Overview

Piney Guard Station is a rustic cabin that was constructed in the 1930s for use as a work station for Forest Service crews. This 14x22-ft. structure only has a single room and is built from logs.

Guests can drive to the cabin from approximately mid-June to mid-November, but 4-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance are required for the rough road. Those arriving in standard vehicles should be prepared to park 3 miles away and hike or mountain bike to the cabin with all their gear and supplies. The road to the cabin is only open to snowmobile, snowshoe and cross-country ski traffic for the remainder of the year.

Natural Features:

Piney Guard Station is located at 9,100 feet in the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District near Vail. Guests can enjoy views of the Gore Mountain Range from a meadow to its north side. The cabin is nestled in a forest dominated by aspen, spruce, pine and fir trees.

A pond just across the Forest Service road attracts the local wildlife. A lucky few may spot a moose, but other wildlife in the White River National Forest includes elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, mule deer, Canada lynx and black bear. Birders may see bald eagles, peregrine falcons, Barrow's golden-eye and black swifts.

Recreation:

The cabin is conveniently located for access to a variety of year-round recreational activties. The Forest Service road leading to the cabin is used by mountain bikers, hikers, snowshoers, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. This area is popular for hunting big and small game, gamebirds and waterfowl.

Facilities:

The guard station sleeps 4 and contains a bunkbed, 2 cots, storage cabinets, a table and benches. Skillets, dishware, and utensils are provided. A fire ring and picnic table are just outside, and a vault toilet are located in a separate building. Guests can easily gather firewood around the cabin.

No drinking water, electricity or trash service is available; guests must bring their own water and garbage bags to pack out trash. No cook stove or lanterns are available. Guests should consider packing most items they would bring on a regular camping trip.