Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout in CO -- Campground & RV Camping

Mestaa’ēhehe Mountain Fire Lookout sits at an elevation over 11,000 feet atop Mestaa’ēhehe Mountain, off Colorado Highway 103. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1940s, the granite structure features a 14-by-14-foot glass-walled cab wrapped by an outdoor catwalk. It sleeps four guests and is outfitted with beds, a table, chairs, cookware, an electric stove, a refrigerator, wall heaters, and an exterior incinerating toilet. There is no running water; guests must haul up their own drinking water, bedding, and supplies while packing out all trash.

Getting there: Please follow the directions provided below and do not use other navigation applications. From Idaho Springs and Interstate 70, take Exit 240 (Colorado Highway 103) and drive south over the bridge on Colorado 103 for 19 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 192.1, a dirt road and continue for one mile where you will come to parking area before a locked gate. Proceed on foot one mile up the road past the locked gate to the Lookout Tower. Do not block access to any of the gates. Winter Access: Interstate 70, take Exit 240 and drive south over the bridge on Colorado 103 for 19 miles to Forest Road 192.1. Park at pull off or along the right hand shoulder of the highway and continue on foot on the road heading up for one mile where you will come to a gate. Pass around the gate and continue for one more mile to the Lookout Tower.

• Moderately separated here.
• Flat ground is scarce: under a tenth of the terrain within a few hundred yards is level.
• Cabins and shelters rather than pads, with 1 hike-in site.
• Estimated night sky: Bortle 3, a dark rural sky.

Rules