Trout Creek
Trout Creek Beds
Trout Creek Interior
Trout Creek Sign
Trout Creek Kitchen

Featured amenities

Parking Parking

About Trout Creek Guard Station

Trout Creek Guard Station is located in the Trout Creek area, approximately 21 mi west of U.S. Highway 191 near Vernal, in eastern Utah. It is part of the beautiful Ashley National Forest. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the complex in 1934 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 guests can enjoy a primitive experience similar to that of the first rangers. The cabin is open for reservations all months of the year except November, April and May.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

Year-round
Snowmobile

Snowmobile

Winter

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 22 to Nov 1

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Missing information?

001, Loop: TRCGS

🏠 Cabin
  • 4 guests
  • Pet Friendly

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Back-In
Campfire
Pet Friendly
Accessible
View Site Details

Reviews (20)

What Guests Are Saying

Trout Creek Guard Station offers an amazing location for fishing and hiking, providing a peaceful retreat with clean facilities and ample firewood. The cabin is well-maintained and spacious, making it ideal for family gatherings. The only downside noted was the non-functional indoor sink, which required outdoor dishwashing, but overall, guests had a great experience and would return.

Review Summary

4.6
20 reviews
5
70.0%
14
4
15.0%
3
3
15.0%
3
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Lennie M

Verified

September 14, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: TRCGS

4

Cute cabin in a beautiful location. Be aware, there was a mouse in the cabin and mouse droppings on the floor and window sills. Somewhat expected in a remote cabin. The combination lock for the garage containing firewood was supposed to be the same as the lock for the main cabin, but it didn't work. Luckily, it was warm enough we didn't need to use the wood stove. Might want to call in to check the correct combinations. Overall, we enjoyed the stay.

Kevin W

Verified

August 26, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: TRCGS

5

Very nice relaxing place. We are in our 60’s, so the wood cutting can be an issue. We took 4 lb beater and would place ax in proper spot. Hit the back of ax with the beater. Piece of cake, really. Stayed 4 nights and loved it!

Preston T

Verified

July 29, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: TRCGS

5

Amazing location with great opportunities to fish, hike, and be alone for a few days! Very clean bathroom and kitchen.

Alejandro Q

Verified

July 23, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: TRCGS

5

Amazing peaceful experience the propane fridge was a plus didn’t expect it!! Plenty of fire wood and just peaceful!!

Robert A

Verified

October 18, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: TRCGS

4

The cabin was a great place for us to gather and rest between our hikes and other activities. It had everything we needed.

Grant C

Verified

July 13, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: TRCGS

5

A fun exciting experience for my grandsons. Clean well maintained cabin.

David T

Verified

June 27, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: TRCGS

4

We generally had a great time at the cabin. It was big enough for our family to live in without feeling cramped. The fridge and stove worked great and we had no issues while we were there. It is in a good location being between Oaks Park and North Fork of Ashley Creek. The only complaint was that the water/sink inside the cabin was out of service for us, so we had to wash all our dishes outside in a bucket using the outside water spigot. I would definitely stay there again provided the water inside the cabin was working.

Andrew F

Verified

June 22, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: TRCGS

5

Wonderful location, supremely beautiful and peaceful. My wife and I reserved this for Father's Day '24 and brought our two dogs with us. The cabin is easy to get to, not a paved road but definitely well traveled and well maintained, but tucked away enough that it feels private/remote.

The cabin itself is somewhat rustic but with modern features. It has solar powered lights installed, which we did use sparingly, a gas powered refrigerator and stove, and a wood burning stove as well inside, none of which we used but was nice to have the option.

The fire pit out front is equipped with a grill top you can swivel on or off the fire and is ringed with log benches on all sides for a nice, cozy feel. There was plenty of wood available in the wood shed behind the cabin with a fair amount already chopped and ready and an axe if more was needed.

The pit toilet a little way up the path seemed relatively modern and clean with plenty of tissue available (we did bring our own just in case).

The inside of the cabin is also equipped with 2 bunk beds, a table and chairs, a sink, cooking utensils, pictures of the grounds in earlier years, etc.

One of my favorite aspects of this place is that you could hear the sound of the cold, clear water running down the rocks in the creek from the fire pit, very serene.

We did walk down to the wider part of the creek in the meadow but were getting eaten by mosquitoes. We didn't see any fish in the creek.

We built a fire with some of the wood provided and grilled potatoes and corn on the cob and steak. The view is incredible out over the meadow towards the snow capped mountain.

We brought a propane lantern with us which proved handy as it got dark quickly. We heard lots of birds and in the morning, on the way back down the road we saw several deer and elk.

This place is truly a hidden gem. Would highly recommend to anybody looking to get away, just remember to leave it as clean as you found it! We'll definitely be back in the future.

Cody E

Verified

March 1, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: TRCGS

5

My wife and I had an awesome weekend here!

Cody E

Verified

October 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: TRCGS

5

Amazing! We loved this place! I cannot wait to go back. The fall colors were absolutely amazing and it snowed while we were there. It was such a magical 2 nights in one of the darkest and quietest spots we have ever been. There's just about everything you need including a propane fridge and stove. Lots of cool board games to play surrounded by beautiful nature. No cell service makes for an awesome digital detox. Great hiking is also very close by so be sure to get out and explore. Don't forget to chop some wood for the next guest!!!

Location & Directions for Trout Creek Guard Station

355 N Vernal Ave, Vernal, UT 84078 United States

Elevation: 2,854 ft

Getting There

Follow the mileage indications below and look for signs on the ground when traveling to Trout Creek Guard Station. Leave with plenty of time to arrive at the guard station before dark.
<br /><br />
From Vernal, travel north on U.S. Highway 191/Ver...

Nearest town

Vernal, UT - 29 mi

About over 1 hr (62 min) to downtown

Policies & Rules

General

  • Trout Creek Guard Station HAS BEEN WINTERIZED for the season, there will be NO AVAILABLE WATER until June 1, 2026. Please plan accordingly.
  • Trout Creek Guard Station is secured with a combination lock, which is provided upon reservation; call the District Office at (435) 789-1181 three businessdays prior to your reservation to confirm combination. COMBINATION REQUIRED to enter guard station. (Some combination locks used have an off-set entry line. If combination doesn't work, try off-setting the code.)
  • A maximum of 12 people are allowed within the guard station complex per reservation
  • Wheeled vehicle traffic is allowed access to the yurt from approximately June 1 to Oct. 31 - though inclement weather can delay access to site opening. Snowmobile is the only viable way of reaching the Guard Station during the winter season from December 1 to March 31.&nbsp;
  • Level parking is provided for a maximum of two RVs or camp trailers; no hookups are available
  • No trash collection is provided; this is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility
  • Off-road vehicles are allowed only on authorized roads, trails and routes as identified on the Ashley National Forest Vernal Ranger District Travel Map
  • Click here for more information on the Ashley National Forest, or call (435) 789-1181

Nearby Campgrounds

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Last updated: October 21, 2026

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Elevation: 5,325 ft

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