Brewery Creek Guard Station is situated at an elevation of 9,500 feet in a densely wooded aspen grove overlooking Brewery Creek. The cabin is a few miles south of the Continental Divide on the northern end of the San Luis Valley in the Rio Grande National Forest. Built in 1935, the two room cabin was originally used by a forest ranger who oversaw the Poncha and Bonanza Districts of what was then called the Cochetopa National Forest. Today the cabin is a comfortable getaway for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in south central Colorado.
From Saguache, go north on Hwy 285 for 15 miles to Villa Grove. Take the Bonanza turnoff, County Rd LL56, on the left 0.1 mile north of Villa Grove. Stay on LL56 about 13 miles west to the "Brewery Creek " sign and make a left turn, crossing a bridge. Travel on Forest Road #880 for 1.5 miles. The gate is located .25 miles before the cabin. Winter access may be limited to showshoes, skis or snowmobile. During the spring snow melt, March through mid May, hiking 1.5 miles may be the only option for accessing the cabin. Seasonal road closures may also be in effect, check conditions prior to your arrival.
Please contact the Saguache Ranger District prior to arriving at the cabin to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit. Entry to the cabin is by combination lock, which will be provided in the confirmation letter or email which is sent after a reservation is made. Water is available at the guard station by outside hand pump. Water is available at the Saguache Ranger District office during business hours from Memorial Day weekend to November. There is no electricity at the Guard Station. No cell phone service is available at this facility. The guard station is a non-smoking facility. Livestock are prohibited: including horses, mules, llamas, and alpacas. All cabins are administratively used on occasion. Pets are allowed at the facility, but must be under control at all times; they must not harass wildlife or livestock. Do not leave food or trash outside the guard station; there are bears in the area. All garbage and food must be packed out; do not burn garbage in the fire pit or wood stove. Please clean the guard station and ensure the gate is locked upon departure. Drink plenty of water before arrival and during your stay to avoid altitude sickness. For safety and resource protection, do not discharge firearms and skeet shooting is prohibited within the cabin area boundary. Expect afternoon thunderstorms in the summer and below freezing temperatures in the spring, winter and fall. During the winter you may need to snowmobile, snowshoe or ski to access the cabin.
