Front side of guard station, with fenced yard, outhouse, picnic table and fire ring.
Driveway going into the guard station grounds
large bedroom with 4 bunk beds and a dresser
Carnero Guard Station has a functioning kitchen with propane powered stove and refrigerator

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Bedrooms Bedrooms
Kitchen Kitchen

About Carnero Guard Station

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

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 Nov 16

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Bedrooms Bedrooms
Kitchen Kitchen
Site Setup and Access

Site Setup and Access

  • ADA Accessible
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking

Cabin Interior

  • Bedrooms
  • Kitchen
Missing information?

001, Loop: CARNERO

🏠 Cabin
  • 12 guests
  • Pet Friendly

Site Details

Up to 12 guests
Surface: Gravel
Campfire
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews

41 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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.

Based on guest feedback

4.8

Overall rating

Based on 41 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 85.4% (35)
4 stars 4.9% (2)
3 stars 9.8% (4)
2 stars 0.0% (0)
1 star 0.0% (0)

Showing 41 reviews

Pamela N

Verified

October 17, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO

We had a great time as always at the cabin. We found it to be clean and in order, except there were no trash bags for the large trash can. There has always been trash bags so we didn't bring any. This was a big challenge, had I known they aren't provided any longer I would have been prepared.

Helpful

Pamela N

Verified

October 17, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO

We had a great time as always at the cabin. We found it to be clean and in order, except there were no trash bags for the large trash can. There has always been trash bags so we didn't bring any. This was a big challenge, had I known they aren't provided any longer I would have been prepared.

Helpful

Angela S

Verified

July 16, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO

I have been visiting Carnero Guard Station annually since 2015. I truly love this cabin. You won't find another location like it in Colorado. The privacy, beauty and absence of people make it very special. We are very lucky the Forest Service allows it to be rented to the public. This is not a full-service cabin or Airbnb. You need to come prepared to pack in/out EVERYTHING and bring your own cleaning supplies. There's no maid service in the national forest! The guests after you are counting on you to do your part and clean up. Treat this place with the care and respect it deserves so the public can continue enjoying it years to come.

Helpful

Angela S

Verified

July 16, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO

I have been visiting Carnero Guard Station annually since 2015. I truly love this cabin. You won't find another location like it in Colorado. The privacy, beauty and absence of people make it very special. We are very lucky the Forest Service allows it to be rented to the public. This is not a full-service cabin or Airbnb. You need to come prepared to pack in/out EVERYTHING and bring your own cleaning supplies. There's no maid service in the national forest! The guests after you are counting on you to do your part and clean up. Treat this place with the care and respect it deserves so the public can continue enjoying it years to come.

Helpful

Robert T

Verified

November 9, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO

Excellent

Helpful

Robert T

Verified

November 9, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO

Excellent

Helpful

Mike S

Verified

September 21, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO

This is a great spot for a getaway and has all the items to make for a great stay. The full size refrigerator with freezer and Full size stove and oven were terrific in such a remote cabin. Very well stocked, although I brought all my own. Great place to get away from it all. Do not go if you want cell service, because there is not any close. I stayed 4 nights here and wish I had stayed longer. I would definitely like to come back.

Helpful

Mike S

Verified

September 21, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO

This is a great spot for a getaway and has all the items to make for a great stay. The full size refrigerator with freezer and Full size stove and oven were terrific in such a remote cabin. Very well stocked, although I brought all my own. Great place to get away from it all. Do not go if you want cell service, because there is not any close. I stayed 4 nights here and wish I had stayed longer. I would definitely like to come back.

Helpful

Grayson L

Verified

June 20, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO

Amazing setting makes you feel like you are completely away from everyone. Almost no light pollution, so the stars are ridiculously bright. Although the structure is not as charming as some of the other FS cabins I've rented, it's very comfortable. The cabin is extremely well stocked with all of the pots, pans, utensils and appliances you would need and the kitchen is quite large so you can prep meals for the whole crew. Bunk beds are double on the bottom, so you really can pack quite a few people in such a small space.

Helpful

Grayson L

Verified

June 20, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO

Amazing setting makes you feel like you are completely away from everyone. Almost no light pollution, so the stars are ridiculously bright. Although the structure is not as charming as some of the other FS cabins I've rented, it's very comfortable. The cabin is extremely well stocked with all of the pots, pans, utensils and appliances you would need and the kitchen is quite large so you can prep meals for the whole crew. Bunk beds are double on the bottom, so you really can pack quite a few people in such a small space.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Carnero Guard Station

46525 St Hwy 114, Saguache, CO 81149 United States

Elevation: 2,996 ft

Getting There

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.
...

Nearest town

Saguache, CO - 10 mi

About 38 min to downtown

Highway access

Carnero Guard Station is accessed via Highway 285, approximately 15 miles north of La Garita, and is also reachable from Highway 114 west of Saguache.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 23, 2026

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Population: 579

Elevation: 8,612 ft

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