About CLEAR CREEK GUARD STATION
Overview Clear Creek Guard Station is located 20 miles northeast of Montpelier, Idaho. Not much is known about the history of this guard station site, but it's believed to have been an administrative site since 1910. Several different buildings have either been built or relocated to this site since then. The current A-frame cabin was built by the Young Adult Conservation Corps in 1980. The cabin is accessible by car when there is no snow. Guests should be prepared to snowmobile in winter, and they are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety. The snowmobile trip is about 5 miles from Crow Creek and 10 miles from Montpelier Reservoir. The cabin provides some basic comforts, but guests will need to bring some of their own supplies and gear to make their stay comfortable. Recreation This area offers myriad recreational opportunities. Nearby trails attract mountain bikers, hikers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts (Idaho OHV safety message). Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are popular winter activities. Anglers can fish in Clear Creek. Hunting is available in season. Facilities The guard station has a maximum capacity of 15 people. This single-room cabin has three single beds. Please bring your own sleeping pads and bedding. A wood stove is provided for heat and firewood may be available. A table and chairs are provided. An outhouse, picnic table and campfire ring are located outside. Water is not provided at the cabin. Guests are required to bring their own water, as well as garbage bags for packing out trash. Lighting, a cook stove, cooking pots, kitchen utensils, bedding, towels and first aid supplies are not available.Natural Features Clear Creek Guard Station is tucked up against a mixed conifer and aspen forest at the edge of a meadow at an elevation of 6,500 feet. The cabin sits near the confluence of Crow Creek and Clear Creek. The surrounding landscape is rugged and mountainous. Area wildlife includes black bear, wolf, elk, moose, mule deer,
How to Get There
From Montpelier, take Highway 89 east for 7 miles. At the Montpelier Reservoir (Crow Creek Road)/ Forest Road 111, turn north and travel 13 miles to the guard station. Maps are available upon request at the district office. From Afton, Wyoming, take Highway 89 south and turn right on WY 236 North. Drive for 2.6 miles and continue on to County Road 142/Fairview North Road. In less than a mile, turn left onto County Road 141/Crow Creek Road. Follow this road for 16.5 miles. The guard station is just off this road to the right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to CLEAR CREEK GUARD STATION
Heading to CLEAR CREEK GUARD STATION? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for CLEAR CREEK GUARD STATION?
No central reservation system listed for CLEAR CREEK GUARD STATION. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234263) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to CLEAR CREEK GUARD STATION?
From Montpelier, take Highway 89 east for 7 miles. At the Montpelier Reservoir (Crow Creek Road)/ Forest Road 111, turn north and travel 13 miles to the guard station. Maps are available upon request at the district office. From Afton, Wyoming, take Highway 89 south and turn right on WY 236 North. Drive for 2.6 miles and continue on to County Road 142/Fairview North Road. In less than a mile, turn…
How do I contact CLEAR CREEK GUARD STATION?
You can reach the park at phone: 208-847-0375 .
References & Official Resources