Colton Guard Station is located in the Colton Hollow area, approximately 5 mi west of U.S. Highway 191. It is near Vernal, Utah, in the Ashley National Forest. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the complex in 1933 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal instituted during the Great Depression. It was a residence for rangers who patrolled the forest on horseback prior to the age of modern vehicles.
The Ashley National Forest Vernal Ranger District has chosen to rent this guard station to the public so that guests can enjoy a RUSTIC experience similar to that of the first rangers. Colton Guard Station is open for reservations all months of the year, except November, April and May.
The cabin can be accessed by vehicle throughout warmer months and during the winter, access is by snowmobile, cross-country ski or snowshoe travel. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Call the District Office at (435) 789-1181 three business days prior to a reserved visit to confirm door lock combination. District Office is closed Saturday and Sunday. Lock combination is REQUIRED to enter guard station.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Horseback Riding
Year-round
Skiing
Winter
Snowmobile
Winter
Year-round
Horseback Riding
Nearby
Winter
Skiing
Nearby
Snowmobile
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
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 22 to Nov 1
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Parking and Transport
Parking
On Site Services
Propane
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The Colton Guard Station offers a wonderful experience, especially for families, with a peaceful setting and enjoyable activities like exploring old buildings and campfire gatherings. Despite minor shortcomings, such as the absence of a refrigerator and limited kitchen supplies, guests felt comfortable and appreciated amenities like a flushing toilet and available firewood. Overall, visitors cherish the natural beauty and historical charm of the area, encouraging continued public access.
I had planned on a fridge and a stove when I made the reservation. Unfortunately there was an issue a couple days prior to my arival and they did not have a substitute for the fridge however, they did have a back up camping stove. Over all great stay :)
Beautiful area but the cabin was not taken care of. It was extremely dirty - as if it hadn't been cleaned or any maintenance done on it since the 1930's. Granted, those who stay here are suppose to take care of it. The 1st hour I was there I tried to clean and sweep. The beds were pretty bad. We were hoping that the futon would be able to be open but it is stuck. We ended up sleeping in the back building. I actually liked it out there. There are numerous bunk beds and they are fairly comfortable. We were hoping for hot water since that is what was said and shown to be available. The water heater had been taken OUT so NO HOT WATER. We were grateful for the stove and the refrigerator though! The toilet in the cabin has no flushing power whatsoever. #1 is fine...but #2 - NO WAY. Thankfully there is an outhouse nearby. The place is a little oasis in a high desert. It's by a stream. The flowers were amazing. Some deer visited us along with lots of chipmunks. =) It was decently located within reasonable distance of the 'mountains' with pine trees, reservoirs and hiking...and then close to a pretty aspen tree area, as well. There are LOTS of cows roaming around and mooing at all hours. I would probably consider this cabin again but it was a pretty far distance from our home [4+ hours] so that will probably not happen. Overall though...pretty nice.
Follow the mileage indications below and look for signs when traveling to Colton Guard Station. Leave with plenty of time to arrive at the guard station before dark.
From Vernal, travel north on U.S. Highway 191/Vernal Avenue for approximately 20...
Follow the mileage indications below and look for signs when traveling to Colton Guard Station. Leave with plenty of time to arrive at the guard station before dark.
From Vernal, travel north on U.S. Highway 191/Vernal Avenue for approximately 20 mi. Turn left (west) on Forest Road 020. A paved parking lot with a restroom is located at the intersection. Continue northwest on the paved Forest Road 020 for approximately two miles. Turn left (southwest) at Forest Road 019 and continue for less than a mile, reaching an intersection (Forest roads 028 and 019). Turn left, continuing south on Forest Road 019. Continue approximately 1.8 mi, where the road turns sharply to the right (west). Follow the hairpin turn down into a ravine to Colton Guard Station.