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A white Tacoma with a camper shell parked on a rise above a broad, empty basin under building cloud.

Forest Service cabin or lookout

Aspen Leaf Cabin

Forest Service cabin or lookout in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, Mesa County, Colorado. 8,809 feet. 27.4 miles from Nucla.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Managed by
Forest Service Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest
Elevation
8,809 ft USGS elevation model, at the mapped point
Sites
1 1 cabin non-electric
Hookups
None listed
Reservations
Recreation.gov
County
Mesa County

Overview

Aspen Leaf is one of three cabins at the Cold Springs Work Center that welcomes guests with its homey vibe and remote mountain setting. Mountain biking and off-road vehicle trails are easily accessed here.

The cabin was built in the 1930s for use by Forest Service employees. Vehicles can easily access the area, but a 4WD may be required in October, depending on weather conditions.

Recreation

The North Uncompahgre boasts an extensive ATV trail system known as the Divide Forks ATV complex. Over 50 miles of trails can be explored.

Mountain bikers make use of the popular Tabaguache Trail System, and in fall, hunters frequent the area. Hiking and horseback riding are also enjoyable activities.

Facilities

This cabin has one bedroom and a bathroom with a flush toilet and shower. Sleeping accommodations include three twin-size beds and a queen sofa sleeper. Up to six guests may stay in this cabin, but extra cots and air mattresses are recommended.

The kitchen includes a propane stove and refrigerator, plus basic cooking and eating utensils like plates, knives, forks and pots. Cleaning supplies are also provided.

Drinking water is supplied but the cabin does not have electricity. Guests should bring propane lanterns, matches, bedding, toilet paper, dish towels, warm clothing, paper towels and tools for gathering and cutting firewood. Click here for more cabin details.

No RVs, campers, or tents allowed.

Please conserve water. Water can be limited at times. Bring back-up drinking water.

Aspen Leaf Cabin is one of three cabins at the Cold Springs Work Center. One cabin may be occupied by Forest Service personnel.

Natural Features

Aspen Leaf Cabin sits in a field with scattered aspen and mountain shrub vegetation on the north end of the Uncompahgre National Forest. At 9,000 feet, the area offers crisp mountain air, mild days and chilly nights.

Black bears, mountain lions, marmots and deer are among the wild inhabitants. Please be aware of bear safety.

Nearby Attractions

The nearest grocery store is in Grand Junction, 44 miles from the cabin.

Anglers looking for lake fishing can head to Big Creek Reservoir, about 14 miles from the cabin.

The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

  • biking
  • camping
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • hunting
  • wildlife viewing

The land around Aspen Leaf Cabin

The ringed pin is this cabin or lookout; the others are its nearest neighbours. Switch on forest roads or BLM routes to see the way in.

Map layers

Layers
Base map
Legend

Federal land, by managing agency

  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • US Forest Service (USFS)
  • National Park Service (NPS)
  • US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
  • Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
  • Department Of Defense (DOD)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
  • Other Federal
  • State
  • Local
  • Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
  • Alaska Native Allotment

Federal campgrounds, by agency

  • Forest Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • National Park Service
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife and others

State and local land (USGS PAD-US)

  • State land
  • County and city land
  • Regional agency or district
  • Land trust or conservancy

Gaps with no tint inside public land are private parcels, often old mining claims and homesteads. They are not open to the public.

Dashed clay lines on the base map are unpaved tracks from OpenStreetMap. They show what exists on the ground, not what is legal to drive.

Select any point to see who manages the land.

Boundaries are approximate and land status changes. This map is a planning aid, not a survey or a statement of access. Confirm routes, closures and camping rules with the managing office.

Nearest campgrounds

Camping near

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated February 25, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.

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