Can you reserve a site at Alder Guard Station?

Yes, Alder Guard Station is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Alder Guard Station?

35 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Alder Guard Station?

Yes, pets are allowed at Alder Guard Station.

Are campfires allowed at Alder Guard Station?

Campfires are allowed at Alder Guard Station. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Alder Guard Station, Colorado — 1 site, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

Alder Guard Station is located 2 miles north of the town of South Fork along Alder Creek in the Rio Grande National Forest. The guard station was constructed in 1910 and was the residence and office for the local ranger district. Today the historic cabin is a comfortable getaway for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in south central Colorado.

Visitors may reserve the cabin for a maximum of five nights to allow others the opportunity to rent the cabin.

Recreation

The Alder Bench trailhead is located north of the guard station on Forest Road 610. In the past, this trail was used by stockmen taking livestock up to the high country towards Blue Park and Long Park.

In the fall, visitors use this trail to hunt elk and deer as this area is considered winter range for both. The 6.5 mile trail is also open for off-road single track riding, horse and foot travel, and mountain biking, but can be very rocky and steep in places.

Anglers will enjoy the scenic backdrop of Alder Creek when casting lines for a variety of trout.

Facilities

The two story cabin is furnished with 2 beds in each bedroom (2 bedrooms), and a futon on the first floor. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, electric stove, refrigerator, cooking utensils and some pots and pans.

The bathroom has hot water and a flush toilet. A wood stove is the only source of heat for the guard station. Picnic tables are also on site. Firewood is not provided; please bring all the firewood you will need for your stay.

Although the cabin has several amenities, guests do need to provide their own sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags.

Lighting is available, however guests are advised to bring an additional light source in case of emergency.

Occasionally the water well overflows due to ground water pressures. The water then may not test safely. To avoid this you are encouraged to bring spare drinking/cooking water.

Natural Features

The Rio Grande National Forest encompasses of a myriad of ecosystems ranging from high elevation desert to the craggy peaks of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The Alder Guard Station, located in the Divide Ranger District, is surrounded by mixed conifer forests, aspen groves, and wilderness areas, though its immediate vicinity is manicured, with a fenced lawn.

The facts

1 bookable site
Vehicles up to 35 ft
Up to 10 people per site
Loops: ALDER GUARD STATION

Site types

1 Cabin Electric

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Picnic tables
Grills
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits.

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Alder Guard Station

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Grade	Max rig	People
Alder Guard Station	ALDER GUARD STATION	Cabin Electric	Pull Through	Gravel	Slight	35 ft	10	🐾

Getting there

From South Fork, Colorado: Travel approximately .5 miles on Highway 149 towards Creede. After crossing the Rio Grande River bridge, turn east (right) on County Road 15 (North River Road) and go approximately 1 mile to Forest Road 610. Turn north (left) on Forest Road 610 and go 2 miles. Alder Guard Station is on the left less than 50 yards from Forest Road 610.

37.70444, -106.64667 · 37°42'16.0"N 106°38'48.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Low °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Precip in	0.8	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.1	0.8	2.5	2.5	2.0	1.5	1.3	1.0

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Alder Guard Station

Can you reserve a site at Alder Guard Station?: Yes, Alder Guard Station is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Alder Guard Station have?: 1 site.
What is the maximum RV length at Alder Guard Station?: 35 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Alder Guard Station?: Yes, pets are allowed at Alder Guard Station.
Are campfires allowed at Alder Guard Station?: Campfires are allowed at Alder Guard Station. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Alder Guard Station also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Alder Guard Station's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

$50.00 per night. Recreation.gov charges a reservation fee.

Restrictions:

No trash service. Firewood provided.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Alder Guard Station

Trout Trailhead #831 5 mi · Facility
Highway Springs Campground 6 mi · Campground
Lower Beaver Creek Campground 6.3 mi · Campground
Upper Beaver Creek Campground 7 mi · Campground
Palisade Campground 7.2 mi · Campground
Cathedral Campground 8.4 mi · Campground
Cross Creek Campground 8.6 mi · Campground
Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping 9 mi · Campground
East Bellows Trailhead # 790 9 mi · Facility
Park Creek Campground 9.1 mi · Campground
Tewksberry Trailhead #842 10.2 mi · Facility
Big Meadows Trailhead 12.7 mi · Facility

Contact

Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Alder Guard Station