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.
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Year-round
Year-round
Hiking
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.