LA Prele Guard Station
Medicine Bow-Routt Nfs & Thunder Basin Ng
La Prele Guard Station is located south of Douglas, Wyoming in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. It was originally built as a remote ranger station in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and was converted into a work center when the La Prele Ranger District was discontinued in 1956.
The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Today, it provides a unique lodging experience and delightful spot for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in south central Wyoming.
The guard station is open from late May or early June through late October each year and is accessible by car except after snow events at the beginning and end of the season. Weather and road closures may impact opening and closure dates. Many modern conveniences are provided, but guests will need to bring a few of their own supplies to make their stay comfortable. The site now has propane lighting.
Please note that due to the historic nature of the facility, pets, candles or other flame producing items are not permitted in the cabin.
The historic log structure has two bedrooms equipped with beds and mattresses that can accommodate up to six people. The kitchen offers a refrigerator, stove, table with chairs, basic cooking and eating utensils, and cookware. The cabin has indoor plumbing which gives guests access to running water, a shower, and a flush toilet. A propane water heater provides hot water.
The cabin now has electricity. The fireplace is usually adequate for heating the guard station during the summer season. No other flame producing sources are allowed inside the cabin, including candles. A campfire ring and picnic table are just outside.
Guests need to provide their own food, sleeping bags, pillows, towels, dish and bath soap, matches, and first aid kit. It is recommended that you bring drinking water. Battery operated lanterns are provided.
We will now be offering trash collection at this site. Please limit food waste, and take all large items with you at check out.
For larger parties, Campbell Creek Campground, about 1/2 mile east of the La Prele Guard Station, has six campsites that can accommodate tents, campers and trailers up to 22 feet. Campsite #1 can accommodate a longer trailer of 30 feet.
No Vehicle or ORV operation is allowed outside of the gravel parking area.
RV's, campers, or tents are NOT allowed on the property without prior approval from the Douglas Ranger District Recreational Specialist.
ORV reminder:
Forest Service Trails require Wyoming ORV sticker and be less that 50" in width.
Forest Service Roads require either Wyoming ORV sticker or state license plate.
County & State Roads require state license plate - including ORV's.
Need to Know
Converse County Road and Bridge are repaving Cold Springs Highway 91, so be prepared for delays.
Access to the guard station is by combination lock, and the combination is included with the confirmation letter at the bottom. If there are any questions, please call (307) 358-4690.
Contact the Douglas Ranger District office 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.
Pets and emotional support animals, of all sizes, are not allowed at this facility.
Horse Information - There is a maximum of 6 horses allowed as the corral is small. Use weed free hay, and all manure must be cleaned up and packed out upon departure. There is a water hydrant located on the exterior of the cabin but must be transported to the corral. Buckets are available on request. Horses are not permitted on the grounds outside of the corral. There is an opening in the perimeter fence near the corral.
- Rental agreement is for the main cabin only, use of the other buildings on the grounds is not permitted under any circumstance.
The cabin is a non-smoking facility (including vaping).
Please clean cabin upon departure.
In addition to regular departure cleaning, guests are required to clean and disinfect highly touched surfaces upon arrival and departure. If guests exhibit Covid symptoms while staying at the cabin please report to the local Ranger District so the facility can be completely disinfected.
Make sure cabin is locked upon departure and the key is in the lockbox.
Trash collection is now available at this facility. Please ensure all trash is removed from cabin and put in outdoor bin prior to departure. Feel free to continue to 'Pack it in, Pack it out'.
Learn more about Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Candles are prohibited. Lanterns and flame producing items are allowed only if the fuel source can be easily switched off.
Natural Features
The guard station sits in a grassy clearing surrounded by a mixed conifer forest at an elevation of 7,800 feet. Mountains define the landscape and La Prele Creek flows nearby.
Wildlife viewing is abundant near the cabin, including elk and deer. Migratory birds, squirrels and an occasional black bear or moose find habitat in the forest as well.
Nearby Attractions
Twin Peaks Trail
Little Medicine Falls
Upper Deer Creek Trail
Fishing and Hunting
Rock Climbing on State Trust Land
Recreation
Opportunities for hiking, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hunting can be found within the vicinity. OHV riders can access trails in the area as well.
The trailhead for the Twin Peaks OHV trail is three miles north of La Prele Guard Station and provides great access for elk and deer hunters. The trail meanders through public land to the base of Twin Peaks. From the top of the peaks, views of the Laramie Mountains dominate the landscape.
Anglers will enjoy fly fishing for a variety of trout in La Prele Creek and its many beaver ponds, some within walking distance from the cabin. Please respect the private land mixed in with public lands along the road and creek.
Contact Information
Default
DOUGLAS RANGER DISTRICT 2250 E. RICHARDS STREET DOUGLAS WY 82366
Physical
DOUGLAS RANGER DISTRICT 2250 E RICHARDS STREET DOUGLAS WY 82633
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 307-358-4690
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Douglas (37 miles)
From I25 Exit 140, turn right onto S Riverbend Dr. Turn right onto WY-94 (Esterbrook Road) and right on WY-91 (Cold Springs Road). In 3 miles, turn left on WY-91 (Cold Springs Road). Continue on CR 24 (Cold Springs Road) for 33.8 miles.
From I25 Exit 146, East on WY-96. In 3.1 miles, turn right on WY-91 (Cold Springs Road). Continue on CR 24 (Cold Springs Road) for 33.8 miles.
From Laramie (105 miles)
Follow HWY 30 (N) from Laramie to Medicine Bow. Take HWY 487 North and turn right on CR 62 (32 Mile RD/Little Medicine Road) for 29.8 miles and continue on CR 24 (Cold Springs Road) for 4.4 miles.
