Duncan Cabin

Overview

The cabin was constructed in the 1880s. The cabin sits 8,120 feet above sea level beside a small dry stream‐bed. The nearest source of water is Pole Creek which is approximately 1,500 feet from the cabin. The cabin sits on a west‐facing gently sloping grade that looks out onto the San Luis Valley. Although large coniferous trees are located near the cabin, the vegetation is primarily Rabbitbrush, Pinon, and Juniper.

Recreation

The cabin is a good base camp for horse riding. It does have a corral close to the cabin. It is a good place for hunting, hiking and watching the night sky. It is close to the Great Sand Dunes National Park that is designated as an international Dark Sky Park.  

Facilities

The one-room cabin is furnished with two bunk beds (the top bunk is a single bed, the bottom is a fold-out futon couch that sleeps two) and can accommodate up to 6 people. The cabin has a wood stove, a table and chairs, cooking utensils and some pots and pans. A picnic table, fire pit and an outdoor vault toilet are also on site. There is no electricity and water at the cabin. Water is also available at the Saguache Ranger District Office during business hours from May through November.

Natural Features

This area also provides habitats for large herds of elk, pronghorn and mule deer. It is also close to the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Nearby Attractions

The Duncan cabin is located in the Rio Grande National Forest 11.8 miles southeast of Crestone, CO. There is a lot of hiking trails in this area. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is also close by.

Duncan Cabin cab be reached from Moffat, Colorado, on State Highway 17, either 37 miles from Alamosa or 14 miles from the intersection of US Hwy 285 between Saguache and Salida. From Moffat turn towards Crestone (County Road T), for 12 miles. Before getting to Crestone, turn right at Camino Baca Grande Road for 2 miles. Turn right at Camino Real Road (no street signs, but look for small brown sign saying "Liberty Road" on the right side. Follow Camino Real for 3.4 miles, look for another small brown sign reading "Liberty," turn left at Camino Del Ray. Follow that road up to the top of the hill, roughly 2.5 miles, until the road comes to a left or right turn. Look for the brown "Liberty" sign on the right side of the road, and turn right at Camino Baca Grande.

Note that pavement ends on Camino Baca Grande Way, continue on that road until you get to a narrow gateway with Forest System Road 952. Road becomes very rough and bumpy for the remaining 5 miles to Liberty Gate. From there is hiking/cycling/horseback only, for the 4 miles to the cabin. Note, stream crossing 2 miles from Liberty Gate. Be sure to stay on FSR 952, there's a turnoff road going to Deadman Creek, approximately 0.3 miles from Liberty Gate. Keep right of the turnoff.