Carnero Guard Station is situated in a high open meadow surrounded by forest at an elevation of 9.8 ft. The high-elevation cabin is located in the north-central area of the San Luis Valley in the Rio Grande National Forest.
The guard station was first proposed in 1907 by the Cochetopa National Forest, and was originally named the John Smith Ranger Station after a homesteader who built a cabin near the site, but never filed on the land. Construction on the cabin began in 1908 and the name was changed to the Carnero Guard Station in 1916.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Year-round
Year-round
Hiking
Nearby
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.
The Carnero Guard Station cabin has received high praise for its recent remodel, cleanliness, and serene location, making it a perfect retreat. Guests enjoyed amenities like the new vault toilet and the ADA ramp, and appreciated the attentiveness of the Saguache Ranger. While there were minor issues, such as a non-functional heater and missing trash bags, overall experiences have been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire to return.
The cabin was recently remodeled and was great. I very much appreciate the forest service providing these opportunities. The new vault toilet was a nice surprise and very clean. I hope we left everything as clean as the previous tenants. It rained almost every day and the cabin and porch were a great refuge from the afternoon rains. We had a great time riding the ATVs every day and the ride up to Boot Mtn was amazing. We'll definitely rent this cabin again in a few years and do it all again.
4th time here and it was fantastic! Aspens were gorgeous and weather was prime. We did miss the horses though. The Saguache Ranger visited us and provided supplies of TP and paper towels. He came back the next day and supplied the cabin with a separate outhouse broom. The dining/kitchen front room propane wall heater did not function but it was not needed. The new front porch roof/ADA ramp was a great addition to the cabin! Hats off to Ranger Matthew for going above and beyond! What a relaxing and peaceful little piece of heaven...Carnero Guard Station.
4th time here and it was fantastic! Aspens were gorgeous and weather was prime. We did miss the horses though. The Saguache Ranger visited us and provided supplies of TP and paper towels. He came back the next day and supplied the cabin with a separate outhouse broom. The dining/kitchen front room propane wall heater did not function but it was not needed. The new front porch roof/ADA ramp was a great addition to the cabin! Hats off to Ranger Matthew for going above and beyond! What a relaxing and peaceful little piece of heaven...Carnero Guard Station.
This cabin is our favorite in the area. Perfectly relaxing more of a house than an old fashioned cabin. The nightlight in the outhouse is also wonderful!!
This cabin is our favorite in the area. Perfectly relaxing more of a house than an old fashioned cabin. The nightlight in the outhouse is also wonderful!!
Had a lovely stay at this wonderful location. Absolute silence and seclusion. Didn't see another human the whole time we were there. The cabin is in good shape; clean and everything worked well except the carbon monoxide detector, which is dead, and the oven, which I couldn't manage to light (stove burners worked). The water pump was easy and water looked clean.
Had a lovely stay at this wonderful location. Absolute silence and seclusion. Didn't see another human the whole time we were there. The cabin is in good shape; clean and everything worked well except the carbon monoxide detector, which is dead, and the oven, which I couldn't manage to light (stove burners worked). The water pump was easy and water looked clean.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Carnero Guard Station
46525 St Hwy 114, Saguache, CO 81149 United States
Carnero Guard Station may be reached by traveling south on Highway 285 approximately 15 mi south of Saguache to the La Garita turnoff (Road G). In La Garita proceed west on County Road 41G for approximately 17 mi. Look for the cabin on the right.
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Carnero Guard Station may be reached by traveling south on Highway 285 approximately 15 mi south of Saguache to the La Garita turnoff (Road G). In La Garita proceed west on County Road 41G for approximately 17 mi. Look for the cabin on the right.
NOTE: Forest Road 41G leading to the cabin is unimproved but may be traveled by passenger car, weather permitting. The cabin may also be accessed from Highway 114 west of Saguache, also on Forest Road 41G. During winter months, the cabin may be accessible only by snowmobile, skis or snowshoes.
