By:
Submission
Trout Creek Guard Station is located in the Trout Creek area, approximately 21 miles west of U.S. Highway 191 near Vernal, in eastern Utah. It is part of the beautiful Ashley National Forest. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the complex in 1934 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal instituted during the Great Depression. It was a residence for rangers who patrolled the forest on horseback prior to the age of modern vehicles.
The Ashley National Forest Vernal Ranger District has chosen to rent this guard station to the public so guests can enjoy a primitive experience similar to that of the first rangers. The cabin is open for reservations all months of the year except November, April and May.
In summer months, numerous hiking, biking and off-road trails crisscross the area. In winter months, endless snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities are right out the door.
The cabin can sleep two to four people on one twin-sized bunk bed. No linens, bedding or pillows are provided.
The kitchen contains basic amenities including a sink, propane stove, refrigerator, table and four chairs. **DUE TO COVID-19, THE FOREST SERVICE WILL NOT BE PROVIDING COOKWARE OR SILVERWARE. GUESTS MUST BRING THEIR OWN AND ARE ASKED TO PLEASE NOT LEAVE ANY OF THESE ITEMS AFTER THEIR STAY FOR PUBLIC HEALTH REASONS.**
**The cabin remains locked; call the Vernal Ranger District office, at (435) 789-1181, three business days prior to arrival, to confirm the combination lock code. COMBINATION CODE REQUIRED to enter cabin. (Some combination locks used have off-set entry lines. If code is not working, try off-setting entry line).**
The cabin has a wood stove inside for heat, and a campfire ring with a grill outside. A vault toilet is provided outside the cabin. Solar lights are provided, however, due to varying weather conditions, they are not reliable. Please be prepared with battery powered lanterns or flashlights.
From approximately mid-September to mid-June (winter), most amenities are shut off, including the refrigerator. The operable amenities during this time are an outdoor vault toilet, propane stove for cooking and a wood-burning stove for heat.
[Click here](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeP5ZS95L4Y) to view a video of the details about Trout Creek Guard Station.
The charming red cabin sits at the edge of a meadow, just above Trout Creek. A scenic forest of pines and aspens surrounds the expansive meadow. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant.
For facility specific information, please call (435) 789-1181.
Numerous scenic driving routes on maintained dirt roads crisscross the area, providing miles of trails for off-road enthusiasts, hikers and mountain bikers. Trails lead to Oaks Park, East Park and Long Park Reservoirs, as well as smaller lakes, overlooks, forests, meadows and historic sites.
The Ashley-Karst National Geologic Recreation Area offers dramatic canyons, densely forested backcountry areas, and vast networks of caves.
Follow the mileage indications below and look for signs on the ground when traveling to Trout Creek Guard Station. Leave with plenty of time to arrive at the guard station before dark.
From Vernal, travel north on U.S. Highway 191/Vernal Avenue for approximately 20 miles. Turn left (west) on Forest Road 020/018; a paved parking lot with a restroom is located at this intersection. Follow paved Forest Road 020 northwest approximately 9 miles. The pavement ends and the road turns to gravel after the East Park Campground junction. Continue on gravel Forest Road 020 (locally called White Cloud Loop after pavement ends) approximately 10 miles. Trout Creek Park will be in the foreground and Trout Creek Guard Station will be visible to the northwest. Turn right (north) to Trout Creek Guard Station (red building). If you reach the intersection with Forest Road 018 (Red Cloud Loop), you have gone too far.
This place may save your life, or somebody else's one day. We came close to getting snowed 🌨 in and would of had no where else to go had we not been able to get our truck unstuck. Thank God!
Rustic little cabin in the woods. Well worth the first service rates. It has a working gas stove and fridge. The views are spectacular at sunset. The nearby lakes are worth the drive. Great family camping spot for those of us who can't afford our own cabin. The mattresses are mediocre at best I would recommend bringing a foam pad topper for the futon. The electricity worked great during our stay.
A beautiful fun remote rustic cabin, has running water in the summer but not the winter, has a working stove top but the oven does not work without a generator and extension cord. There are two twin size beds but bring your own bedding plenty of room for cots or air mattresses. Has wood stove to heat it. There is lots of wood in the garage building next door. Has an outdoor fireplace with seating around it. Has a propane powered fridge to keep your stuff cold, the shower in the pictures does not work.
So flippin' sweet! To be honest I don't even really want to leave a review. This secret getting out will ruin the place. For reals though, this place is a hidden gem! Cozy, quaint, and pretty remote. We found ourselves there during a snowstorm and it was freaking magical. It was amazing how quiet it was in the area. My wife and I absolutely loved staying here!
A few notes to prospective renters:
1) Bring everything you need! This includes water, food, bedding, etc. This cabin is very far from anything! You're going to have to be self sufficient.
2) There's 0 (zero) cell service out there. Your phone will not work. It's best to put it in airplane mode and digital detoxify.
3) It's customary to leave behind useful items not take them! Leave behind the things in the cabin that are there.
4) Clean up after yourself! Never ever leave behind garbage or a mess. Wipe down surfaces, sweep the floor, and mop before leaving! The place should look better than when you arrived.
5) Another custom is to leave behind chopped wood for the next person. Go out in the shed and chop more than you need. Leave it for the next guest. If you don't know how to chop wood, I highly suggest you find other accommodations.
We had a great experience here at the trout creek guard station. We loved the small living quarters and our children thought it was fantastic. The barn full of wood to chop was fantastic and a lot of fun to quarter for the wood stove. Speaking of the wood stove that thing will pump out some heat. Kids had trouble sleeping at night due to it being so warm inside. Windows were open all night long. Great experience. Great location, in close proximity to great trails.
