Eldridge Guard Station
Custer Gallatin National Forest
Eldridge Guard Station is a primitive, rustic, log structure open year-round for recreational enjoyment. It provides access to several trails for summer hiking and biking, and winter skiing and snowmobiling. The cabin can be accessed by vehicle in warmer weather, but snow conditions may require a two mile trek on skis, snowshoes, or by snowmobile.
Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and they must bring several of their own amenities.
Eldridge Guard Station sleeps 6, with a maximum group size of 8 people for overnight use. 7-night maximum stay per group.
This is a primitive cabin with limited seasonal access - There is no electricity or potable water available (water from nearby creek or snow in winter can be filtered for use). An outhouse is located outside, behind the cabin. A corral is available for stock. A wood stove is available for heat, and a propane gas stove for cooking. There is also a small propane powered refrigerator in the cabin. (Please carefully read the instructions for the propane stove and refrigerator!) The cabin is stocked with basic amenities: axe, shovel, bucket, 2 cots, 2 full-size futons with mattresses, table and chairs, and minimal cookware. A large stock pot is available for boiling water. It is strongly advised that renters bring their own backcountry cookware and dishes for use. Renters should also bring their own firewood, drinking water, flashlight/lantern, bedding, matches, extra toilet paper, garbage bags, dish soap, and other necessities.
Please note: This rustic, uninsulated, high ceiling cabin can be very cold in winter, even with the wood stove burning. Firewood is not provided until Oct 1 (Oct 1 - May 31) – please bring or gather your own firewood from June 1 - Sep 30. When firewood is provided, it is is the woodshed near the cabin. There is additional firewood stored in the tack shed a little further from the cabin (lock combo same as cabin).
Please be sure to clean the cabin and remove all trash prior to your departure!
Need to Know
• Please note: The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service is not cleaning this rental cabin between user visits. To protect health and safety for all cabin visitors, we recommend you clean all "high touch surfaces" when you arrive and before you leave. Cleaning supplies are not provided; you are expected to bring your own. Leave nothing behind - pack it in, pack it out. Please take any garbage, food, books, and personal items with you. Immediately report any unsanitary conditions to the local Ranger Station.
• Make sure to have the lock combination for the cabin gate and door; the combination code to the cabin is included in the confirmation e-mail.
• No garbage service provided. Please bring garbage bags and pack out all trash and personal belongings.
• Winter travel can be difficult due to deep snow, wind, low visibility, and trail signs/markers being obscured by snow. Always travel with others and familiarize yourself with the area as well as traveling in avalanche terrain.
• Grizzly bears frequent the area. Be sure to store all attractants (coolers, food, beverages, stock feed, garbage, toiletries, etc.) inside the cabin. Hebgen Lake Ranger staff will be patrolling for compliance with the Food Storage Order in the cabin vicinity throughout the season.
• Candles are prohibited inside the cabin.
• Do not leave pets unattended – you will be charged for damages.
• Weather conditions vary. Please check forecast and road conditions before your trip.
Natural Features
Eldridge Guard Station is situated between the Madison Mountain Range and the Gallatin Mountain Range at an elevation of 7,030 feet. The cabin is at the edge of a meadow with Taylor Creek running across from the cabin. Eldridge Guard Station is located in high-population grizzly bear habitat. The area is also home to deer, elk, moose, and other wildlife. Please respect the wildlife and always keep a safe distance. Carry bear spray, and always securely store food and other attractants (March 1-December 1).
Nearby Attractions
Eldridge Guard Station is within an hour’s drive south to West Yellowstone, Montana, home of the West Gate to Yellowstone National Park. It is also close to Hebgen and Earthquake lakes, as well as the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center.
Eldridge Guard Station is also within an hour’s drive north to Big Sky, Montana.
Recreation
The area surrounding Eldridge Guard Station offers many recreational opportunities, both motorized and non-motorized. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking and mountain biking on the nearby trails, riding 50” (or narrower) motorized vehicles on the motorized trails, stream fishing, or bird/wildlife watching. In the winter, visitors can enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country or back-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Please note: Fall hunting season brings big game hunters to this area (September 1-December 1).
Contact Information
Mailing
Hebgen Lake Ranger District PO BOX 520 West Yellowstone MT 59758
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 45.0698611, 111.3123056
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Please note: warm weather access doesn't start until May when snow has melted out.
Summer Access: From West Yellowstone, Montana, proceed north on Highway 191 for approximately 33.5 miles. Turn left on Taylor Fork Road/Forest Service Road 134 and proceed for approximately 6.5 miles. The cabin will be on the left side of the road. Parking is in front of the cabin.
Winter Access: From West Yellowstone, Montana, proceed north on Highway 191 for approximately 33.5 miles. Turn left on Taylor Fork Road/Forest Service Road 134 and proceed for approximately 4 miles to the small, privately plowed parking area at the Albino Lake Trailhead. From here, it is a 2-mile ski along the road to the cabin (on the left side of the road). Please note: plowed driving access to the parking area at the Albino Lake Trailhead is not guaranteed. Parking for the cabin is not allowed past the trailhead - Do Not block private property.
Nearby snowmobile trail grooming occurs from approximately December 15 – March 31, depending on snow conditions. View trail grooming reports at destinationyellowstone.com/reports. Please note: Trails may be impassible due to weather conditions.
During the spring and fall, guests are encouraged to call the Hebgen Lake Ranger District (406-823-6961) for road conditions and access to the cabin.
