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.
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
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
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.
Very comfortable cabin! Had everything we needed to prepare meals which was a nice surprise! Great trout fishing stream and area for our dogs to run. Can't wait to come back!
Helpful
Location & Directions for Cowpuncher Guard Station
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...
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 cabin is 0.2 mi past the gate.
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.