About Piney Guard Station
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Year-round
Hiking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Sleeping Capacity
Cooking and Fire
- Firewood Available
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Cabin Interior
- Sleeping Capacity
- Heating
Views and Setting
- View
01, Loop: PINEY GUARD
- 4 guests
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.
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
Katie B
VerifiedDecember 18, 2019 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: PINEY GUARD
What a treat! This was a super remote cabin, surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife - just what was promised! The ONLY reason this place didn't get 5 stars was because it was supposed to have 2 cots, and it only had 1. There were four of us, so my 10 year old was on the top bunk, my husband was on the cot, and my 6 year old and I were on the bottom bunk... and the bunks hardly qualify as "singles," so it was more than cozy. However, I love that someone put fairy lights in the outhouse (we changed out the batteries), and there was plenty of wood, and the cabin was super cozy during the torrential rain storm we experienced. Would definitely come back here again!
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...
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, you must follow seasonal access directions to the cabin, as detailed below:
Winter season Accessing the cabin during the winter season (November 23rd - May 20th) depends on snowpack. If the snowpack is minimal, you may be able to use a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach the gravel pile parking area at the intersection with Forest Road #700 and #744 which is approximately 7 mi from the Highway 131. If snow is moderate to low, you may be able to travel to the Forest boundary, where there is a small pull out that can fit 2 vehicles. The Forest boundary is approximately 5.3 mi from the guard station. With low snowpack, you can likely make it to the intersection of FSR 700 and 734 and parking at the gravel pile parking area. You will have to snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe on Forest Road #744 for approximately 3 mi to the cabin. During high snowpack, park at the intersection of Forest Road #700 and Highway 131. From here, travel via snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes on Forest Road #700 for approximately 7 mi. Then, turn onto Forest Road #744 and travel 3 mi to the cabin.
Summer season
During the summer season (May21st - November 22nd), it is highly recommended to use a high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach the guard station. FSR 744 is very rough, rutted, and often muddy. This road can damage vehicles that are not suitable for rugged 4WD roads. If you choose to use a 2 -wheel drive vehicle, SUV, or lower clearance 4WD vehicle, you must park at the intersection with Forest Road #700 and #744, which is 3 mi away from the cabin. From this location, one must hike or mountain bike to the cabin with gear and supplies. Off Highway Vehicle (OHV/ATV) is permitted to access the cabin from the intersection of Forest Roads #700 and #744.
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
Last updated: October 18, 2026
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Population: 993
Elevation: 7,864 ft
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