OutReserve

Carnero Guard Station

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

About Carnero Guard Station

Carnero Guard Station is situated in a high open meadow surrounded by forest at an elevation of 9,840 feet. 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.

Number of accommodations: 1

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Hiking

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

001, Loop: CARNERO

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

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

Reviews (39)

What Guests Are Saying

Carnero Guard Station is praised for its stunning natural beauty, privacy, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a favorite retreat for many visitors. Guests appreciate the cleanliness and overall condition of the cabin, with positive feedback on recent improvements like the new porch roof and ADA ramp. While some minor issues were noted, such as missing trash bags and non-functional appliances, the overall experience is described as relaxing and enjoyable, with commendations for the attentive service from the ranger.

Review Summary

4.7
39 reviews
5
84.6%
33
4
5.1%
2
3
10.3%
4
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Angela S

Verified

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

5

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.

Angela S

Verified

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

5

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.

Robert T

Verified

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

5

Excellent

Robert T

Verified

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

5

Excellent

Mike S

Verified

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

5

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.

Mike S

Verified

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

5

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.

Grayson L

Verified

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

5

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.

Grayson L

Verified

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

5

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.

David B

Verified

December 9, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO

5

A very nice tucked away cabin. Pics don't really do it justice. All amenities that a person would need.

David B

Verified

December 9, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO

5

A very nice tucked away cabin. Pics don't really do it justice. All amenities that a person would need.

Location Carnero Guard Station

Address:
46525 St Hwy 114
Saguache, CO, 81149
United States

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.

Latitude & Longitude: 37.9883 / -106.424

Elevation: 2996 feet

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service