Piney Guard Station, CO

Piney Guard Station is located in the Holy Cross Ranger District, White River National Forest (2 hrs 50 min west of Boulder, CO) with an elevation of 9,064 feet. The site is normally open from the beginning of January to the end of November. Prices start at $50.00 per night. Activities include biking, hiking trails.

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Campsite Reviews (30)

4.2 out of 5

5 star		67%
4 star		17%
3 star		0%
2 star		0%
1 star		17%

@AbigailT457A8A · Camped on Feb 8, 2025 at Campsite #1

We couldnt go because there was not enough snow on the road so we could snowmobile in. Theyre plowing the road For logging operations so now that really makes it impossible for people to use it especially on a low snow year. This happened last year too and even booking later in the season we still couldnt go because of the plowing, impossible to

@GeorgeL6161028 · Camped on Jan 3, 2025 at Campsite #1

It was incredible. The Forest Service staff was coming out of the woods as we were going into them, and we chatted for a bit. They made sure we were prepared and had everything we needed for a safe snowshoe trip to the cabin.Once at the cabin we found it fully stocked with wood, incredibly clean and organized, with plenty of equipment and a new stove for warmth. The staff even shoveled a pathway to the wood pile and to the outhouse for us so we didn't have to do it ourselves! Five star treatment!The ONLY thing I might recommend is some sort of saw that might be usable by those who rent the cabin (a small chainsaw), as it is very hard to chop the knotty wood in order to restock the wood chest for the next renters. We did as much as we could, but the logs were frozen solid and sometimes frozen to each other. It was VERY hard to chop the wood into portions that would fit in the stove. Something to address this would be very welcome.Otherwise, the cabin was safe, warm, and truly amazing.The stuff of dreams.Thank you so much for the work you do!

@AmyH6621534 · Camped on Sep 21, 2024 at Campsite #1

what a cool opportunity to stay in an old fire lookout tower in the national forest. there was plenty of firewood which made it easy to get warm quickly. The cabin was pretty dusty, not well swept and all of the surfaces and windows need a really good clearning - under the bunk beds looked like they hadn't been swept in months, the place in general should probably get a decent cleaning 1-2 times/month. I realize that each camper is responsible for cleaning up after their party, but you can't rely on every party to do the right thing or have the same level of standards.

@MackK14E3F8023 · Camped on Aug 15, 2024 at Campsite #1

Our second time to this cabin! Well maintained and well stocked. The road has been improved since the last time, but still requires high clearance 4x4, especially if its rained anytime recently. The bugs were more prevalent this time so dont forget the bug spray!

@TeiaSAA6D9F159 · Camped on Mar 20, 2024 at Campsite #1

A beutiful and remote place!

@FernandoB555B8 · Camped on Mar 2, 2024 at Campsite #1

It was an awesome trip! More challenging than expected for sure the walk due not used to snowshoes but totally worth it! Road was closed so walk was about 5.5 miles one way, snowshoes needed all the way back due storm, cabbin very nice and well equipped! Lots of wood, very nice views!

@JoshB6153063 · Camped on Dec 23, 2023 at Campsite #1

So long as FS 700 is open to the gravel/grooming lot, this is an easy 3 mile snowmobile or ski with little elevation change. The cabin is in good shape, no mice (huge surprise), and comfortable for 2, although it can fit 4 on portable cots. My only complaint is the firewood is very wet and huge and you will spend a lot of time splitting a hauling wood if you want to stay warm in below zero temps. The stove burns 2-3 logs per hour and must be fed every hour 24x7. But I guess that is part of the expierence.

@jonC3773603 · Camped on Jul 19, 2023 at Campsite #1

The cabin was clean and as the information provided the road required a high lift vehicle. We had one, and would recommend it. We had a great time. There were thunderstorms all night and it was wet in the mornting. We waited till 11 and the trail was good for driving out. Nature rules!

@BrandonB861330 · Camped on Mar 12, 2023 at Campsite #1

Getting away from it all on skis in the winter was never so rewarding. It’s an adventure to get there but the effort is well worth it. On the way back out the ski to the car really was excellent. So much snow ip there.

@EvaP4555005 · Camped on Dec 28, 2022 at Campsite #1

Lovely cabin, very secluded and peaceful experience! Cabin was left in great shape by the previous visitors, with enough wood inside to get us through the first night. Plenty of wood outside to chop for the rest of our stay. There is enough dish-ware and pots and pans, there are chairs too. Since there was a lot of snow, we hiked in the full 10 miles, pulling our sleds with gear. It kept snowing during our stay and we snowshoed the first 3 miles back until the groomed snowmobile road. We were never cold with the wood-stove going on! No signs or sounds of mice being active in the cabin.
This place must be amazing in every season. Bring a good book, some good food and get disconnected from the world for a bit!

@MichalK3515659 · Camped on Sep 16, 2022 at Campsite #1

Awesome little cabin in a beautiful spot, we had a great time! I appreciated the ranger's phone call checking in with us few days prior. It was a wild drive in, would not recommend attempting the final 3 miles in a stock vehicle unless you're prepared to get stuck and/or bottom out hard. It's a rough trail with lots of heavy mud. The cabin itself is very rustic. Nice and cozy with a fire. You will be sharing it with a pack of mice. Any food or crumbs left out overnight will be devoured and there are droppings throughout the cabin. You might hear them squeaking as they scamper around at night. We left a roll of toilet paper on the floor of the outhouse and it got shredded. Firewood has been restocked. There are ample dishes, but considering the mouse droppings I'd bring your own or wash before you use them.

@AshleyA3817646 · Camped on Aug 28, 2022 at Campsite #1

Love it very rustic!

@JoshuaD1654006 · Camped on Aug 25, 2022 at Campsite #1

I wish I had read the most recent review before going. Road 700 is fine, but road 744 is 3 miles of severely rutted mud. I was in a 4x4 F-150, stock height and tire size. I made it to the cabin but bottomed out at least half a dozen times. Bent one running board out of position. Anything installed in my rear received would've been destroyed (think bike racks, etc.) The cabin itself is really cool, although, there was very little firewood. The storage box in front of the cabin was completely empty, and it had been raining heavily so nothing dry to gather. I would recommend, if it's been raining a lot, don't even try to go unless you're on foot. I only got stuck once and was able to get out by shoving some deadfall tree limbs under my tires. Bring a shovel and a come along (cable winch) with you.

@BENP8352155 · Camped on Jul 10, 2022 at Campsite #1

Road was too rutted for a 4x4 truck.

@DaveD9972442 · Camped on Jun 26, 2022 at Campsite #1

You’re only allowed to tell ONE other person about how amazing this place is. It’s already hard enough to get a reservation! :)

@LisaM2898345 · Camped on Jan 21, 2022 at Campsite #1

Amazing, peaceful, and one long ski. Like the other post, beware of the cow. The ranchers warned us so we went around but watch out!

@LisaM281 · Camped on Jan 21, 2022 at Campsite #1

Amazing, peaceful, and one long ski. Like the other post, beware of the cow. The ranchers warned us so we went around but watch out!

@LaurenC225 · Camped on Jan 16, 2022 at Campsite #1

This is only getting 1 star because we got literally charged and knocked over by an aggresive young bull on the ski up who was stranged near a cattle guard about 1 mile up the trail. The ranchers clearly know he is there and have isolated him because of a bad temper since they drop hay to him and his is likely in a much more foul mood due to snow mobilers whizzing by him. We never made it on our ski to the cabin due to this incident. If you decide to ski in this winter (22) watch out for him.

@JeremyH562 · Camped on Nov 5, 2021 at Campsite #1

Exceptional secluded mountain cabin. Well maintained, great view, and very peaceful. The road down is a blast if you have good 4wd. This is a real gem from the forest service.

@JeremyH3099258 · Camped on Nov 5, 2021 at Campsite #1

Exceptional secluded mountain cabin. Well maintained, great view, and very peaceful. The road down is a blast if you have good 4wd. This is a real gem from the forest service.

@RichardB341941 · Camped on Oct 22, 2021 at Campsite #1

a quiet little get-away with decent hiking right out the front door!
driving the last 3 miles is doable in a 4x4, but could be challenging with snow. probably best to call the ranger's office if in doubt of road conditions.

@RichardB903 · Camped on Oct 22, 2021 at Campsite #1

@ScottJ807 · Camped on Aug 17, 2021 at Campsite #1

Incredible cabin, albeit small (~12x~12). Two bunk beds were perfect for my kids (6 and 8), and there was also a folding Coleman cot for an adult to sleep on. Propane stove and lantern both served us well, and there were numerous folding chairs to use around the fire ring. Picnic bench was great for meals. You need to bring your own water. Outhouse about 20 yards from the cabin was functional and met expectations. The ~3 mile road to get to the cabin took us ~1 hour to get up in a 4x4, high clearance Toyota Tundra. You would get stuck in an AWD vehicle. Even if you have a 4x4, if it's not lifted it's very possible you'd damage the bottom of your car if you don't have a skid plate. Very remote and peaceful location. Run into a few people on horseback and ATVs, but they were friendly and respectful. Would definitely come back. Bring bug spray, lots of mosquitos given the proximity to marshy grasslands.

@SaraB831 · Camped on Aug 2, 2021 at Campsite #1

Very great. As described. The road leading up to it is manageable, especially if it's dry. If it's wet...good luck. But the USFS does a great job maintaining the cabin

@HeatherH247 · Camped on Jun 27, 2021 at Campsite #1

We had our own little piece of Colorado for a night! Beautiful 3 mile walk in to the cabin. Wildflowers out in force!! Great way to get acclimated for our backpacking trip after.

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Piney Guard Station, CO