Overview
Jackson Guard Station is a great destination for anything from a weekend getaway to a week-long hunting trip. The cabin was originally used as a guard station that housed Forest Service work crews. The cabin's access road is remarkably scenic, making for an impressive arrival.
In summer months, the cabin sets the stage for a wide array of activities. Recreation ranges from thrilling off-road vehicle riding to amazing scenery viewsing,hiking,and rewarding fishing.
Winter access is by snowmobile, cross country skiing or snowshoes,and fat bikes only along a 3.5-mile trail.
Recreation
Activities abound, with hiking, technical single track dirtbiking, ATV/OTV riding, snowshoing, cross country skiing. Hunting and fishing are popular in the area
Facilities
Visitors can expect a rustic cabin set back roughly 100 feet from the road, providing privacy and solitude. Amenities include wood stove. The kitchen includes cabinet space and some dishes are provided. The cabin has two bedrooms and four twin-size beds. A picnic table, campfire ring and vault toilet are located just outside the cabin.
No electricity or running water is available. Guests should bring drinking water, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, food, towels and toiletries.
In winter, kettles are provided to melt snow for water. A snow shovel and firewood is provided.
Natural Features
Situated near the southeast shores of Silver Jack Reservoir, Jackson Guard Station sits in a small aspen grove at 9,000 feet elevation. The cabin is at the base of High Mesa, near where the Cimarron River flows into the reservoir.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the San Juan Mountains, Alpine Plateau, Uncompahgre Wilderness, Silver Jack Reservoir and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
The cabin is about an hour's drive from Montrose or Ridgway, and an hour and a half from Gunnison.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
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
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area