Alpine Ranger Station, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest - Recreation.gov (2024)

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

The Alpine Ranger Station is situated on the Alpine Plateau at 9,600 feet, in a beautiful alpine valley surrounded by aspen, spruce and fir forest. With inspiring views and multiple nearby recreation opportunities, the Ranger Station is just the place for a quiet and historic retreat, with a few modern amenities.

Notifications and Alerts

• Reservations are not currently available as work on this web page is currently in progress. Please check back for updates.

Need to Know

• Water is not available, visitors must bring their own water for all uses.

• There is not a landline phone at the Alpine Ranger Station and cellphone service may not be available, depending upon your provider.

• Click here for more information on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison 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.
• Non-smoking facility

Natural Features

The Ranger Station is located near the end of Forest Service Road 868, adjacent to Blue Creek and Soldier Creek. This beautiful area offers many scenic viewing opportunities, including the Cannibal Plateau and the Uncompahgre Wilderness, and is close to many hiking and fishing opportunities.

Nearby Attractions

The small town of Lake City is located about an hour drive from the cabins, it has two small grocery stores, a gas station, and a few restaurants.

Recreation

Surrounded by miles of National Forest, visitors to the Alpine Ranger Station can enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities. There are several hiking and mountain biking trails nearby, as well as opportunities for OHV use, including ATV and motorcycle routes. Also, the ranger station has a horse barn and small corral, offering the opportunity for horseback riding. The Uncompahgre Wilderness is adjacent to the Ranger Station and a trailhead to Uncompahgre Peak (a popular 14'er) is only a mile away.

Contact Information

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216 N. Colorado Street Gunnison CO 81230

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 970-641-0471

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Gunnison: Take US-50 west for approximately 35 miles. Turn left on Co. Rd 66 to FSR 867. Follow FSR 867 for approximately 20 miles to its junction with FSR 868. Turn right - Alpine Ranger Station will be 5 miles ahead on the right-hand side, a locked gate is at the entrance. County road 66 and FSR 867 are gravel roads with switchbacks that may be difficult to travel on when they are wet.

From Lake City: From the Lake City Community school travel north on state highway 149 for approximately 11.1 miles. Just after a sign that says "National Forest Access Big Blue" turn left onto Forest Service Road 867 (listed as Alpine Road on Google Maps). Remain on FSR 867 until the junction with FSR 868, from there contiue straight on FSR 868. The cabin will be approximately 5 miles ahead on the right-hand side, a locked gate is at the entrance. County road 66, FSR 867, and FSR 868 are gravel roads with switchbacks that may be difficult to travel on when they are wet.

Available Campsites

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