Aquarius Ranger Station is located about 15 mi south of Loa, in eastern Utah. It sits on the west side of beautiful Boulder Mountain, which makes up half of the expansive Aquarius Plateau. The station was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 and was used by generations of Forest Service employees working in the surrounding back country.
Recreational activities abound in the surrounding area. Guests enjoy fishing in many lakes on Boulder Top, and exploring local trails.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Fishing
Year-round
Hiking
Year-round
Year-round
Fishing
Nearby
Hiking
Nearby
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
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Feb
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Currently closed
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Equestrian-Friendly
Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity
Kitchen
Water and Hygiene
Potable Water
Cooking and Fire
Picnic Table
Campfire Ring
On Site Services
Horse Stable
Pets and Policies
Equestrian-Friendly
Cabin Interior
Toilet Type
Hot Water
Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity
Kitchen
Heating
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The family reunion at Aquarius Ranger Station was a success, with everyone enjoying the experience. The facility received high praise for its quality. Overall, it was a positive gathering for the family.
I would have appreciated a recreation.gov email including the code to the locks to get into the ranger station. I was unable to get into the building and camped outside instead. I still had a great time, but I don't understand why the lock code wasn't included in the online reservation confirmation.
In spite of the severe drought this summer, the Guard Station, while noticeably dry and crispy, still has a spring fed creek running through and the beautiful vista towards the west that is so calming with gentle slopes to gaze upon. The quiet of the Awapa Plateau nourishes an over stimulated body.
In spite of the severe drought this summer, the Guard Station, while noticeably dry and crispy, still has a spring fed creek running through and the beautiful vista towards the west that is so calming with gentle slopes to gaze upon. The quiet of the Awapa Plateau nourishes an over stimulated body.
Poor directions on Confirmation paper. No signs after FH154. Missed 178, called the Forrest Service Office, spoke with a lady who could't help us but asked the gentleman in the office. They gave us direction to go back 12 or so miles to the Dirt Valley road sign and turn left which stated 12 mi to the Ranger Station. they didn't ask us what type of vehicle we had. Thank GOD we had a 4 wheel drive pickup because the road apparently was made for OHV. Took us 2 hrs to go 10 mi and almost tore up the truck. Still had 2 plus miles to go. If they had better signs (or just signs) and if the gentlemen took more time to actually see where we were calling from (It was on Hatchery Road from Bicknell, We found out later that we were only approximately 8 mi away. BUT.. when we arrived at 8:30 pm we found a beautiful, clean cabin. Took the next day to recoup and clam down from the scary experience. I was disappointed that no one from the office called to see if we even made it. (They had our cell number since the lady did send us a small map which was at the same as we had...I told her there were no signs and she said...yes BLM is bad about replacing them.
Don't want to experience it again. Please refund our second reservation No. 0261906464
Poor directions on Confirmation paper. No signs after FH154. Missed 178, called the Forrest Service Office, spoke with a lady who could't help us but asked the gentleman in the office. They gave us direction to go back 12 or so miles to the Dirt Valley road sign and turn left which stated 12 mi to the Ranger Station. they didn't ask us what type of vehicle we had. Thank GOD we had a 4 wheel drive pickup because the road apparently was made for OHV. Took us 2 hrs to go 10 mi and almost tore up the truck. Still had 2 plus miles to go. If they had better signs (or just signs) and if the gentlemen took more time to actually see where we were calling from (It was on Hatchery Road from Bicknell, We found out later that we were only approximately 8 mi away. BUT.. when we arrived at 8:30 pm we found a beautiful, clean cabin. Took the next day to recoup and clam down from the scary experience. I was disappointed that no one from the office called to see if we even made it. (They had our cell number since the lady did send us a small map which was at the same as we had...I told her there were no signs and she said...yes BLM is bad about replacing them.
Don't want to experience it again. Please refund our second reservation No. 0261906464
We had 15 people on the site, and there was more than enough room! No one stayed in the cabin, but it was used for cleaning dishes and food storage.
The surrounding area is beautiful. Creek fishing is about 1/2 mi away, and Pine Creek Reservoir is about 2 mi.
The facilities were very clean. The vault toilet was well kept and had no issues.
The temperatures were warm in the day and cool at night. If you want to do any star gazing this would be an excellent place to go!
Cell service was very hit or miss. Coverage was better in the morning and at night for some reason, but I don't believe you could have made a call at all on either T-Mobile nor Verizon.
We had 15 people on the site, and there was more than enough room! No one stayed in the cabin, but it was used for cleaning dishes and food storage.
The surrounding area is beautiful. Creek fishing is about 1/2 mi away, and Pine Creek Reservoir is about 2 mi.
The facilities were very clean. The vault toilet was well kept and had no issues.
The temperatures were warm in the day and cool at night. If you want to do any star gazing this would be an excellent place to go!
Cell service was very hit or miss. Coverage was better in the morning and at night for some reason, but I don't believe you could have made a call at all on either T-Mobile nor Verizon.
Peace, solitude, and simplicity in a remote and charming setting. Aquarius is a unique place to unplug from the everyday and reconnect with nature. Make sure to read and heed the messages regarding what to bring.
Peace, solitude, and simplicity in a remote and charming setting. Aquarius is a unique place to unplug from the everyday and reconnect with nature. Make sure to read and heed the messages regarding what to bring.
Beautiful area. Secluded and away from it all. The ranger station was a warm welcome, running water inside and out, hot water for cleaning up, restroom was the cleanest I've ever seen, the campfire area was inviting, the night skies were amazing.
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Location & Directions for Aquarius Ranger Station
P.O Box 129 138 South Main St, Loa, UT 84747 United States
From Loa, travel directly south on the paved county road for about 2 mi. From that point, turn south on Forest Road 154 and travel about 8 mi. Turn left on Forest Road 178 and travel about 5 mi, then turn left onto the Aquarius Ranger Station Road...
From Loa, travel directly south on the paved county road for about 2 mi. From that point, turn south on Forest Road 154 and travel about 8 mi. Turn left on Forest Road 178 and travel about 5 mi, then turn left onto the Aquarius Ranger Station Road and travel approximately a quarter-mile to the cabin.
The closest entrance is: Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center
Approximate drive: 22.3 mi · 38 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.