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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

SCALER GUARD STATION

Smoot, Wyoming · Lincoln County · Campground

Overview Historic Scaler Guard Station, located 78 miles north of Kemmerer, Wyoming, provides an excellent hideaway for cabin camping enthusiasts. The cabin allows pets and horses. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails are in the vicinity. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the former ranger guard st…

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42.43000, -110.58167
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5-Day Forecast

Weather at SCALER GUARD STATION

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High80°F
Avg Low57°F
Peak Rain Chance14%
Humidity43%
UV (avg)8
Air Quality27 · Good
Today
☁️
Overcast
77°/62°
💧 10%🌬 21mph
6:10 AM8:47 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
80°/55°
💧 6%🌬 14mph
6:11 AM8:46 PM
Wed
🌧
Rain Showers
77°/55°
💧 14%🌬 27mph
6:12 AM8:45 PM
Thu
🌦
Light Drizzle
82°/55°
💧 1%🌬 13mph
6:13 AM8:44 PM
Fri
☁️
Overcast
86°/59°
💧 1%🌬 12mph
6:14 AM8:43 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About SCALER GUARD STATION

Overview Historic Scaler Guard Station, located 78 miles north of Kemmerer, Wyoming, provides an excellent hideaway for cabin camping enthusiasts. The cabin allows pets and horses. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails are in the vicinity. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the former ranger guard station dates back to 1937.Recreation The nearby Absaroka Ridge Trailhead leads hikers and horseback riders along Fontenelle Creek, and provides access into Pomeroy Basin. This trail also attracts big game hunters. Other trails throughout the LaBarge Creek area are ideal for mountain bikers and horse travel.Facilities The three-room guard station is a traditional 1930s-era forest cabin that sleeps six guests on three bunkbeds with mattresses. A picnic table and campfire ring are located outside in front of the cabin. There is no running water available at this cabin. The cabin is equipped with a propane stove and oven, a propane refrigerator, lights and a wood stove. A vault toilet is located behind the structure. Some dishes, pots, pans and utensils are provided, however the presence of these items is not guaranteed. No electricity, linens or bedding are provided. In winter, no drinking water is available, so guests should bring plenty for drinking and cooking. Recommended items to bring include dish soap, dish towerls, toilet paper, gargbag bags and a flashlight. If firewood is on site, this is a courtesy but is not guarenteed. If wood is available, please use only what you need. Always be prepared to collect wood locally or bering to site from local resources. Natural Features Sagebrush and grasses cover the area behind the cabin. A few pines are dispersed in the vicinity, but shade by the cabin is limited. Moose, elk, eagles and sandhill cranes are among the wildlife likely to be seen. An abundance of wildflowers color the landscape in summer. The Bridger-Teton National Forest offers more than 3.4 million acres of public lands for outdoor recreation.

How to Get There

From Kemmerer, WY, follow US-189 north to the junction of La Barge Road, just south of the town of La Barge. Turn left on La Barge Road and drive 25 miles to the forest boundary. (The first 11 miles of this road are paved.) Continue on La Barge Road/Forest Road 10138 for about 4 more miles to the Scaler Guard Station Road/Forest Road 10013 junction and turn left. Drive 1 mile and turn right. Scaler Guard Station is adjacent to the road on the right. From Afton, WY, follow US-89 south about 14.5 miles to Smith's Fork Road/Forest Road 10072 junction. Turn left at the junction and follow Smith's Fork Road/Forest Road 10072 for 23 miles to the Tri-Basin Divide. Turn right at the Tri-Basin Divide junction onto Forest Road 10138. Drive south about 10 miles to the Scaler Guard Station Road/Forest Road 10013 junction and turn right. Drive 1 mile and turn right. Scaler Guard Station is adjacent to the road on the right.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 8)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun 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 SCALER GUARD STATION

Heading to SCALER 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 SCALER GUARD STATION?

No central reservation system listed for SCALER GUARD STATION. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234580) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to SCALER GUARD STATION?

From Kemmerer, WY, follow US-189 north to the junction of La Barge Road, just south of the town of La Barge. Turn left on La Barge Road and drive 25 miles to the forest boundary. (The first 11 miles of this road are paved.) Continue on La Barge Road/Forest Road 10138 for about 4 more miles to the Scaler Guard Station Road/Forest Road 10013 junction and turn left. Drive 1 mile and turn right. Scale…

How do I contact SCALER GUARD STATION?

You can reach the park at phone: 307-877-4415.