Bassam Guard Station
Bassam Guard Station was built in 1911 as one of a network of remote stations to be used by the first forest rangers and guards to monitor grazing sheep and cattle, manage timber harvesting, apprehended poachers, and report fire, road and weather conditions on National Forest lands. This cabin provides visitors with access to many recreation opportunities in the remote back country.
The 14 x 16 cabin includes a full-sized bed, dresser, a small table with two chairs, a two-burner propane stove for cooking, and a wood-burning stove for heat. A metal campfire ring and picnic table are onsite. The cabin sleeps two adults, and an additional six adults may camp outside in tents or a camper. The bunkhouse and barn are off-limits to the public. Horses may be picketed or corralled outside of the fenced area by the entrance of the cabin site. Portable corrals are permitted, but must be moved every few days to prevent damage to vegetation and soil. Water is available at a hand pump, but guests are advised to bring extra drinking water. Limited cooking and dining utensils are provided. Guests should also bring food, matches, toilet paper, flashlights, bedding, garbage bags, and an ax for chopping firewood. Dead and downed wood may be collected and used in campfires and in the wood-burning stove.
Need to Know
- Advanced reservations are ALWAYS required. Walk-ups are not available.
- Entry to the cabin/gate is by combination lock. Access information is provided in confirmation email from Recreation.gov. Cell phone service in the area is limited or may not be available, so make sure to have this information before you reach the cabin.
- Bring drinking water, bedding, an axe to chop firewood, food, flashlights, matches, etc.
- Hay must be certified weed-free
- Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack it in-pack it out' facility
- For additional area information call the Salida Ranger ranger district (719) 539-3591 Mon-Fri.
- Parking is limited
- Click here for more information on the Pike and San Isabel National Forest
- 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.
No smoking inside of the cabin.
Natural Features
The cabin sits in a stand of Aspens at an approximate elevation of 9,700 feet, south of Bassam Ridge. The cabin is within the Salida Ranger District, spanning 440,000 acres of public lands in central Colorado. The Arkansas River valley is known locally as the "Banana Belt of Colorado" because of the generally mild temperatures and sunny days. Springtime can be deceptive with sporadic spring snowstorms occurring from March to May. During the summer months, days are warm with cool nights. Afternoon thundershowers are common during July and August. The fall months are are generally dry and sunny with cooler morning temperatures.
Nearby Attractions
The cabin is located near the eastern boundary of Browns Canyon National Monument. Explore the monument from the Bassam Park area on foot or mountain bike (trail 1435). Or, for those with high clearance vehicles, take a scenic drive along Aspen Ridge Road (road 185). Note that much of the monument's western side is being managed as a wilderness study area, so motorized vehicles and bicycles are not allowed.
Recreation
Visitors may wish to take a day trip to the Arkansas River for kayaking, whitewater rafting or fishing. There are many recreational activities on the Salida Ranger District including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and OHV riding on designated forest roads and trails.
Or take a trip to the historic ghost town of St. Elmo. An old saloon, county courthouse and many other historic structures remain from the days of its mining glory.
The City of Salida and Town of Buena Vista offer visitor’s unique restaurants, shops, and art galleries to enjoy.
Contact Information
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SALIDA RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE 5575 CLEORA RD SALIDA CO 81201
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: (719) 539-3591 (INFORMATION ONLY) CALL 1(877) 444-6777 FOR RESERVATIONS
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Salida travel north on Highway 285 to the junction with Highways 24/285 near Johnson's Village. Turn right onto Hwys 24/285, passing through Johnson's Village. Stay on this highway for 5 miles, then watch for a sign on the left for County Road 307 (next to private property with railroad items on display). Turn right onto CR 307 and travel for 1.5 miles to the junction with CR 187. Turn right onto CR 187 and travel south for 7 miles to the intersection with CR 186. Turn left on CR 186 and travel southeast for .10 miles. Watch for a two-track road on the left(186 A). This road will take you to the gated entrance to the cabin. Roads may be slippery and muddy after rain or snow, drive with caution.
