Elwood Cabin

Star4.58
19 reviews
15571 County Road T.5, La Jara, CO 81140, USA
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

11,000 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Conejos Peak Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Elwood Cabin
$50.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$50 nightly rate for cabin reservations. Does not include taxes, discounts, or incremental charges.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
719-274-8971
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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 19 reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulhiking

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Reviews overwhelmingly praise the cabin's rustic charm, historical significance, and serene location. Guests appreciate the solitude and panoramic views, but caution about the challenges posed by the remote and high-altitude environment. The cabin is considered well-maintained, but some guests noted practical difficulties such as overly long firewood and unreliable cell reception."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

15571 County Road T.5, La Jara, CO 81140, USA

Elwood Cabin

15571 County Road T.5, La Jara, CO 81140, USA

Driving directionsFrom Del Norte, take U.S. Highway 160 west to South Fork. Continue west on U.S. Highway 160 for 8 miles to Park Creek Road. Travel 15 miles on Park Creek Road to Summitville Road. Turn right on FSR 380, the cabin is about 2 miles on the left. Alternatively, from the junction of FSR 250 in the Alamosa Canyon and FSR 380, follow FSR 380 about 8 miles, the cabin is on the right. Access to the cabin in the summertime can be accomplished with just about any vehicle; however, when the dirt roads are wet, they tend to get slick. In winter, the trail access to the Elwood Cabin is on the unplowed portion of Forest Road 380, which starts southeast from the junction, but makes a bend and continues south-southwest to the cabin. The 2-mile ski to the cabin is generally easy with a 400-foot elevation gain. The Elwood Cabin is visible below the road on a knoll projecting into a large open park. Allow from 1.5 to 2 hours or longer, depending on snow conditions, for the trip.
Summertime access is feasible for most vehicles, but roads are slick when wet. Winter access requires a 22-mile snowmobile ride or skiing/snowshoeing with a 400-foot elevation gain over 2 miles. Seasonal road closures and snow berms may require alternative travel methods.
Nearby places
Del Norte (~25 miles), South Fork (~33 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies may be available in Del Norte and South Fork, approximately 25 to 33 miles away from the cabin.

Best Time to Camp at Elwood Cabin

The seasons paint dramatically different portraits at Elwood Cabin. Winter transforms this mountain sanctuary into a pristine wonderland, where snow accumulates in breathtaking depths of up to 10 feet, creating a backcountry paradise for those prepared for its challenges. As summer arrives, the landscape bursts with life under warm sunshine, though afternoon thunderstorms roll through with clockwork precision, bringing refreshing rain and spectacular lightning displays across the peaks.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer wildflowers, hiking and fishing praised; mosquitoes are a recurring nuisance in reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall not detailed, but alpine meadows and forests suggest strong fall color and scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring not detailed; likely variable conditions with snowmelt and transitional weather.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.5 / 5
Top 1% in CO

Open year-round; up to ~10 ft snow and winter reviews praise the pristine snowy landscape.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 to December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Peak season pricing applies from January 1 to December 31.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal road closures and snow conditions significantly affect accessibility. Always check with the Conejos Peak Ranger District for current conditions.

About Elwood Cabin

Perched high in the majestic San Juan Mountains, Elwood Cabin stands as a testament to Colorado's rich communication heritage. This charming rustic retreat, originally constructed in 1911 as a vital link in America's first transcontinental telephone line, has evolved from a humble line shack to a beloved Forest Service station, and now welcomes modern adventurers seeking an authentic mountain escape. Here, at the edge of the sky, visitors discover a perfect blend of historical intrigue and alpine splendor.
Elwood Cabin provides rustic cabin lodging in a remote location. It is intended for guests seeking a high-altitude getaway and offers a historical experience with its origins dating back to 1911.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-in is generally flexible
  • confirmed via the Ranger District office one week before arrival.
Check-out
  • Check-out is generally flexible
  • confirmed via the Ranger District office.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 3 nights.

Amenities available

Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Guests at Elwood Cabin can enjoy year-round recreational activities. During summer months, the area offers hiking, exploration of historical mining sites, and fishing in Iron Creek, Treasure Creek, and Platoro Reservoir. Winter months bring opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in an area that can receive up to ten feet of snow.
HikingThe area spans the Rio Grande and San Juan National Forests, as well as the South San Juan Wilderness, providing excellent hiking opportunities. One user recommended hiking into Crater Lake and emphasized leaving early as the return journey is more challenging.
FishingFishing is available at Iron Creek, Treasure Creek, and Platoro Reservoir, which feeds into Conejos River. These locations offer spectacular backdrops and the possibility of catching trout and salmon.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as elk, deer, marmots, chipmunks, and bears are commonly seen around the cabin. Guests should avoid leaving food or trash outside to prevent attracting bears.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential avalanche risk during winter months. Bears present in the area; food and trash management is critical.
Active AlertsSeasonal road closures and snow conditions significantly affect accessibility. Always check with the Conejos Peak Ranger District for current conditions.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Elwood Cabin

Reviews

4.6
19 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Elwood Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews overwhelmingly praise the cabin's rustic charm, historical significance, and serene location. Guests appreciate the solitude and panoramic views, but caution about the challenges posed by the remote and high-altitude environment. The cabin is considered well-maintained, but some guests noted practical difficulties such as overly long firewood and unreliable cell reception.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Many guests complimented the peaceful and remote setting, panoramic mountain views, and expansive meadows. The availability of firewood and the cabin's rustic charm were appreciated. The hiking...
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Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the length of firewood pieces being difficult to manage, challenges with cell reception, and issues with mosquitoes during summer. One user experienced severe vehicle damage...
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Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing additional light sources, insect repellant, and sufficient water. One user suggested planning hikes early in the day to avoid difficult return journeys. Avalanche equipment...
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Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize the presence of mosquitoes and the need for insect repellant, while winter reviews highlight the beauty and serenity of the snowy landscape but recommend extra preparation...
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Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Elwood was everything that was promised, peace and solitude at 11,650’ in the dead of winter.' – Darren L. 2. 'Had a great time at this amazing location. The cabin only sleeps 4 unless you're...
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Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews consistently praise campsite 5106 in the Elwood Loop for its scenic views and rustic charm.
Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

Winter accessibility is challenging and requires the use of snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes. Guests must prepare for avalanche risks and cold temperatures.
Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences related to pets.
Based on 19 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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