Alder Guard Station Near South Fork, CO

About Alder Guard Station

Alder Guard Station is located 2 mi north of the town of South Fork along Alder Creek in the Rio Grande National Forest. The guard station was constructed in 1910 and was the residence and office for the local ranger district. Today the historic cabin is a comfortable getaway for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in south central Colorado. Visitors may reserve the cabin for a maximum of five nights to allow others the opportunity to rent the cabin.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season

Upcoming seasons

Past seasons

Closed periods

Jan

Feb

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Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Pets and Policies

Pet Area

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Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

🏠 Cabin

10 guests

Site Details

Up to 10 guests

50 × 12 ft

Shade

Surface: Gravel

Driveway entry: Pull-Through

Campfire

View Site Details

Reviews (29)

Verified Only

What Guests Are Saying

Alder Guard Station offers beautiful views from the front porch, a spacious cabin with a cozy woodburning stove, and good working appliances. Guests appreciate the charming stream and easy access for outdoor activities. However, older travelers may find the stairs to the bathroom challenging at night, and some noted the lack of curtains for privacy.

What Guests Are Saying

Review Summary

4.4

29 reviews

62.1%

27.6%

3.4%

6.9%

0.0%

David B

Verified

June 14, 2024 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

Easy access and you can follow the creek for several miles. Nice stay.

Rachel B

Verified

May 27, 2024 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

Very cool place to crash for the night that is a step above just staying in a tent. We had low expectatations for the building, so it worked great for us. I got myself all spooked by the fact that there are no curtains on the windows, so at night it's really easy for people to see into the building when the lights are on inside. Otherwise the grounds seem to be well maintained.

Rachel B

Verified

May 27, 2024 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

David B

Verified

September 24, 2023 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

No problems. Nice mountain trail next to the cabin.

David B

Verified

September 24, 2023 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

No problems. Nice mountain trail next to the cabin.

Robert G

Verified

August 30, 2023 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

what a beautiful location, the mountains and 4 wheel drive roads remind us that we truly live in Gods country.

Robert G

Verified

August 30, 2023 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

what a beautiful location, the mountains and 4 wheel drive roads remind us that we truly live in Gods country.

Phillip A

Verified

July 5, 2023 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

Love staying here definitely will come back and stay again.

Phillip A

Verified

July 5, 2023 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

Love staying here definitely will come back and stay again.

Annette B

Verified

October 7, 2022 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

well used area ,atv and foot traffic alot , cows and a lost horse wandering around, let him in the fence so he wouldn't get ran over by atvs and dirt bikes racing by., Owner showed up after a day took him in his trailer in the pouring rain . love this place ,just needs more ada stuff in the bathroom for us old folks .left a step for someone else to use there under tub.

Location & Directions for Alder Guard Station

Fsr 610, South Fork, CO 81154 United States

Elevation: 2,555 ft

Map of Alder Guard Station location at South Fork, CO, United States

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Nearest town

South Fork, CO - 4.3 mi

About 12 min to downtown

Policies & Rules

General

The combination to the cabin is provided in your confirmation letter. If you have any questions, please call the Divide Ranger District at (719) 657-3321. Office hours are .
Pets are only allowed outside the guard station; please clean up after your pet
Do not leave food or trash outside the guard station; bears have been spotted in the area
All garbage and food must be packed out; do not burn garbage in the fire pit or wood stove
Do not place tents or vehicles on the lawn
The guard station is a no-smoking facility
Please clean guard station upon departure
Make sure guard station is locked upon departure
Horses are restricted to the corral area near the barn; only weed free hay/feed for the horses - no grazing allowed; if you bring horses, please contact the District office at (719) 657-3321
Forest Service employees use the horse pasture adjacent to the guard station for official duties
Learn more about theRio Grande National Forest.
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Occasionally the water well overflows due to ground water pressures. The water then may not test safely. To avoid this you are encouraged to bring spare drinking/cooking water.