Cape Horn Winter Rental
Salmon-Challis National Forest
Cape Horn Winter Rental is located in beautiful Elk Meadow, approximately 16 miles northwest of Stanley, in central Idaho. It sits at an elevation of 6,660 feet. Guests enjoy the area for its endless winter recreation opportunities, including cross-country skiing, back country downhill skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
The cabin is open for reservations during the winter only. In the summer, it is used by Forest Service employees as a guard station.
The cabin can comfortably accommodate four people on one double bed and one single bed, each with mattresses, and one couch. More people can use sleeping bags on the floor, but due to the cabin's size, group size is limited to eight people. Guests need to bring their own food, toiletries, towels, bedding and trash bags.
The cabin is equipped with electricity, which powers the lights and a standard four-burner stove and oven, but due to heavy snowfall on power lines, electricity cannot be guaranteed at all times. Be prepared to cook meals on the wood stove if the power is out. Firewood is provided, though it may need to be split.
A table and chairs and additional seating is provided, along with a battery powered lantern and a wooden rack for drying clothes. The water system is turned off during the winter season so the indoor flush toilet and running water are not available. A vault toilet is located behind the station.
Need to Know
- Walk-in use is not allowed; reservations must be made via the website or call center prior to arrival
- A maximum of 8 people are allowed at the cabin
- Horses and livestock are not permitted at the cabin
- Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility
- No tent, trailer or RV camping is allowed at the site
Snowfall can be heavy and Highway 21 may be closed at times; access is still possible from Boise via Sun Valley and over Galena Summit to Stanley
On occasion, Highway 21 in the Stanley Basin may not be plowed to the skier's parking pullout, changing the distance to ski to the guard station from 1.7 miles to nearly 9 miles: The parking pull out is near and across Highway 21 from FS Road 195 and Swamp Creek; The coordinates for the pullout are 44° 21' 39.0000" N 115° 8' 20.0000" W; The trail is marked from the pull out on Highway 21 to the guard station; The coordinates for the guard station are 44° 22' 16.0000" N 115° 7' 32.9999" W
- The cabin remains locked; please see your confirmation email for the current combination.
Click here for more information on the Salmon-Challis National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Firewood is provided at the cabin; Self-Service from the covered large wood pile near the cabin is encouraged
Pets are not allowed
Natural Features
The cabin is situated in a stand of lodgepole pines. On clear days, the cabin's front porch affords breathtaking views of the rugged Sawtooth Mountain Range to the south.
Recreation
The Cape Horn area offers unlimited cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling opportunities in the surrounding meadows, and downhill skiing is available on the slopes behind the cabin. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message.
Contact Information
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Cape Horn Winter Rental (ID) 311 North U.S. Highway 93 CHALLIS ID 83226
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 208-879-4100
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
The guard station it is less than two miles by skiing cross-country from State Highway 21 or approximately four miles by following the Stanley-Landmark Snowmobile Trail.
If you are a first time renter, it is important to get detailed directions. To obtain these, click here or call the district office at (208) 879-4100.
