Seedhouse Guard Station
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.
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Cabins | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Shade | Water / sewer | People / vehicles | Fires | Accessible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Partial | No / – | 5 / 2 | Yes | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 3:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | Recreation.gov reservation & cancellation fees are typically NOT refundable to individuals who voluntarily cancel or change their reservations. |
| Accessibility | Site 001 is listed accessible |
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. 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, headlights 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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Getting there
The guard station is located about 26 miles north of Steamboat Springs, CO. From Steamboat Springs, take Highway 40 west and turn right on County Road 129. Head north on 129 (toward Clark) about 18 miles. One mile after Clark, take the first right after crossing the Elk River, Routt County Road 64, which is also Forest Service Road 400.
| Nearest town | Clark, Colorado |
| Coordinates | 40.7751° N, 106.7724° W · Directions ↗ |
Good to know
- Horses may be kept in the corral or in the pasture in the fall; however, fencing is not provided.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 10.9 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Koyoty Sports & Trophy Room Artistry ↗ | 47 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Trails nearby
- 0.2 miDiamond Park Trail3.8 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 0.6 miThree Island Spur ↗1.3 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike · national_scenic_or_historic
- 0.9 miSwamp Park ↗20.6 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 1.5 miThree Island Lake ↗5.9 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike · national_scenic_or_historic
- 2.3 miHinman Creek ↗6.1 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 2.6 miNorth Lake (CDNST) ↗5.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike · national_scenic_or_historic
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside Mount Zirkel Wilderness.
- inMount Zirkel Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 160,309 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Hahns Peak SchoolhouseBuilding · Hahns Peak · 9.2 mi
- ColumbineHistoric district · Clark · 11.5 mi
- Summit Creek Ranger StationBuilding · Columbine · 12.9 mi
Natural features
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.
Recreation
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.
Nearby
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.
Guidebooks for Colorado
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Seedhouse Guard Station?
Sites at Seedhouse Guard Station are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Seedhouse Guard Station?
Recreation.gov reservation & cancellation fees are typically NOT refundable to individuals who voluntarily cancel or change their reservations.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Seedhouse Guard Station?
Check-in 3:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Seedhouse Guard Station have?
1 site, including 1 cabin.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Seedhouse Guard Station?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are there accessible sites at Seedhouse Guard Station?
Site 001 is listed accessible on Recreation.gov. What that covers (a paved pad, an accessible table, a nearby accessible restroom) is on each site's booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Seedhouse Guard Station?
Trailheads leading to hiking and horseback riding trails are an easy drive from the guard station. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Seedhouse Guard Station?
Clark, Colorado. Across the road from Seedhouse Campground.
Source: Getting there
What if Seedhouse Guard Station is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Seedhouse Campground (0.2 mi, partly first-come), Seedhouse Group Site (2 mi, partly first-come), and Hinman Campground (3.9 mi, partly first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby