Medicine Bow - Routt National Forests
Thunder Basin National Grassland

USDA Forest Service
Medicine Bow-Routt
National Forests,
Thunder Basin
National Grassland
2468 Jackson Street
Laramie, WY 82070
307-745-2300

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
307-745-2307

Grizzly Creek Guard Station was constructed in 1916 making it one of the oldest administrative sites on the Routt. This two-room rustic cabin can sleep up to 5 people. There is a cozy kitchen, with propane cooking stove and refrigerator. You must bring your own water in the winter, and water containers to fill at the pump about 300 yards down the road. There is no electricity, so bring your own lighting also. The bedroom has 2 bunk beds (single/single and single/double) and a propane heating stove. All facilities are fully accessible, including a stone ramp to enter the cabin through the front and back doors.

The Grizzly Creek Guard Station rents for $55/night and is available all year round. There is a fourteen-day maximum stay limit. This is a non-smoking facility.

Since this is a rustic cabin, please remember to bring your own water and lights. Other items we recommend you bring include mosquito repellent in the late spring and summer, layers of clothing (the weather changes quickly) and bedding (we provide the mattresses, you provide anything else you need for sleeping).

Access

The Grizzly Creek Guard Station is located along forest development road 60 (from county road 24), 25 miles southwest of Walden. From Walden, take highway 14 about 15 miles south to Hebron junction. Turn right (west on country road 24 and drive to the Forest boundary (about 10 miles). The Grizzly Creek Guard station is located right next to the Forest Boundary on the south side of the road.

Attractions & Considerations

The Buffalo Pass area is a popular snowmobile area in the winter (about December through March, depending upon snow conditions). Many miles of groomed trails make this place enjoyable for snowmobilers of all abilities. You can access this area right from the Grizzly Creek Guard Station. There is also a marked, occasionally groomed cross-country ski trail about 300 yards across the road.

During the summer, deer and moose can be seen nearby in the large expanses of aspen and willow areas, and elk are sometimes seen in this area as well. All wildlife can be dangerous and quicker than you think, so keep a respectful distance. The nearest developed trail in the summer is the Newcomb Creek Trail, about 3-4 miles from the Guard Station, that leads into the spectacular Mount Zirkel Wilderness area. Although there are no developed trails right next to the Guard Station, you can walk almost anywhere, since the underbrush is relatively short and easy to move through. It is relatively easy to find your way in this country, since the close mountains are to the west of the Guard Station and the flatter, lowland country is the the east.

An accessible, interpretive trail connects the Grizzly Creek Guard Station to the new pit toilet about 75 yards west of the Guard Station.

Narrative

The Grizzly Administration Building was completed in 1922 as part of a proposed tree nursery and research center. Designed by Ranger McClanahan, it was in use until 1929 when the office moved to Walden. The Station also included the ranger’s house and barn. In 1932 the house was torn down and the administration cabin became a residence for up to two employees working in the area. By 1961 the foundation was rotting, the roof was in bad shape, but otherwise the structure was sound and still used for seasonal housing.

In 1980 the Medicine Bow Forest proposed moving the station to a museum in Wyoming. The Routt Forest did not have money for needed repairs, and since the cabin was no longer in use, it was almost moved. However, when the issue was discussed by Jackson County, the people voted to keep the building here. In 1982 Grizzly Guard Station was nominated for historical status.

In 1999 groundwork started on Grizzly to determine how extensive repairs would be. It had not been lived in since 1987 and was overrun by critters. The foundation had open holes allowing foxes and skunks underneath. Rodent nests filled the space under cabinets, appliances were unusable, and the rusted sink was connected with duct tape. Daylight could be seen through the roof. Light fixtures were broken. Three doorways had to be widened for universal accessibility. The original cement and stone stoop was crumbling and needed replaced by an entry ramp.

That was just the beginning. Because of the historical status, repairs had to be in keeping with historic accounts of the building. Added to that, changes made between 1922 and 1999 had to be corrected if possible. A fence could easily be built to resemble one from 1930 photos, and the new propane tanks had to be hidden from view.

By 2002, eighty years after it was built, the station was repaired to historic and safety standards.