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.
Prep for all kids of weather. Take a hike into Crater Lake and leave early to do so. The walk out is harder than in. Totally worth it. Ride 4 wheelers. There are hrs and hrs of roads to explore. GI to Platoro Lodge for a great meal. Enjoy😁
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.