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Seedhouse Guard Station is located approximately 26 miles north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It was constructed in 1933 and offers a unique lodging opportunity for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in the Routt National Forest.
This historic cabin is available for rent in the fall and winter. Guests can drive directly to the cabin when the roads are clear; however, winter access is only available by snowmobiling, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing over three miles from the end of the plowed road. The cabin offers some amenities, but guests need to pack in several of their own supplies.
Trailheads leading to hiking and horseback riding trails are an easy drive from the guard station. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes near the cabin through the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness.
Anglers can fish for trout in the Elk River.
In winter, the area is blanketed by snow for wintertime play. Snowmobiling, skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities. All motorized activity, including snowmobiling, is prohibited in wilderness areas.
The historic guard station is furnished with two sets of bunkbeds with mattresses and can accommodate up to five guests (3 twin beds, 1 full bed). Other amenities include a propane range, refrigerator, lights, heater, table and chairs, cooking utensils and cookware.
A campfire ring and a picnic table are located outside. An outhouse with vault toilet is nearby. Horses may be kept in the corral or in the
pasture in the fall; however, fencing is not provided. Hay must be certified weed-free.
Drinking water and electricity are not available. Guests must provide their own supply of water for cooking, cleaning and washing. In winter, there is a large pot provided for melting snow.
Guests need to provide their own food, lanterns or flashlights, sleeping bags, pillows, towels, dish soap, matches, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. All trash and food must be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving. Suggest guests bring their own pillow cases.
The guard station is nestled beneath a canopy of fir and pine forest at an elevation of 8,000 feet along North Fork Elk Creek near the Middle Fork Elk River. Mount Zirkel Wilderness is nearby, one of the original areas protected under the 1964 Wilderness Act. The area boasts ecosystems ranging from sagebrush meadows in the lower areas to alpine tundra at high elevations.
Wildlife is abundant near the cabin, including elk, deer and coyote. Migratory birds, squirrels and an occasional black bear find habitat in the forest as well.
Across the road from Seedhouse Campground. Less than 3 miles from several trail heads, many with access to the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area. Close to the Elk River. Closest store and restaraunts are Clark Store and Glen Eden Resort and Hahn Peak Roadhouse.
Directions from Steamboat Springs: Go west on US Hwy 40 to County Road 129. Travel 20 miles north of Steamboat Springs on Road 129 to Seedhouse road, just beyond Clark. Go northeast on County Road 60 (Seedhouse, Forest Road 400) about 9 1/2 miles to the campground on the right.
Recreation.gov reservation & cancellation fees are typically NOT refundable to individuals who voluntarily cancel or change their reservations. If you are unsure how to use Recreation.gov call their reservation line 877-444-6777. Any refund requests made less than 4 days prior to the start date of your reservation will be denied. If the Forest Service cancels a reservation due to fire, COVID, or other safety reasons we will issue full refunds.
