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
PINEY GUARD STATION 1

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Sleeping Capacity Sleeping Capacity

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.

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 - Sep 21 to Nov 23

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

🏠 Cabin
  • 4 guests

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
View Site Details

Reviews (31)

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
31 reviews
5
67.7%
21
4
12.9%
4
3
6.5%
2
2
3.2%
1
1
9.7%
3

Dave D

Verified

July 5, 2022 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

5

You’re only allowed to tell ONE other person about how amazing this place is. It’s already hard enough to get a reservation! :)

Lisa M

Verified

January 26, 2022 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

5

Amazing, peaceful, and one long ski. Like the other post, beware of the cow. The ranchers warned us so we went around but watch out!

Jeremy H

Verified

November 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

5

Exceptional secluded mountain cabin. Well maintained, great view, and very peaceful. The road down is a blast if you have good 4wd. This is a real gem from the forest service.

Richard B

Verified

October 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

4

a quiet little get-away with decent hiking right out the front door!
driving the last 3 mi is doable in a 4x4, but could be challenging with snow. probably best to call the ranger's office if in doubt of road conditions.

Scott J

Verified

August 26, 2021 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

5

Incredible cabin, albeit small (~12x~12). Two bunk beds were perfect for my kids (6 and 8), and there was also a folding Coleman cot for an adult to sleep on. Propane stove and lantern both served us well, and there were numerous folding chairs to use around the fire ring. Picnic bench was great for meals. You need to bring your own water. Outhouse about 20 yards from the cabin was functional and met expectations. The ~3 mi road to get to the cabin took us ~1 hour to get up in a 4x4, high clearance Toyota Tundra. You would get stuck in an AWD vehicle. Even if you have a 4x4, if it's not lifted it's very possible you'd damage the bottom of your car if you don't have a skid plate. Very remote and peaceful location. Run into a few people on horseback and ATVs, but they were friendly and respectful. Would definitely come back. Bring bug spray, lots of mosquitos given the proximity to marshy grasslands.

Sara B

Verified

August 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

5

Very great. As described. The road leading up to it is manageable, especially if it's dry. If it's wet...good luck. But the USFS does a great job maintaining the cabin

Heather H

Verified

July 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

5

We had our own little piece of Colorado for a night! Beautiful 3 mi walk in to the cabin. Wildflowers out in force!! Great way to get acclimated for our backpacking trip after.

Christy H

Verified

January 18, 2020 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

5

This place is AMAZING. We were looking for an inexpensive place to stay on our cross country journey and it felt like we found a gem of Colorado in this location. Reading the guestbook felt like we were being welcomed into a secret club. The only problem when booking is that it said nothing about the state of the road. It was only when we received the instructions did we learn that the road is recommended for 4WD in the summer. Our car probably would have made it but we hiked in anyway to not have to find out. The three miles or so up made for a fun backpacking hike with full accommodations at the end. Sucks to have to hike in all your water in the summer but otherwise, a top notch spot!

Brielle P

Verified

January 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

5

The road getting out there is longer than I expected but SO worth it. This cabin was one of the coolest experiences and I can't wait to go back again this year.

Lauren M

Verified

January 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD

5

The cabin was very rural, it is helpful to bring everything you would camping. They do have 2 padded bunk beds and 2 cot beds. The area surrounding the cabin is gorgeous. It was the most peaceful, quiet trip we have ever taken. No cell phone service, and completely checked out from the world. There seems to be quite a bit of wildlife up near the cabin. We read stories about a black bear, but didn't see any. We did see a fox and baby birds. There were lots of mosquitos and flies when we went in August. Bring bug spray! And the most important recommendation of all, make sure you have 4 wheel drive vehicle with high clearance. We were naive and didn't think much of the "recommended" 4 wheel drive vehicle notes but this is a must if you can't hike in. We have an Acura RDX and my husband and I were so nervous we were going to get stuck in the middle of nowhere with no cell service. It was the scariest drive we've ever made late at night. You'll be fine if you have 4 wheel drive, high clearance-just go slow. Once you've made it to the cabin alive, it is the most serene place you'll ever visit and it was worth the nail biting drive. :)

Location & Directions for Piney Guard Station

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

Elevation: 2,761 ft

Getting There

<p>Take I-70 east from Grand Junction, CO, about 126 mi or heading west from Denver about 119 mi to exit 157. Take Highway 131 north through the town of Wolcott about 5 mi. Turn right onto Forest Road #700 (Muddy Pass Road). From this location, yo...

Nearest town

Minturn, CO - 29 mi

About 54 min to downtown

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 18, 2026

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Explore Minturn, CO

Population: 993

Nearby larger city

Boulder, CO

Approx. 71 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 7,864 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service