Elwood Cabin sits in a saddle along the San Juan Mountains
overlooking an open meadow, offering guests a unique lodging
opportunity.
The cabin was built in 1911 by the Mountain States Telephone Company as a "line
shack" to support crews maintaining the transcontinental telephone line. Remnants of this
old telephone line are still found along Iron Creek to the southeast. The cabin was also used
as a Forest Service Station from 1950 until 1962, serving as living quarters for Forest Service
employees who worked on numerous projects in the area.
Although the phone line has been abandoned, today the cabin is a high-altitude getaway for
guests seeking relaxation and recreation in south-central Colorado.
During summer months the cabin can
be accessed by motorized travel. During winter months access to the cabin is by
snowmobiles, cross country skiing or snow shoeing.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
Elwood Cabin offers a beautiful, rustic retreat in a serene mountain setting, appreciated for its comfort and charm. Guests praise its cleanliness and well-stocked amenities, as well as the cozy wood stove that keeps the cabin warm even in cold weather. While there are some concerns regarding pests and access issues, many visitors express a strong desire to return, highlighting the cabin's appeal for those seeking a unique escape into nature.
Always a great stay...unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. The only downside to the cabin is there is dispersed camping close by and there were generators that ran most of the night.
I’ve been coming here for years. This was the first time I experienced the cabin overrun with both mice and rats. There were feces throughout the cabin when I arrived and I cleaned them up. All night, rodents crawled in and out of the ceiling and I could see where previous guests had stuffed plastic bags into the holes. Saw the biggest rat of my life. In the morning, feces all over the burners and counter. I was supposed to stay three nights and I left the next morning because I got no sleep and was grossed out. Extremely disappointing. Hope they will eradicate the rodents and make the necessary repairs to the cabin. Also noticed duct tape throughout. Poorest condition I’ve seen the cabin in five years. Needs some TLC!
Our first overnight at Elwood after drving past many times.
Beautiful spot, comfortable cabin, mice were not a problem, but I did spray the truck tires and wheel wells with Mighty Mint. Fished the local creeks and got to 3rd base on the Colroado trout slam.
Somebody needs to bring a steel and a plastic spatula for the kitchen.
We stayed at Elwood Cabin for three nights in early June and had a wonderful experience. The cabin is rustic, comfortable, and it is exactly what we were looking for: a quiet mountain retreat away from crowds. The one room cabin is equipped with bunk beds (twin), a wood stove, propane stove and lighting, and basic cooking supplies. It is clearly well cared for by is many visitors and caretakers.
The setting is beautiful. Access was straightforward in dry summer conditions, though the roads could be rough and muddy when wet, so checking conditions before arrival is a good idea.
A few things future visitors should know: the cabin is at high elevation, nights can be cold even in summer, and the top bunks can be quite warm and dry compared to the lower beds. A small battery fan and extra water will make the stay more comfortable for those on top.
We love the cabin and can't wait for the next trip up!
For two years straight I have rented this cabin and not been able to go because of not enough snow. The 7 cancelation policy needs to be revised because this is a snowmobile trip in the winter and if there is too much snow to drive and not enough to snowmobile then you can’t make a judgment call 7 days in advance. I have lost money two years now because we didn’t know if we could go or not until a couple days in advance. Hopefully you can amend your policy on this or create exceptions based on accessibility. Thanks!
For two years straight I have rented this cabin and not been able to go because of not enough snow. The 7 cancelation policy needs to be revised because this is a snowmobile trip in the winter and if there is too much snow to drive and not enough to snowmobile then you can’t make a judgment call 7 days in advance. I have lost money two years now because we didn’t know if we could go or not until a couple days in advance. Hopefully you can amend your policy on this or create exceptions based on accessibility. Thanks!
Beautiful, high alpine setting! Loved the charm and scenery. Cozy and warm with the wood burning stove, even with sub-freezing outside temps. Many thanks to the previous occupants who left the cabin and outhouse spotless and organized - we paid it forward and did the same. Will definitely return - highly recommend for a rustic stay!
Helpful
Location & Directions for Elwood Cabin
15571 County Road T.5, La Jara, CO 81140 United States
From Del Norte, take U.S. Highway 160 west to South Fork. Continue west on U.S. Highway
160 for 8 mi to Park Creek Road. Travel 15 mi on Park Creek Road to Summitville
Road. Turn right on FSR 380, the cabin is about 2 mi on the left.
From the j...
From Del Norte, take U.S. Highway 160 west to South Fork. Continue west on U.S. Highway
160 for 8 mi to Park Creek Road. Travel 15 mi on Park Creek Road to Summitville
Road. Turn right on FSR 380, the cabin is about 2 mi on the left.
From the junction of FSR 250 in the Alamosa Canyon and FSR 380, follow FSR 380 about 8 mi, the cabin is on the right.
Access to the cabin in the summertime can be accomplished with just about any vehicle;
however, when the dirt roads are wet they tend to get slick.
In winter, the trail access to the Elwood Cabin is on the unplowed portion of Forest Road 380,
which starts southeast from the junction, but makes a bend and continues south-southwest to the cabin. The 2 mi ski to the cabin is generally easy with a
400 ft elevation gain. The Elwood Cabin is visible below the road on a knoll projecting into a
large open park. Allow from 1.5 - 2 hours or longer, depending on snow conditions, for the trip.