Facility Details - JACK CREEK GUARD STATION, WY

Overview

The Jack Creek Guard Station is located southwest of Saratoga, Wyoming, offering visitors a unique lodging experience in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests.

The guard station once served as the northern ranger cabin for the historic Encampment Ranger District. It was constructed by Ranger Evie Williams in 1934. Oral history states that Ranger Williams spent most of his construction dollars on the material for the foundation and chimney, and used his own funds to finish the windows and roof.

The guard station is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers guests recreation and relaxation in a delightful natural setting. The cabin is typically open from mid-June through mid-October and is accessible by vehicle. Basic amenities are provided, but guests will need to pack in some of their own supplies and gear.

Natural Features:

From open, high expanses to valleys and canyons that rise steeply to snowy ranges, the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests encompass mountain ranges, tributaries to the North Platte River and the Colorado River, and a mix of forested ecology with spruce, lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, aspen and shrub lands.

The Jack Creek Guard Station sits in a clearing with lodgepole pine, aspen and mixed conifer forest at an elevation of 8,500 feet. Wildlife viewing is abundant in the area, including elk, deer, bear and moose.

Recreation:

Opportunities exist in the area for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is approximately five miles west of the cabin.

Facilities:

The one-room cabin is furnished with two sets of bunk beds and can accommodate up to four people. Heat is provided by a combination wood and propane cook stove, and firewood is provided. Basic cooking and eating utensils and propane lights are supplied.

Water is available during the summer months from a hand pump just outside or from Jack Creek Campground, which is a mile away. There is no indoor plumbing, but a vault toilet is located nearby. A picnic table and campfire ring are also available.

Nearby Attractions:

The grave site of Ranger Evie Williams is located just a short distance from the guard station.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Birding Bunkbed(s) With Mattresses Cabin Rentals Campfire Rings Cooking Pots Cooking Utensils Creek Access Drinking Water (Hand Pump) Fire Extinguisher Firewood	Fishing Hiking Historic Sites Mountain Biking Picnic Area Propane Lights Stove Trails Vault Toilets Wildlife Viewing
Within 10 Miles
Drinking Water Hunting	Trailheads
Greater Than 10 Miles
Tent sites

Know Before You Go

Cell phone coverage in the area is unreliable
Please call the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District office at (307) 326-5258 prior to your stay to confirm combination and key access for the guard station (office is not open evenings, weekends or holidays)
Please contact the 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
Instructions for lighting the propane stove and lights are inside the cabin; guests need to open the propane tank valve to use and close it upon departure
No pets are allowed within the cabin; pets must be cleaned up after outside.
No saddle or pack animals are allowed at this facility.
Additional campers, trailers or tents cannot be set up at this facility.
Guests need to provide their own food, sleeping bags, pillows, flashlights, towels, dish soap, matches, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags.
All trash and food must be packed out.
Guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving.
Learn more about Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.27, -107.11167
41°16'12"N, 107°6'42"W

From Saratoga, travel west on County Road 500 approximately 16 miles to junction with County Road 405. Stay left and travel 3 miles to the forest boundary. The road changes to Forest Service Road 452. Travel on Forest Service Road 452 for 6.5 miles to Jack Creek Campground and the guard station.

From Encampment, take State Highway 70 west for 7 miles and turn onto Forest Service Road 443 for approximately 15 miles to the junction of Forest Service Road 452. From there, go west for approximately 8 miles to Jack Creek Campground and the guard station.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

JACK CREEK GUARD STATION
P.O. BOX 249 5556 SOUTH HIGHWAY 130
SARATOGA WY 82331

Phone Number:

Project Office:(307)326-5258

JACK CREEK GUARD STATION, WY