Paradise Guard Station

Paradise Guard Station

About this campsite

Overview

Paradise Guard Station is located on the Ashley National Forest, approximately 25 air miles northwest of Vernal, in eastern Utah. Folklore states the district ranger built the cabin in his spare time in 1922 and it has changed very little since then. In 1929, the Bartlett Sawmill was built just 75 yards south. It burned down in 1940, but some remnants of the old facility still remain.

The Ashley National Forest Vernal Ranger District has chosen to rent this guard station to the public so visitors can enjoy a rustic experience similar to that of the first rangers. Guests enjoy canoeing and fishing on Paradise Park Reservoir, and exploring local hiking, biking and off-road vehicle trails.

Recreation

Paradise Park Reservoir is nearby, covering just less than 60 acres. Canoeing and fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout are popular activities. Dead Lake, Mill Pond and Julius Park Reservoir are within a short distance.

The Ashley-Karst National Geologic Recreation Area offers dramatic canyons, densely forested backcountry areas, and vast networks of caves.

A variety of hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicle trails crisscross the surrounding area, including the 8.4-mile Deadman Lake Trail, which begins at Paradise Campground.

Facilities

The guard station complex can sleep four to eight. The cabin contains two, twin-size bunk beds for four people, though no linens, bedding or pillows are provided. Level parking is provided for a maximum of one RV/camp trailer. Ample room for tent camping is available outside.

Please note that this cabin is RUSTIC. There is no sink, stove, oven or refrigerator. The cabin has no water or plumbing, however there is a vault toilet outside for year-round use. A wood-burning stove is supplied for heat. A combination campfire ring and grill is located outside.

The cabin remains locked; call the Vernal Ranger District office, at (435) 789-1181, three business days prior to arrival, to confirm the combination lock code. COMBINATION CODE REQUIRED to enter cabin. (Some combination locks used have off-set entry lines. If code is not working, try off-setting entry line).

Natural Features

The small white cabin sits at the edge of a grassy meadow surrounded by a dense spruce-fir forest, at an elevation of 10,000 feet. Paradise Creek, a tributary of the Whiterocks River, flows lazily through the meadow in front of the cabin.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (435) 789-1181.

Location

PARADISE GUARD STATION•UT

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Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

TUE☁️

17° / 5°

💧 1%

WED☁️

17° / 6°

—

THU☁️

20° / 5°

💧 1%

FRI🌦️

18° / 8°

💧 18%

SAT⛈️

15° / 6°

💧 38%

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CARTER MILITARY TRAIL YURT

Overview Carter Military Trail Yurt provides primitive lodging during summer and fall months, and during the winter, it is open to the public as a warming station for snowmobilers. It is located in the Ashley National Forest, at roughly 9,800 feet in elevation. It is approximately 25 air miles northwest of Vernal, Utah, and is situated near the historic Carter Military Trail and the Highline Trail. The yurt can be accessed by vehicle, from Vernal, Utah. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring their own amenities. Recreation The yurt provides access to numerous hiking, biking and off-road vehicle trails, including the Carter Military Trail and the Highline Trail. The Carter Military Trail served as a military supply road from the legendary Oregon Trail in southwestern Wyoming, over the Uinta Mountains and to the Uinta Basin. The route winds up and down hills, through marshes and disappears in some spots, but it remains a significant trail due to its historic and archaeological culture. Many lakes and reservoirs in the area are open to canoeing and fishing. Facilities The yurt is approximately 224 square-feet (less than 16 feet in diameter) and has limited amenities. Indoor plumbing, running water and electricity are not available. It can accommodate up to six people for overnight visits. Parking is available for a maximum of one RV/camp trailer and two vehicles. Tent camping is allowed outside the yurt. The yurt has one bunk bed with full size mattresses that will sleep two-four people. No linens, bedding or pillows are provided. The yurt is equipped with a heavy-duty propane case stove for cooking, a wood burning stove for heat and a folding table and chairs. A vault toilet is located outside. DUE TO COVID-19, COOKWARE AND SILVERWARE WILL NOT BE PROVIDED AT FACILITIES. GUESTS MUST BRING THEIR OWN SUPPLIES AND ARE ASKED TO NOT LEAVE ANY SUPPLIES AFTER STAY FOR PUBLIC HEALTH REASONS. The yurt remains locked; call the Vernal Ranger District office, at (435) 789-1181, three business days prior to arrival, to confirm the combination lock code. COMBINATION CODE REQUIRED to enter yurt. (Some combination locks used have off-set entry lines. If code is not working, try off-setting entry line). One portable propane Coleman lantern is provided but guests must bring extra propane canisters and their own mantles. The Forest Service provides propane for the stove. The tanks are located outside, beneath the deck and guests must activate the tanks upon arrival and deactivate them upon departure. Natural Features The yurt is situated on a scenic plateau, high in the Uinta Moutains of northeastern Utah. A mixed pine forest covers the area, offering limited shade. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant. The Ashley-Karst National Geologic Recreation Area offers dramatic canyons, densely forested backcountry areas, and vast networks of caves. The Red Cloud Loop Scenic Backway is nearby, meandering through miles of aspen groves, open meadows and lodgepole pine forests. Petroglyphs and historic sites dot the area. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (435) 789-1181. Nearby Attractions Numerous scenic driving routes on maintained dirt roads crisscross the area, providing miles of trails for off-road vehicles enthusiasts, hikers and mountain bikers. Trails lead to Long Park, Oaks Park and East Park reservoirs, Hacking Lake, Red Lake and Lily Pad Lake, as well as overlooks, forests, meadows and historic sites. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is known not only for its beautiful red cliffs, but also for world-class fishing for lake, brown and rainbow trout. Boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and