federalfederal

CAPE HORN WINTER RENTAL

federal · CHALLIS, ID

DirectionsCall
  • fuel station14 mi

SCNF · Data Source: Recreation.gov

About

Overview Cape Horn Winter Rental is located in beautiful Elk Meadow, approximately 16 miles northwest of Stanley, in central Idaho. It sits at an elevation of 6,660 feet. Guests enjoy the area for its endless winter recreation opportunities, including cross-country skiing, back country downhill skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Recreation The Cape Horn area offers unlimited cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling opportunities in the surrounding meadows, and downhill skiing is available on the slopes behind the cabin. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message. Facilities The cabin is open for reservations during the winter only. In the summer, it is used by Forest Service employees as a guard station. The cabin can comfortably accommodate four people on one double bed and one single bed, each with mattresses, and one couch. More people can use sleeping bags on the floor, but due to the cabin's size, group size is limited to eight people. Guests need to bring their own food, toiletries, towels, bedding and trash bags. The cabin is equipped with electricity, which powers the lights and a standard four-burner stove and oven, but due to heavy snowfall on power lines, electricity cannot be guaranteed at all times. Be prepared to cook meals on the wood stove if the power is out. Firewood is provided, though it may need to be split. A table and chairs and additional seating is provided, along with a battery powered lantern and a wooden rack for drying clothes. The water system is turned off during the winter season so the indoor flush toilet and running water are not available. A vault toilet is located behind the station. Natural Features The cabin is situated in a stand of lodgepole pines. On clear days, the cabin's front porch affords breathtaking views of the rugged Sawtooth Mountain Range to the south.

Around this stay

Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.

  • fuel station

    Mountain Village Service Station

    14 mi
  • grocery

    Mountain Village Mercantile

    14 mi
  • trailhead

    Asher Knapp Transfer Camp

    2.7 mi
  • recreation site

    Vader Creek Picnic Area

    1.8 mi

No dump station found within ~25 mi. Plan dump access before you arrive.

Contact & access

  • Cape Horn Winter Rental (ID) 311 North U.S. Highway 93 · CHALLIS, ID 83226
  • 208-879-4100

Source and verification

Last verified: 10/10/2026

See the Sources tab for provenance detail.