About INDIAN CREEK GUARD STATION
Overview Indian Creek Guard Station is located next to Ferron Reservoir, just below the Wasatch Plateau on the Manti-La Sal National Forest in central Utah. The cabin was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and was used by generations of forest rangers serving in the back country. Guests enjoy year-round recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, off-roading, snowmobiling and skiing.Recreation Ferron Reservoir is adjacent, providing canoeing, boating (small craft only) and fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout. Skyline Drive passes above the campground on top of the plateau. The expansive Arapeen ATV Trail System can be accessed close by, and offers more than 350 miles of designated, maintained trails suitable for all riding levels. In the winter, the surrounding area becomes a playground for snowmobile enthusiasts. Cross-country skiing, back country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular activities.Facilities The guard station complex can accommodate a maximum of 10 people, with six inside and four camped in tents outside of the facility. RVs are not allowed. The guard station contains single bunks with mattresses for four people. Guests must bring their own linens, bedding and pillows. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, sink, wood stove, propane lighting and propane appliances, including a stove and oven and hot water heater. Limited utensils and cookware are available but guests are encouraged to bring their own supplies and matches. Drinking water and an indoor flush toilet and shower are available from July through mid-September. A vault toilet is available 50 feet from the cabin during the winter months.Natural Features The guard station is situated facing Ferron Reservoir and the front porch offers partial lake views through the trees. Stands of Englemann spruce, fir and aspens cover the area. Skyline Drive runs along the top of the Wasatch Plateau for more than 60 miles, rewarding visitors with beautiful mountain s
How to Get There
From Ferron, head west on West Canyon Road. Heading out of town, you will pass the golf course and Millsite Park. The pavement ends near the forest boundary. Stay on this road till you get to Ferron Reservoir, about 27 miles. Go to the left around the reservoir and you will see a sign for the guard station. From Mayfield, head east through Twelve Mile Canyon, on Forest Development Road 022. Near the top of the plateau, you'll see Twelve Mile Flat Campground on the right. Across from the campground, make a left and continue on Forest Development Road 022, over the plateau and down the other side, about 3 miles. You'll see the guard station on the left before you pass the reservoir.
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 INDIAN CREEK GUARD STATION
Heading to INDIAN 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 INDIAN CREEK GUARD STATION?
No central reservation system listed for INDIAN CREEK GUARD STATION. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233167) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to INDIAN CREEK GUARD STATION?
From Ferron, head west on West Canyon Road. Heading out of town, you will pass the golf course and Millsite Park. The pavement ends near the forest boundary. Stay on this road till you get to Ferron Reservoir, about 27 miles. Go to the left around the reservoir and you will see a sign for the guard station. From Mayfield, head east through Twelve Mile Canyon, on Forest Development Road 022. Near t…
How do I contact INDIAN CREEK GUARD STATION?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-384-2372 or email: r4_m-l_ferron@fs.fed.us.
References & Official Resources
