Piney Guard Station

The front of a wooden cabin in a forest
A stove and other furniture inside a wooden cabin
The front of a wooden cabin in a forest

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Sleeping Capacity Sleeping Capacity

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

1 total site

Cabins

1 site

About Piney Guard Station

Piney Guard Station is a rustic cabin that was constructed in the 1930s as a work station for Forest Service crews. This 14 by 22-ft. structure has a single room and is built from logs. It is open both summer and winter with spring and late fall closures.

Number of accommodations: 1

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 21 to Sep 20

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Sleeping Capacity Sleeping Capacity
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Firewood Available
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking

Cabin Interior

  • Sleeping Capacity
  • Heating

Views and Setting

  • View
Missing information?

01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
View Site Details

Reviews (29)

What Guests Are Saying

Piney Guard Station offers a rustic and fun cabin experience with incredible views and a well-stocked interior, making it ideal for a cozy getaway. Guests appreciated the cleanliness, warmth, and helpfulness of the staff, who ensured a comfortable stay. However, access can be challenging during low snow years due to road plowing, and some guests noted the need for better cleaning maintenance and equipment for wood preparation.

Review Summary

4.3
29 reviews
5
69.0%
20
4
13.8%
4
3
3.4%
1
2
3.4%
1
1
10.3%
3

Ken W. B

Verified

August 2, 2026 Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

2

The cabin is rustic simple and fun.

Devin W

Verified

November 6, 2025 Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

5

Amazing!

Kyle A

Verified

September 12, 2025 Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

3

Perfect and everything was explained well and knew what I was getting into. Very permeative cabin. If they would install starlink there it would be a 5 star

Abigail T

Verified

February 9, 2025 Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

1

We couldn’t go because there was not enough snow on the road so we could snowmobile in. They’re plowing the road For logging operations so now that really makes it impossible for people to use it especially on a low snow year. This happened last year too and even booking later in the season we still couldn’t go because of the plowing, impossible to

George L

Verified

January 14, 2025 Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

5

It was incredible. The Forest Service staff was coming out of the woods as we were going into them, and we chatted for a bit. They made sure we were prepared and had everything we needed for a safe snowshoe trip to the cabin.

Once at the cabin we found it fully stocked with wood, incredibly clean and organized, with plenty of equipment and a new stove for warmth. The staff even shoveled a pathway to the wood pile and to the outhouse for us so we didn't have to do it ourselves! Five star treatment!

The ONLY thing I might recommend is some sort of saw that might be usable by those who rent the cabin (a small chainsaw), as it is very hard to chop the knotty wood in order to restock the wood chest for the next renters. We did as much as we could, but the logs were frozen solid and sometimes frozen to each other. It was VERY hard to chop the wood into portions that would fit in the stove. Something to address this would be very welcome.

Otherwise, the cabin was safe, warm, and truly amazing.

The stuff of dreams.

Thank you so much for the work you do!

Amy H

Verified

September 29, 2024 Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

4

what a cool opportunity to stay in an old fire lookout tower in the national forest. there was plenty of firewood which made it easy to get warm quickly. The cabin was pretty dusty, not well swept and all of the surfaces and windows need a really good clearning - under the bunk beds looked like they hadn't been swept in months, the place in general should probably get a decent cleaning 1-2 times/month. I realize that each camper is responsible for cleaning up after their party, but you can't rely on every party to do the right thing or have the same level of standards.

Teia S

Verified

September 3, 2024 Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

5

A beautiful little cabin in the middle of the woods with incredible views of the surrounding forest and mountains. It's a single, small room with a bunk bed of single beds and two folding cots you can set up for a total of up to 4 people. I think that's a little crowded though and that it's perfect for 1-2 people. The supplies inside fluctuate (like the number of utensils/bowls/plates or how many spare CO2 canisters there are. So, I'd recommend bringing the complete list suggested on this website. It's either a 3 mile hike in on the forest service road carrying your gear, or you can drive in with a 4x4 car but beware it can get pretty muddy and rutted. I definitely plan to be back!

Teia S

Verified

September 3, 2024 Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

5

A beutiful and remote place!

Mack K

Verified

August 23, 2024 Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

5

Our second time to this cabin! Well maintained and well stocked. The road has been improved since the last time, but still requires high clearance 4x4, especially if it’s rained anytime recently. The bugs were more prevalent this time so don’t forget the bug spray!

fernando b

Verified

March 5, 2024 Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

5

It was an awesome trip! More challenging than expected for sure the walk due not used to snowshoes but totally worth it! Road was closed so walk was about 5.5 miles one way, snowshoes needed all the way back due storm, cabbin very nice and well equipped! Lots of wood, very nice views!

Location Piney Guard Station

Address:
Eagle Holy Cross Ranger District Po Box 190
Minturn, CO, 81645
United States

Highway access

Piney Guard Station is accessible via I-70, which is approximately 25 miles to the south, with access via Highway 131 north from the town of Wolcott.

Elevation: 2761 feet

Distance to downtown

29 mi drive to downtown Minturn (about 54 min)

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service