About EGAN BASIN GUARD STATION
Overview Egan Basin Guard Station is a rustic retreat in the Montpelier Ranger District of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest of southeastern Idaho, near the Utah border. The Montpelier area is known for its abundance of year-round recreational opportunities. The guard station is accessible by SUV/4 wheel drive during warmer weather. Snow conditions may exist in the Fall and spring. The cabin is used as a warming hut during the winter months and is not reservable (December 1 to April 30). The cabin provides few amenities, so guests should be prepared to haul most of the gear and supplies they'll need to make their stay comfortable.Recreation Guests can enjoy nearby trails for hiking, mountain biking and off-road vehicles (Idaho OHV safety message). Winter sports include snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Anglers can fish in nearby Beaver Creek. Hunting areas are located nearby. Facilities The guard station has a maximum capacity of 15 people. This is a single-room A-frame cabin with a table and chairs, two single beds and a sleeping loft. A wood stove is provided for heat and firewood may be available. A picnic table is just outside the cabin. An outhouse with vault toilet is located on-site. Water and electricity are not available. Guests must provide their own drinking water. A cook stove, light sources, cookware, kitchen utensils, bedding and emergency supplies are not provided. Guests must bring trash bags to pack out their garbage, and are expected to clean the cabin before leaving. Natural Features Egan Basin Guard Station is situated in an open meadow surrounded by mixed conifers and aspens. Wildflowers dot the landscape in the summer. The cabin sits at an elevation of 7,500 feet surrounded by the limestone and dolomite peaks of the Bear River Mountains. Large populations of deer, elk and moose inhabit this rugged backcountry. Pikas and marmots make their home here as well. Beavers are often spotted in the mountain streams.
How to Get There
Egan Basin Guard Station is located 31 miles southwest of Montpelier, Idaho. Follow Highway 89 south 17 miles to St. Charles. Turn west on 200 North. Continue west 1.5 miles to Forest Road 411 (Green Canyon) and follow 411 west/southwest to Forest Road 415. At this intersection, follow the signs west 5 miles to the guard station sign, turn south for 1/4 mile to the guard station. Maps are available upon request at the district office.
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 EGAN BASIN GUARD STATION
Heading to EGAN BASIN 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 EGAN BASIN GUARD STATION?
No central reservation system listed for EGAN BASIN GUARD STATION. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234251) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to EGAN BASIN GUARD STATION?
Egan Basin Guard Station is located 31 miles southwest of Montpelier, Idaho. Follow Highway 89 south 17 miles to St. Charles. Turn west on 200 North. Continue west 1.5 miles to Forest Road 411 (Green Canyon) and follow 411 west/southwest to Forest Road 415. At this intersection, follow the signs west 5 miles to the guard station sign, turn south for 1/4 mile to the guard station. Maps are availabl…
How do I contact EGAN BASIN GUARD STATION?
You can reach the park at phone: 208-847-0375.
References & Official Resources
