Carnero Cabin

About this hut

The Carnero Guard Station, first proposed in 1907, by the Cochetopa National Forest, was originally named the John Smith Ranger Station after a homesteader who built a cabin near the site, but never filed on the land. The name was changed to the Carnero Guard Station by 1916. Construction began on April 16, 1908 by W.L. Ward, the contractor. At that time Tebo Gallegos was the Carnero District Ranger. The cabin is a good base camp for hunting. Fishing is available in several creeks within an easy drive (please check Colorado Division of Wildlife for fishing seasons and rules). The trailhead for the La Garita Wilderness (20 miles west) can be reached via 4 x 4 and Forest Service roads. There is an ATV trail about 10 miles southwest of the cabin that travels to within 2 miles of the La Garita Wilderness. Reminder, no motorized vehicles allowed in any wilderness area. Wildlife in the area includes deer, elk and coyote. Moose have been spotted in the Moon Pass area, about 5 miles west. The cabin is surrounded by a buck pole fence. Visitors to the National Forest are responsible for knowing the rules and regulations of the forest. Travel maps for the Rio Grande National Forest can be obtained by calling the Forest Service Office in Saguache 719-655-2547 or Monte Vista 719-852-5941.

Amenities