Aspen Guard Station

2 night minimum, 4+ night maximum

You’re in for a treat when you rent Aspen Guard Station’s beautiful  cabin. Built between 1938-1940, this cabin offers a visit to the past  while being near enough to civilization to have a foot in both worlds.  This old cabin housed the Forest Service Rangers who patrolled the  forests, often on horseback, checking timber and livestock permits,  helping neighboring cabin dwellers and the public, much like today.

The cabin has a full kitchen with hot running water, a full-sized  stove with oven, refrigerator, and table with benches looking out the  window at the beautiful aspen trees it is named for. All the appliances  and lights are propane. The cupboards are stocked with dinnerware,  glasses/cups, bowls, pots/pans, muffin tins, baking pans, even a stone  pizza baking dish. There is a percolating stove top coffee pot for  indoors and one for outdoors when a fire is permitted. You will need to  bring enough water for drinking and cooking as the cabin water is not  potable. The small heater in the kitchen warms the room for those cool  spring and fall mornings.

There is a full set of silverware, a full range of cooking utensils,  measuring spoons…nearly everything a modern kitchen would include.  Salt/Pepper and a small can of shortening are provided as that is what  most people tend to forget. Metal utensils and a cast iron skillet are  available for indoor/outdoor cooking also. Paper towels, hand soap,  trash bags, Lysol, bleach (wipes), misc. cleaning supplies, even  disposable gloves are currently stocked. Matches and fire starters (when  available) are provided also.

Next to the kitchen area is a bedroom with a full bed, nightstand and  closet. In the middle of the cabin is a full-service bathroom; a large  room with a flushing toilet and hot shower. Toilet paper, paper towels,  hand soap, and tissues are provided. Cleaning supplies are also provided  as you are required to clean before you leave. You will need to bring  bath towels and personal toiletries such as soap, shampoo, etc.

The cabin has been used for years by Artist(s) in Residence program,  sponsored by the Forest Service. Artists journals revealed they called  the room on the other side of the bathroom the “Studio”. The large  antique desk and chair would have been used by the Ranger to log his  reports and daily activities. The “chofa” (chaise lounge/sofa) converts  to a full bed also. A card table and 4 chairs have been provided for  games and/or puzzles, or extra seating for meals.

The “Bunk” room is just that, a bedroom with a full bed and two  extra-long bunk beds. An antique cupboard provides extra storage.

Keeping the tradition and history of your visit, we are using the  propane lights so you can get the full, historic experience of living in  a cabin without modern amenities. We did ‘fudge’ a little with the LED  lantern for the kitchen so you could see what you’re cooking! And there  is cell service, unheard of even ten years ago!

The cabin was once wired for electricity which was provided by a  generator. That proved to be inefficient and costly. Solar panels allow  the cabin to have running water and a flush toilet by powering the pump.  Propane is used for the lights, appliances, heater and furnace, just as  it was during an earlier period. A woodstove was historically used to  warm the cabin, but it had to be removed.

Outside is a firepit for a campfire and a grate for outdoor cooking. A  second BBQ grate is hanging on the fully stocked woodshed for  additional cooking options. We do not supply briquettes, only aspen!

No more than 8 (adults) are permitted at one time at the Glade Guard cabin; all must named in the Rental/Disclaimer Agreement.

Five rooms –full service bathroom (flushing toilet, shower, sink), kitchen w/small dining area and bench, master bedroom w/full  bed and closet, studio/living room w/sofa that makes into full bed, end table, antique desk/chair, card table and 4 chairs, bunk room w/a set of extra long bunks beds and a separate full bed. Bedding IS NOT provided. Heated w/propane furnace. Full kitchen includes propane cook stove w oven, propane refrigerator, small dining area, full range of pots/pans, serving and dinner dishes, glassware/cups, silverware, coffee pot. Propane heater also. Mops, brooms, bucOutdoor fire pit and firewood, picnic table, bench. All trash must be kept within the buildings and removed when you depart.kets and cleaning supplies are all provided. You will need to bring groceries, drinking water, all personal toiletries, towels/wash clothes and all bedding including pillows. It is the YOUR responsibility to thoroughly clean the accommodation before you leave in preparation for the next guest. A cleaning fee will be charged in the event a volunteer has to do the cleaning. 

Pets are not allowed at Aspen.

There IS cell service, but ono Wi-Fi service.

No potable water – bring your drinking/cooking water.