[rev_slider alias=”Pyramid”]

Wild Skies’ Colorado Cabin Rental

Located next to the National Historic Landmark Pyramid Guard Station

The Pyramid GS (also known as the Pyramid Ranger Station) was established to oversee part of what was then the White River National Forest’s Williams Fork District near the Dunckley Flat Top Range.

The dwelling was developed by James L. Brownlee, then head engineer in Denver.  Brownlee produced much of the Region’s design work prior to creation of the Architectural Division in 1936.  Brownlee’s designs prior to 1934 were strongly influenced by the Bungalow Style.  However, his design for the Pyramid dwelling included the use of relatively unrefined materials, substantial construction with heavy log walls, and a high degree of hand craftsmanship.

These elements were characteristic of Rustic Style architecture and mark the first formal use of the style within the Region.  The round (saddle) notch used for all buildings at Pyramid was later used extensively and almost exclusively by the CCC’s in log construction.  It was relatively easy to construct, as it could be hewn with basic hand tools by even a relatively unskilled carpenter.  It also made a tight joint which would remain solid as the wood shrunk over time. The log crowns were kept short.  Despite the harsh Colorado winters, the short crowns and log walls were fully protected by the overhung roof, thus preventing moisture from reaching the logs.

Four buildings were constructed at this site between 1934 and 1936. The dwelling was under construction by August 1934 and was the first building completed.  The combination office building and the barn were completed in 1935.  The barn was apparently moved from another station and re-assembled at its current location.  The blacksmith shop, which is the only one of its kind known to exist in Colorado, was also erected in 1936.

Pyramid is one of the first of the CCC-era complexes in Colorado.  It is uniquely representative of its era in its layout, building design and construction.  The station’s layout was an early prototype of what would become a regional standard for rural design. The complex is one of the least modified in Colorado.  In 1954, the Williams Fork and part of the Bear River districts of the White River NF were transferred to the Routt NF to become part of the Yampa RD.  By this time these types of ranger stations were no longer occupied by district rangers, but rather were used by work crews.  Exterior modifications to the Pyramid Station under the Routt NF jurisdiction are minimal, and none have permanently damaged the integrity of the buildings or the site.

Pyramid GS was placed on the national historic register is 2007.