Caribou Mountain Guard Station
Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Caribou Mountain and the National Forest are named after a man known as "Cariboo Jack," who discovered gold in this area in 1870. He was an adventurous man who became
a local legend. Today, the guard station on Caribou Mountain is a haven for adventurers who enjoy a variety of recreational activities.
The guard station can be accessed by car during the warmer months, but only snowmobiles or skis can be used in winter. Guests should be prepared to make the
6-mile trek with all the gear and supplies they need to make their stay comfortable.
The cabin can accommodate a maximum of 15 guests. One sleeping room is available with a total of six single beds. Guests must bring their own bedding and sleeping pads. A propane cook stove, propane lights and space heater are available, in addition to a supply of propane. A dining area includes a table and chairs. Only a few dishes and cups are provided.
A vault toilet and picnic table are located outside.
Drinking water is not provided. Guests are required to bring their own water, as well as garbage bags to pack out their trash. Bedding, dish soap, cooking pots, kitchen
utensils and emergency items like a first aid kit are not available.
Need to Know
- Please call the district office at (208) 847-0375 four days prior to arrival to confirm the security combination
- Snow conditions can often affect cabin accessibility in the fall, winter and spring. Please call the Montpelier Ranger District Office to check snow conditions before reserving this cabin from November through June.
- No water is available at the cabin
- Lighting instructions are posted in the cabin; please read and follow them carefully before lighting any appliances
- Please leave the cabin clean for the next occupant
- This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out facility
- Guests should be aware of the risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more
- Click here for more information about Caribou-Targhee 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.
Natural Features
Caribou Mountain is the second highest peak in southeastern Idaho, with an elevation of 9,803 feet, and the tallest mountain in the Caribou Range. The marshes of
Grays Lake spread out below the summit at an elevation of 6,386 feet.
The guard station sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet and is tucked into a stand of mixed conifers at the edge of
a meadow. Wildlife in the area include black bear, wolf, elk, moose, mule deer, bison, grizzly bears, mountain lion and pronghorn
(bear safety tips).
Nearby Attractions
Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a popular place for bird watching. Sandhill cranes, whooping cranes and trumpeter swans are the main attractions, but the refuge is home to many bird species. Areas of the refuge are open for hiking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Recreation
Guests at Caribou Mountain Guard Station can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Off-road vehicle trails include the Caribou Mountain ATV Trail and the Caribou Mountain Mine Trail. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message.
Contact Information
Mailing
322 N. 4th St. Montpelier ID 83254
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 208-847-0375
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Soda Springs, take Highway 34 north approximately 33 miles. Turn left on to Greys Lake Road. Drive north about 11.5 miles on Greys Lake Road and turn right onto McCoy Creek Road (Forest Road 087). Follow McCoy Creek Road (Forest Road 087) for 6.5 miles to the guard station. Maps are available upon request at the district office.
