Little Brooklyn Lake Guard
Medicine Bow-Routt Nfs & Thunder Basin Ng
Little Brooklyn Guard Station is located nine miles west of Centennial, Wyoming just off the Snowy Range Scenic Byway at an elevation of 10,340 feet. The guard station was constructed in 1931 as housing for Forest Service employees. Today, it is a unique year-round lodging experience for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in southeastern Wyoming.
During the dry, summer months, guests can drive directly to the cabin; however during the snowy months, access is limited to snowmobiles, skis or snowshoes. Guests can expect to travel about three miles from the parking lot at Green Rock Recreation Area. Access is limited during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when snow isnt deep enough to snowmobile on, but too deep to drive in. Please understand these limitations before deciding to reserve the cabin during this time of year.
The cabin offers many modern amenities, but guests should be prepared to pack in some of their own supplies and gear, especially in winter. As stated above, please be aware that there may be snow in the area until mid-July and the road can be muddy, bumpy, or inaccessible; we recommend calling the USFS Laramie Ranger District office at (307) 745-2300 prior to your reservation to receive the latest weather and road conditions.
The cabin measures 28x22-ft. and has three rooms. It can accommodate up to seven people with two sets of bunk beds, one single bed and a double sofa bed. The cabin is heated by a wood stove and equipped with propane lights, propane cook stove, cookware and utensils for eating and cooking. The Forest Service supplies the propane and firewood. The firewood will need to be split. A maul and axe are provided. Please leave a good amount of split firewood for the next guest. If there is a problem, report it to the Forest Service.
Drinking water is available during the summer months from a pump located outside the cabin. No running water is available inside the cabin. Water from the pump may freeze during the winter months, so guests must bring their own supply of water or melt snow for drinking, cooking and cleaning during this time. A vault toilet, grill and picnic table are located outside the cabin.
Saddle or pack stock belonging to the renter may be kept in the meadow north of the guard station for an additional fee. Only certified weed-free hay or processed feed may be brought into the National Forest.
Guests need to provide their own food, sleeping bags, lanterns or flashlights, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. All trash and food must be packed out, and guests must clean the cabin before leaving.
Need to Know
Water is NOT available at this facility as of 9/15/2019. Guests must bring their own water or plan on melting snow
Pets are not allowed at this facility.
The door lock combination to the guard station will be included in your confirmation letter
Contact the Ranger District 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. Please be aware that the weather does vary, so check local weather and road conditions prior to arrival as they are susceptible to frequent changes. The Forest Service office is not open evenings, weekends, or holidays.
- No additional camping (tents, motor homes, trailers) is allowed at the guard station
- Maximum of 6 people allowed in the cabin
- The cabin is a no-smoking facility
Please clean cabin and make sure it is locked upon departure
- Saddle or pack stock belonging to renter may be kept in the meadow north of the guard station at a rate of $1.00/night per head; hay brought must be certified weed free
Guard station available by reservation only; no first-come, first-served stays available
- 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.
Firewood is provided but you will have to split it. A maul and axe are provided. The firewood may be buried under snow. Please be prepared to spend time digging out, hauling and splitting the logs. Most importantly, please leave a large amount of split firewood in the cabin for the next guest who may arrive late, cold, and tired.
As of 12/10/19, snow depth reports are increasing and are ~36+ inches at the nearest Snotel site. Please refer to the Brooklyn Lake Snotel site for current conditions.
As of 10/21/19 winter conditions are in effect around the area. This may mean difficulty traveling or road closures. Please check WYDOT for updated road information or contact the Laramie Ranger District office prior to your visit.
Natural Features
From valleys and canyons that rise steeply to jagged ridges, the area around the cabin boasts alpine lakes and a mixed forest of spruce, lodgepole pine, subalpine fir and aspen.
In the summer, guests can enjoy a view of wildflowers spilling down the meadow in front of the cabin to the edge of serene Little Brooklyn Lake. In winter, this same meadow is blanketed in pristine snow.
Wildlife is abundant near the cabin, including elk, deer and coyotes. Migratory birds, squirrels and an occasional black bear find habitat in the forest as well.
Nearby Attractions
Guests can travel the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (Highway 130) in the summer. There are many campgrounds, picnic areas and hiking trails along its course. The small Snowy Range Ski Resort is adjacent to this scenic byway as well; however, portions of Highway 130 are not completely accessible during the winter.
Recreation
A vast hiking trail system that accesses the highest elevations of the Snowy Range is available within 2 miles of the cabin. Hikers may attempt to summit Medicine Bow Peak, the highest peak in the Range at an elevation of 12,013 feet. Sheep Lakes Trail and Glacier Lakes Trails are also nearby.
Fishing is available at many alpine lakes and streams, including Brooklyn Lake and Little Brooklyn Lake, which is within walking distance of the cabin.
Winter brings deep powder snow for the snowmobiler, snowshoer and cross-country skier.
Opportunities exist for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting in designated areas nearby.
Changes & Cancellations
Refunds may be processed on a case-by-case basis. There are no refunds for reservation processing fees. Please be aware of changes in weather and road conditions prior to arrival and plan accordingly.
Contact Information
Mailing
Laramie Ranger District 2468 Jackson Street ATTN: Recreation Program LARAMIE WY 82070
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 307-745-2300
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Laramie, Wyoming, take Hwy 130 to Centennial, Wyoming. Travel approximately 9 miles west of Centennial on Highway 130 to Brooklyn Lake Road (Forest Service Road 317) located on the north (right) side of the highway. The Guard Station is on Brooklyn Lake Road approximately 1 mile from the intersection with Highway 130.
From mid-June until early November, the cabin is accessible by road, weather permitting. During the winter, the Snowy Range Scenic Byway is closed 3 miles east of the cabin. When the road is closed, the cabin is only accessible by skis, snowshoes or snowmobile from the Green Rock Recreation Area parking lot off Hwy 130. *As of 10/21/19, Hwy 130 is closed for the season, please plan travel accordingly.
