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The Alpine Ranger Station is situated on the Alpine Plateau at 9,600 feet, in a beautiful alpine valley surrounded by aspen, spruce and fir forest. With inspiring views and multiple nearby recreation opportunities, the Ranger Station is just the place for a quiet and historic retreat, with a few modern amenities.
Surrounded by miles of National Forest, visitors to the Alpine Ranger Station can enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities. There are several hiking and mountain biking trails nearby, as well as opportunities for OHV use, including ATV and motorcycle routes. Also, the ranger station has a horse barn and small corral, offering the opportunity for horseback riding. The Uncompahgre Wilderness is adjacent to the Ranger Station and a trailhead to Uncompahgre Peak (a popular 14'er) is only a mile away.
Visitors can expect to experience two semi-rustic cabins with some modern amenities. The main cabin has a semi-modernized kitchen with a propane cooking stove, refrigerator, and sink. There is a separate bathhouse located a few feet away from the main cabin with a vault toilet. Other amenities include: solar electric lighting and a pot belly wood stove. The main cabin can accommodate up to four people, featuring two bunk beds with four twin-size mattresses. The other cabin has a queen bed on the ground level and a loft.
Basic kitchen supplies - pots/pans/silverware - are provided. Cleaning supplies are provided, and guests are required to clean before they leave. Guests should bring their own bedding and towels.
Plan to pack it in, pack it out. Please take your trash with you when you leave.
The Ranger Station is located near the end of Forest Service Road 868, adjacent to Blue Creek and Soldier Creek. This beautiful area offers many scenic viewing opportunities, including the Cannibal Plateau and the Uncompahgre Wilderness, and is close to many hiking and fishing opportunities.
The small town of Lake City is located about an hour drive from the cabins, it has two small grocery stores, a gas station, and a few restaurants.
From Gunnison: Take US-50 west for approximately 35 miles. Turn left on Co. Rd 66 to FSR 867. Follow FSR 867 for approximately 20 miles to its junction with FSR 868. Turn right - Alpine Ranger Station will be 5 miles ahead on the right-hand side, a locked gate is at the entrance. County road 66 and FSR 867 are gravel roads with switchbacks that may be difficult to travel on when they are wet.
From Lake City: From the Lake City Community school travel north on state highway 149 for approximately 11.1 miles. Just after a sign that says "National Forest Access Big Blue" turn left onto Forest Service Road 867 (listed as Alpine Road on Google Maps). Remain on FSR 867 until the junction with FSR 868, from there contiue straight on FSR 868. The cabin will be approximately 5 miles ahead on the right-hand side, a locked gate is at the entrance. County road 66, FSR 867, and FSR 868 are gravel roads with switchbacks that may be difficult to travel on when they are wet.
Nice place. We stopped here twice and the hot chilli on a cold rainy evening was perfect. There is a short hike to the top which boasts a great view. We saw a herd of elks from the visitor center cafe itself. It has a great view of the range.
The views from the visitor center are amazing and thats about it. It is the main attraction of this site. There are also trails leading from the parking lot. There is a small gift shop in here as well. Unfortunately, the place is so small it is absolutely cramled. The visitor center itself is very dissapointing. It is tiny for a National Park with hardly any displays or information. Really a let down for prominent park.
One of my favorite place to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. Every time I visit the park, love to reach here. Can be reached from different route but in my opinion, the best route would be to enter the park through Estes Park, then take Old Fall River Road. The road to the top is unpaved gravel road and has seasonal opening, but worthy to take it. Will have the chance to take an adventurous ride and to see a beautiful Chasm fall. While returning from Alpine visitor center, take Trail Ridge Road and don’t forget to stop at the overlooks and enjoy the Rockies!!!!!
