Alder Guard Station
Front View
Front Porch
Bathroom
Bathroom2

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
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet Area
Missing information?

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)

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.

Review Summary

4.4
29 reviews
5
62.1%
18
4
27.6%
8
3
3.4%
1
2
6.9%
2
1
0.0%
0

Annette B

Verified

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

4

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.

Annette B

Verified

July 4, 2022 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

2

dirty, floor is warped in bathroom, staring to look drab inside. mouse poo on beds and kitchen stove and counters, pulled stove out was like omg. bleached it, needs to be thoughly cleaned spent most of my time cleaning and not much of anything else ,

Annette B

Verified

July 4, 2022 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

2

dirty, floor is warped in bathroom, staring to look drab inside. mouse poo on beds and kitchen stove and counters, pulled stove out was like omg. bleached it, needs to be thoughly cleaned spent most of my time cleaning and not much of anything else ,

Richard W

Verified

September 12, 2021 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

5

Great cabin in a great location. Having water and electric we're a bonus as we brought the grandkids

Richard W

Verified

September 12, 2021 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

5

Great cabin in a great location. Having water and electric we're a bonus as we brought the grandkids

Volodymyr S

Verified

January 15, 2020 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

4

It was great stay

Volodymyr S

Verified

January 15, 2020 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

4

It was great stay

Marsha W

Verified

January 10, 2020 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

5

We liked this place a lot. Great location and very clean.

Marsha W

Verified

January 10, 2020 • Stayed at: Alder Guard Station, Loop: ALDER GUARD STATION

5

We liked this place a lot. Great location and very clean.

Location & Directions for Alder Guard Station

Fsr 610, South Fork, CO 81154 United States

Elevation: 2,555 ft

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 17, 2026

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