High on craggy summits and wind-whipped ridgelines, Colorado’s early fire lookout towers once guarded the state’s forests from lightning strikes and wildfires. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and Forest Service crews during the early 20th century, these towers served as crucial outposts for wildfire detection long before satellite imagery and drones.
Today, only a handful of these historic structures remain—but each one offers hikers a unique opportunity to step into the past, enjoy panoramic mountain views, and appreciate Colorado’s deep conservation heritage. Below are four classic Colorado fire lookout tower hikes you can reach on foot—plus one historic lookout you can actually spend the night in.
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Table of Contents
Why Hike to a Fire Lookout?
360-degree “trail classrooms.” From these commanding summits, you’ll spot distant peaks, study cloud formations, and practice map-and-compass skills with an unbeatable view.
Living conservation history. Many of these lookouts were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps or early U.S. Forest Service crews, serving as reminders of past stewardship efforts that shaped our modern public lands.
Shoulder-season accessibility. Most lookout hikes melt out earlier than high alpine routes, making them ideal for spring and fall adventures when the higher 14ers are still snowbound.
💡 Pro Tip: Towers concentrate foot traffic on sensitive summits—stick to established steps, catwalks, and switchbacks to protect fragile plants.
1. Devil’s Head Lookout – Pike National Forest
Perched atop a granite pinnacle in the Rampart Range, Devil’s Head Lookout is Colorado’s last staffed fire lookout—and arguably its most famous. The 143 steps to the tower wind through massive boulders and wildflower meadows, ending with jaw-dropping views of Pikes Peak, the South Platte River Valley, and the Denver skyline far to the east.
Trailhead: Devil’s Head Trailhead, near Woodland Park
Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~940 feet
Best Season: Late May through October
Highlights: Active ranger station, family-friendly trail, interpretive signs
Learn More: Devil’s Head Lookout Tower (U.S. Forest Service)
📸 Don’t Miss: Arrive early or visit on a weekday to avoid crowds—the parking area fills up fast on summer weekends.
2. Deadman Lookout – Roosevelt National Forest
Sitting high above the Laramie River Valley near Red Feather Lakes, Deadman Lookout offers expansive views of the Rawah and Medicine Bow Mountains. The access road is typically open by mid-summer, and hikers can choose to walk or drive most of the way before tackling the final, short climb to the tower.
Trailhead: Deadman Road (FR 300)
Distance: 3–6 miles round trip depending on road access
Elevation Gain: ~800 feet
Best Season: June through October
Highlights: Broad vistas, forest road approach, peaceful wilderness feel
Learn More: Deadman Lookout Tower (U.S. Forest Service)
🔥 Local Tip: Afternoon thunderstorms are common—start early to avoid lightning risk near the exposed summit.
3. Hahns Peak Lookout – Routt National Forest
North of Steamboat Springs, Hahns Peak is one of the oldest fire lookout sites in the Rockies. The 10,839-foot summit offers a challenging yet rewarding hike with views of the Zirkel Wilderness, Mount Zirkel, and the shimmering waters of Steamboat Lake below.
Trailhead: Hahns Peak Trailhead, near Columbine
Distance: 3.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,500 feet
Best Season: Late June through September
Highlights: Restored historic tower, alpine wildflowers, volcanic summit cone
Learn More: Hahns Peak Lookout (CO Trail Explorer)
🌲 Leave No Trace Reminder: The upper slopes are fragile—please stay on the main trail to protect delicate tundra vegetation.
4. Leon Peak Lookout – Grand Mesa National Forest
Tucked deep in the Grand Mesa National Forest, Leon Peak Lookout is a more remote and rugged destination for those seeking solitude. The trail winds through high spruce forest and meadows filled with wildflowers before topping out on a broad alpine ridge with unmatched views of the San Juan and Elk Mountains.
Trailhead: Near Trickle Park Reservoir
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,200 feet
Best Season: July through September
Highlights: Remote hiking experience, wildflower meadows, solitude
Learn More: Leon Peak Fire Lookout (Summitpost)
💡 Pro Tip: Bring a map or GPS—trail signage can be sparse, and snow patches may linger into midsummer.
5. Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout – the one you can rent
Formerly known as Squaw Mountain, Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Lookout (named after the 19th-century Cheyenne translator and advocate) is a beautifully restored stone tower perched above Idaho Springs. Unlike most towers, this one is available to rent year-round through the U.S. Forest Service, making it one of the most unique overnight stays in Colorado.
Trailhead: Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Road (FR 192.1)
Distance: 2.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~700 feet
Best Season: Year-round (snowshoe or hike)
Highlights: Historic architecture, sweeping Continental Divide views, overnight rental option
🏕 Overnight Info: Reservations open six months in advance via Recreation.gov. The tower sleeps up to four guests and includes a wood stove, basic furniture, and an unbeatable sunrise view.
Plan Your Colorado Fire Lookout Adventure
Exploring Colorado’s fire lookout towers connects hikers to a rich legacy of forest stewardship and mountain exploration. Whether you’re climbing Devil’s Head for its stunning Front Range views or staying overnight in the Mestaa’Ėhehe Lookout, these hikes offer a window into a fascinating chapter of Colorado’s conservation story.
Before heading out:
Check current trail and road conditions on the appropriate National Forest website.
Be prepared for rapid weather changes and lightning risks, especially above treeline.
Always pack out all trash and respect historic structures—many are fragile and irreplaceable.
Each tower reminds us of a time when protecting our forests meant spending long, quiet summers high above the trees, scanning the horizon for smoke. Today, hiking to these lookouts lets us experience that same sense of purpose and wonder—one panoramic view at a time.
🧭 Related Reads
Looking for more inspiration and insight into Colorado’s fire lookout history and hiking culture? Check out these related articles from around the outdoor community:
RMNP’s Last Remaining Fire Lookout Tower – Rocky Mountain Conservancy
Discover the story of Shadow Mountain Lookout, the last remaining fire tower in Rocky Mountain National Park, and learn about its role in forest protection and conservation.You’ll Never See Us: Life Atop a Colorado Fire Lookout – Rocky Mountain PBS
Step inside the life of a modern fire lookout ranger at Benchmark Lookout, where solitude, vigilance, and panoramic views define a summer on the mountain.Fire Lookouts Extravaganza in the Rocky Mountains – Adventr
Explore a photo-filled adventure across multiple lookout towers throughout the Rockies, combining scenic travel, history, and inspiration for your next road trip.Observations of a Fire Lookout – Writers on the Range
A poetic reflection on life and solitude in fire lookouts—offering a timeless perspective on stewardship, wilderness, and stillness above the forest.Colorado Shoulder Season Spring Hikes – The Earnest Voyager
Learn how to make the most of Colorado’s spring hiking season, when lower-elevation trails like fire lookout routes are snow-free and full of early-season beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there any fire lookouts in Colorado?
A: Yes! Colorado still has several historic fire lookout towers scattered across its national forests. The best-known include Devil’s Head Lookout in Pike National Forest (the state’s last staffed tower), Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Lookout near Idaho Springs, Deadman Lookout in Roosevelt National Forest, Hahns Peak Lookout near Steamboat Springs, and Leon Peak Lookout on the Grand Mesa. Each offers scenic trails, rich history, and incredible 360-degree mountain views.
Q: Which of these fire tower hikes is best for families?
A: Devil’s Head Lookout is the top choice for families and first-time hikers. The well-maintained trail is only 2.8 miles round trip with moderate elevation gain, and the route features interpretive signs, rest spots, and an active ranger station at the top. Kids love the 143 steps leading up to the tower and the chance to chat with the ranger inside.
Q: When is the best time of year to visit?
A: Most Colorado fire lookout hikes are best between late May and early October, depending on elevation and snowpack. Spring and fall are particularly good times to visit since these routes melt out earlier than high-alpine 14er trails. Always check local Forest Service updates before heading out, as road closures and early snow can affect access.
Q: Can you stay in fire lookouts in Colorado?
A: Yes! The Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout (formerly Squaw Mountain) can be rented year-round through Recreation.gov. It’s one of the only fire lookouts in Colorado available for overnight stays. The rustic stone tower sleeps up to four people and offers panoramic sunrise views over the Continental Divide—an unforgettable experience for hikers and history buffs alike.
Q: How long is the hike to Devil’s Head Fire Lookout?
A: The hike to Devil’s Head Lookout is approximately 2.8 miles round trip with about 940 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers complete it in 1.5 to 2 hours at a moderate pace. The route is well-marked and suitable for most ages, though the final stair climb to the tower can feel steep.
Q: Which fire tower hike is the quietest?
A: For solitude seekers, Leon Peak Lookout on the Grand Mesa is your best bet. Its remote location and rugged access road keep crowds away, offering peaceful views of the San Juan and Elk Mountains. You’ll likely have the trail—and the sweeping alpine ridge—to yourself.
