Carnero Guard Station is situated in a high open meadow surrounded by forest at an elevation of 9,840 feet. The high-elevation cabin is located in the north-central area of the San Luis Valley in the Rio Grande National Forest. The guard station was first proposed in 1907 by the Cochetopa National Forest, and was originally named the John Smith Ranger Station after a homesteader who built a cabin near the site, but never filed on the land. Construction on the cabin began in 1908 and the name was changed to the Carnero Guard Station in 1916.
Carnero Guard Station may be reached by traveling south on Highway 285 approximately 15 miles south of Saguache to the La Garita turnoff (Road G). In La Garita proceed west on County Road 41G for approximately 17 miles. Look for the cabin on the right. NOTE: Forest Road 41G leading to the cabin is unimproved but may be traveled by passenger car, weather permitting. The cabin may also be accessed from Highway 114 west of Saguache, also on Forest Road 41G. During winter months, the cabin may be accessible only by snowmobile, skis or snowshoes.
Please contact the Saguache Ranger District prior to arriving at the cabin to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit. Entry to the cabin is by combination lock, which will be provided in the confirmation letter or email which is sent after a reservation is made. Water is available at the guard station by outside hand pump. Water is available at the Saguache Ranger District office during business hours from Memorial Day weekend to November. There is no electricity at the Guard Station. No cell phone service is available at this facility. The guard station is a non-smoking facility. Livestock are prohibited: including horses, mules, llamas, and alpacas. All cabins are administratively used on occasion. You may encounter agency stock horses during your stay. Do not feed or try to ride the animals. Pets are allowed at the facility, but must be under control at all times; they must not harass wildlife or livestock. Do not leave food or trash outside the guard station; there are bears in the area. All garbage and food must be packed out; do not burn garbage in the fire pit or wood stove. Please clean the guard station and ensure the gate is locked upon departure. Drink plenty of water before arrival and during your stay to avoid altitude sickness. For safety and resource protection, do not discharge firearms and skeet shooting is prohibited within the cabin area boundary. During the winter you may need to snowmobile, snowshoe or ski to access the cabin.
