Parking
22 reviews
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.
Based on guest feedback
3.9
Based on 22 reviews
Showing 22 reviews
January 16, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: COLGS
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 :)
Helpful
December 19, 2019 Stayed at: 001, Loop: COLGS
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.
Helpful
355 N Vernal Ave, Vernal, UT 84078 United States
Elevation: 2,487 ft
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.
Colton Guard Station is accessible via U.S. Highway 191, approximately 20 miles from Vernal. No other major roads are mentioned within the vicinity.
Last updated: October 23, 2026
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Replies within minutes
Vernal, UT
