Chase G
VerifiedSeptember 26, 2026 Stayed at: UCGS01, Loop: UPPER CROSSING GUARD STATION
Was a nice place, the only issue was the beds kinda smelled bad
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About Upper Crossing Guard Station
Upper Crossing Guard Station is located at an elevation of 8.4 ft, along a scenic byway near the Continental Divide, offering visitors a comfortable lodging experience in a remote setting in Rio Grande National Forest.
This guard station is the original headquarters of the old Cochetopa National Forest that existed for only a few years during the early part of the last century.
Today, guests to the guard station will find plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation in south central Colorado.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Skiing
Winter
Winter
Skiing
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
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Oct
Nov
Dec
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
365 Days
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Private Bathroom
Bedrooms
Kitchen
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Cabin Interior
- Private Bathroom
- Private Shower
- Hot Water
- Bedrooms
- Kitchen
- Heating
Views and Setting
- View
Missing information?
UCGS01, Loop: UPPER CROSSING GUARD STATION
🏠
Cabin
- 9 guests
- Pet Friendly
Site Details
Up to 9 guests
Shade
Campfire
Pet Friendly
Accessible
Reviews
100 reviews
Summary
Guests enjoyed a wonderful stay at Upper Crossing Guard Station, praising its comfortable and well-equipped cabin, beautiful scenery, and peaceful, remote setting ideal for hiking and family activities. Many noted the absence of cell service as a positive aspect, enhancing the getaway experience. While some mentioned minor issues like hard mattresses and the cabin showing signs of wear, these were generally outweighed by the positive aspects, making it a highly recommended destination for relaxation and nature appreciation.
Based on guest feedback
4.6
Overall rating
Based on 100 reviews
5 stars
74.0% (74)
4 stars
15.0% (15)
3 stars
8.0% (8)
2 stars
3.0% (3)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 100 reviews
Verified Only
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Dan K
VerifiedSeptember 13, 2026 Stayed at: UCGS01, Loop: UPPER CROSSING GUARD STATION
Our favorite cabin that fits all our needs.
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William H
VerifiedAugust 26, 2026 Stayed at: UCGS01, Loop: UPPER CROSSING GUARD STATION
Upper Crossing Guard Station deserves greater care as an important part of our shared history. During my stay, four coat and hat hooks were installed behind the front door. Three doorstops were purchased to replace broken or missing ones. A kitchen-faucet aerator and light bulb were replaced. Two fans, the bathroom exhaust vent and bathroom heater fan were disassembled and cleaned. Loose hinges were tightened; front screen- and rear-door hinges were oiled; the fireplace-insert window was cleaned; and exterior cobwebs were removed. Thank you to Keith at the Forest Service for providing implements used to dig out invasive Black Hawthorn beside the foundation. Complete root removal will require a backhoe.
Overall cleaning and routine maintenance appear insufficient. Some occupants do not treat these historic cabins or the surrounding federal land respectfully. Pet hair and waste are left behind, creating sanitation concerns for all visitors, especially those with allergies. Before-and-after photographs, clear cleaning standards and renter responsibility for damage would improve accountability.
The building also needs substantial work. Warped and rotten wood should be replaced rather than covered. The aluminum siding should be removed so the original shiplap can be assessed and restored. All three chimneys need repair, and the poorly functioning or ill-fitting windows require replacement. The wheelchair ramp sits below roof runoff and should be protected or relocated. The roof should eventually be replaced with a Class A fire-rated, concealed-fastener standing-seam metal roof, with gutters directing rainwater to a cistern.
Federal funding appears inadequate for the restoration and upkeep these rented historic buildings require. I respectfully suggest a GoFundMe or similar restoration fund, beginning with Upper Crossing Guard Station. With public support, proper oversight and pride in our history, this treasure can be restored and protected for future generations.
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James N
VerifiedAugust 11, 2026 Stayed at: UCGS01, Loop: UPPER CROSSING GUARD STATION
Amazing stay! Very comfortable accommodation in a quiet, peaceful setting.
We can’t wait to return!
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Dan K
VerifiedApril 29, 2026 Stayed at: UCGS01, Loop: UPPER CROSSING GUARD STATION
1 hour to Salida & to Gunnison for those who like to swim & both have nice restaurants. No cell coverage until about 10 mi from Saguache. The Village Pizza in Saguache is good but only open Th-Su.
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Dan K
VerifiedApril 29, 2026 Stayed at: UCGS01, Loop: UPPER CROSSING GUARD STATION
1 hour to Salida & to Gunnison for those who like to swim & both have nice restaurants. No cell coverage until about 10 mi from Saguache. The Village Pizza in Saguache is good but only open Th-Su.
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Dan K
VerifiedApril 29, 2026 Stayed at: UCGS01, Loop: UPPER CROSSING GUARD STATION
1 hour to Salida & to Gunnison for those who like to swim & both have nice restaurants. No cell coverage until about 10 mi from Saguache. The Village Pizza in Saguache is good but only open Th-Su.
Helpful
Samantha K
VerifiedApril 6, 2026 Stayed at: UCGS01, Loop: UPPER CROSSING GUARD STATION
We spent two nights here as a group of 6 adults and 1 toddler and had a fantastic time! Definitely felt like glamping - the house (especially the kitchen) is super well equipped. The area is very remote with zero service which was absolutely magical, with many hiking and biking trails starting right from the house. Make sure to find the horseshoes in the back storage room and chuck those around in the backyard :) would come back in a heartbeat!
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Samantha K
VerifiedApril 6, 2026 Stayed at: UCGS01, Loop: UPPER CROSSING GUARD STATION
We spent two nights here as a group of 6 adults and 1 toddler and had a fantastic time! Definitely felt like glamping - the house (especially the kitchen) is super well equipped. The area is very remote with zero service which was absolutely magical, with many hiking and biking trails starting right from the house. Make sure to find the horseshoes in the back storage room and chuck those around in the backyard :) would come back in a heartbeat!
Helpful
Samantha K
VerifiedApril 6, 2026 Stayed at: UCGS01, Loop: UPPER CROSSING GUARD STATION
We spent two nights here as a group of 6 adults and 1 toddler and had a fantastic time! Definitely felt like glamping - the house (especially the kitchen) is super well equipped. The area is very remote with zero service which was absolutely magical, with many hiking and biking trails starting right from the house. Make sure to find the horseshoes in the back storage room and chuck those around in the backyard :) would come back in a heartbeat!
Helpful
Location & Directions for Upper Crossing Guard Station
46525 St Hwy 114, Saguache, CO 81149 United States
Elevation: 2,568 ft
Getting There
Access to the cabin is only allowed via the route described in this section. The road that leads to the south of the Guard Station gate crosses private property and is not open for public access to Highway 114.
From Saguache, take Highway 114 wes...
Access to the cabin is only allowed via the route described in this section. The road that leads to the south of the Guard Station gate crosses private property and is not open for public access to Highway 114.
From Saguache, take Highway 114 west for approximately 22 mi. The turnoff for the Guard Station is 1 mi past County Road NN14. From Gunnison, remain on Highway 114 until approximately 4 mi past the Buffalo Pass Campground entrance. The exit to the station is between mile marker 39 and 40. Look for the Upper Crossing sign on the highway. Turn east for a short distance until the road ends in a "T" Turn right and go .5 mi. The cabin will be on the left.
During the winter guests may need to snowmobile, snow shoe or ski .5 mi from the nearest maintained road in order to access the cabin.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- Contact the Saguache Ranger District before arrival for any restrictions or conditions.
- Access the cabin using a combination lock; the code will be sent after reservation.
- Clean the guard station and lock the gate before leaving.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Vehicles & parking
- Public access is restricted to designated directions only; private property prevents access to Highway 114.
Utilities
- Monthly water testing occurs; a Forest Employee will take samples from the bathroom sink.
Safety & rules
- Pack out all garbage and food; burning garbage in the fire pit is prohibited.
- Smoking is not allowed in the guard station.
- Stay hydrated before and during your stay to prevent altitude sickness.
- Firearms and skeet shooting are prohibited within 150 yards of the cabin.
Site capacity
- Maximum stay limit is 14 days; expect visits from a Forest Employee for checks.
Pets
- Pets are allowed but must be controlled and not on furniture; be considerate of others.
Site types & loops
- Livestock, including various animals, are not allowed.
Wildlife & food storage
- Cabins may be used administratively; do not interact with agency stock horses.
- Keep food and trash inside to avoid attracting bears.
Accessibility
- Winter access may require snowmobiles, snowshoes, or skis.
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Last updated: October 21, 2026
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service