Cowpuncher Guard Station Near Escalante, UT

Warning

General

A location closure has been issued, and the facility is closed at this time. Reservation-holders will receive an email with additional information. Please check back for location closure updates.

Bedroom is furnished with two sets of bunkbeds and one double bed.

Bedroom showing double bed, two sets of bunkbeds and bench.

Kitchen with wood cookstove, propane cooktop and kitchen sink

Featured amenities

Fire Pit

Sleeping Capacity

View all amenities

About Cowpuncher Guard Station

Cowpuncher Guard Station is located in the Dixie National Forest, 20 mi northeast of the town of Escalante in southern Utah. The cabin is situated just off the Hells Backbone Road and is accessed by road during summer and fall. Roads are usually closed by snow 5.5 mi from the cabin from late November to mid-April. Check the ranger station for winter conditions.

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 29 to Nov 30

Campground Amenities

Cowpuncher, Loop: COWPUNCHER

🏠 Cabin

7 guests
Pet Friendly

Site Details

Up to 7 guests

Shade

Surface: Gravel

Driveway entry: Parallel

Campfire

Pet Friendly

Accessible

View Site Details

Reviews (31)

Verified Only

What Guests Are Saying

Cowpuncher Guard Station receives praise for its serene environment and opportunities for outdoor activities. Many guests enjoy the rustic charm and well-maintained facilities. However, some mention limited accessibility and basic amenities as areas for improvement.

What Guests Are Saying

Review Summary

4.6

31 reviews

80.6%

9.7%

0.0%

9.7%

0.0%

Nathan F

Verified

July 16, 2020 • Stayed at: Cowpuncher, Loop: COWPUNCHER

Better than anticipated. Everything was provided except garbage bags and paper towels. It was clean, plenty big, cool enough with windows open. The solar shower and Fabreeze in the latrine were awesome touches.

Carolyn S

Verified

July 2, 2021 • Stayed at: Cowpuncher, Loop: COWPUNCHER

Issues regarding water to the cabin and lots of banging for fence repair

Carolyn S

Verified

July 2, 2021 • Stayed at: Cowpuncher, Loop: COWPUNCHER

Issues regarding water to the cabin and lots of banging for fence repair

Carolyn S

Verified

July 2, 2021 • Stayed at: Cowpuncher, Loop: COWPUNCHER

Issues regarding water to the cabin and lots of banging for fence repair

Todd R

Verified

July 23, 2021 • Stayed at: Cowpuncher, Loop: COWPUNCHER

Please respect this location, and share it with others. Please do not sublease this, or any other cabin or guard station. All users should make there own reservations. No person should monopolize the reservations. Please do not be greedy. These cabins and guard stations are for everyone to share. They belong to no one person or family. Let's all treasure them, without owning them.

Todd R

Verified

July 23, 2021 • Stayed at: Cowpuncher, Loop: COWPUNCHER

Todd R

Verified

July 23, 2021 • Stayed at: Cowpuncher, Loop: COWPUNCHER

constance l

Verified

November 27, 2024 • Stayed at: Cowpuncher, Loop: COWPUNCHER

blessings.

constance l

Verified

November 27, 2024 • Stayed at: Cowpuncher, Loop: COWPUNCHER

blessings.

constance l

Verified

November 27, 2024 • Stayed at: Cowpuncher, Loop: COWPUNCHER

blessings.

Location & Directions for Cowpuncher Guard Station

P.O Box 246, Escalante, UT 84726 United States

Elevation: 2,543 ft

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Getting There

From Highway 12 in Escalante, turn north on 300E. Drive 14 mi to the junction of Forest Roads 154 and 153. Continue on FR153 for 4.5 mi. Turn left on FR145 towards Cowpuncher and Blue Spruce Campground. Travel 0.7 mi to Cowpuncher Gate. The cab...

Nearest town

Escalante, UT - 24 mi

About 59 min to downtown

Highway access

Cowpuncher Guard Station is accessible via Highway 12 in Escalante, approximately 14 miles away.

Near Capitol Reef National Park

The closest entrance is: Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center

Approximate drive: 36 mi · over 1 hr (62 min)

Near Bryce Canyon National Park

The closest entrance is: Bryce Canyon National Park Entrance Station

Approximate drive: 45.5 mi · over 1 hr (78 min)

Policies & Rules

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.

Safety & rules

Guests must pack out all garbage as no service is available.

Vehicles & parking

Access may be challenging during wet weather due to a 14-mile dirt road with steep sections.
In winter, access to the last 5.5 miles requires a snowmobile or skis.

Warnings & Advisories

Warning

General

A location closure has been issued, and the facility is closed at this time. Reservation-holders will receive an email with additional information. Please check back for location closure updates.

Nearby Campgrounds

Closed for Season

Campground / RV park

Barker Recreation Area

Escalante, UT

Barker Recreation Area is situated at an elevation of 9.3 ft on the Colorado Plateau. It offers activities such as canoeing, fishing, and trail exploration for visitors.

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