The cabin is surrounded by a buck pole fence. Visitors to the National Forest are responsible for knowing the rules and regulations of the forest. Travel maps for the Rio Grande National Forest can be obtained by calling the Forest Service Office in Saguache 719-655-2547 or Monte Vista 719-852-5941.
From the USFS.Official page
Is Carnero Cabin Guard Station free?
No. Carnero Cabin Guard Station charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to Carnero Cabin Guard Station?
From Saguache travel south on Hwy 285 17 miles to La Garita turnoff (County Rd G). Go west to La Garita (6 miles), from La Garita proceed west on County Rd 41G approximately 17 miles, cabin is on the right. Cabin may also be accessed from Highway 114 west of Saguache, go south on 41G.
What are the rules at Carnero Cabin Guard Station?
Access via combo locks. Details will be sent by Recreation.gov once reservation is completed. Call the Saguache Ranger District, 719-655-2547, with questions. Hours M-F 8:00 - 4:30, closed weekends holidays. Renters are required to pack out all garbage. Make sure the fire in the outside fire ring is completely out. No hot coals above or below the surface of the soil. Clean the cabin, leaving it in the condition it was found or better. Please lock the door when leaving. Be sure to close the gate when you leave. Lock entry gate.
Nearby
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
