David B
VerifiedDecember 9, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO
A very nice tucked away cabin. Pics don't really do it justice. All amenities that a person would need.
Helpful
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
Year-round
Year-round
Hiking
Nearby
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
Bedrooms
Kitchen
Site Setup and Access
- ADA Accessible
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
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
Reviews
41 reviews
Summary
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
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
Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
David B
VerifiedDecember 9, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO
A very nice tucked away cabin. Pics don't really do it justice. All amenities that a person would need.
Helpful
gina p
VerifiedOctober 24, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO
Beautiful area. Quiet. No cell service. Good hiking. Kitchen was clean. Stars were incredible. Beware of lots of cow patties though if you have pets that like to roll.
Helpful
gina p
VerifiedOctober 24, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO
Beautiful area. Quiet. No cell service. Good hiking. Kitchen was clean. Stars were incredible. Beware of lots of cow patties though if you have pets that like to roll.
Helpful
Danielle S
VerifiedJune 12, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO
Only propane and a hand pump for water was harder to deal with than imagined. Beautiful location.
Helpful
Danielle S
VerifiedJune 12, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO
Only propane and a hand pump for water was harder to deal with than imagined. Beautiful location.
Helpful
Trent B
VerifiedMay 29, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO
Beautiful surroundings, cabin was very nicely equipped. Just perfect.
Helpful
Trent B
VerifiedMay 29, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO
Beautiful surroundings, cabin was very nicely equipped. Just perfect.
Helpful
Richard L
VerifiedSeptember 19, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO
Very nice cabin, well maintained, well equipped, and great amenities.
Helpful
Richard L
VerifiedSeptember 19, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CARNERO
Very nice cabin, well maintained, well equipped, and great amenities.
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.
...
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.
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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Managed by the USDA Forest Service