Jersey Jim Lookout Cabin
Open for the 2026 season from mid-May through mid-October. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov. Minimum one night, maximum two nights. Key pickup required at P&D Grocery in Mancos by noon on check-in day.
Flood Watch issued August 30 at 4:18AM MDT until August 31 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of Colorado, including the following areas, Central Colorado River Basin, Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Central Yampa River Basin, Debeque to Silt Corridor, Flat Tops, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, Grand Valley, Grand and Battlement Mesas, Northwest San Juan Mountains, Paradox Valley/Lower Dolores River, Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Uncompahgre Plateau and Dallas Divide, Upper Gunnison River Valley and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains and Utah, including the following areas, Arches/Grand Flat, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains, Southeast Utah and Tavaputs Plateau. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Recent burn scars will also be especially susceptible and these include the Lee and Elk RX, Gold Mountain and Elk, Ferris, and Babylon burn scars to name a few. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Monsoonal moisture will remain across the area today and will support thunderstorms and showers with heavy rainfall across the watch area. Several rounds of heavier rain are expected increasing the chance for flash flooding especially in our more susceptible areas. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
About
Jersey Jim Lookout offers a rare opportunity to stay overnight in a piece of Forest Service history. Named after an early cattleman who ran Jersey cattle in the area, this fire lookout tower was built to detect wildfires across the rugged San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. The Jersey Jim Foundation renovated the tower in 1991 and now operates it as a unique rental experience in partnership with the Forest Service. The tower cab sits 55 feet above the ground, accessed by exterior stairs. Inside, the compact living space contains original furniture: a double bed, dresser, and a dining table that seats four. Propane powers the heating, lighting, refrigerator, and oven/stove. The highlight is the 360-degree view through continuous windows, with the original fire finder still mounted at the center for guests to identify distant peaks and landmarks. There is no electricity, running water, or potable water at the site. A vault toilet is located on the ground. Guests must bring all supplies including drinking water; the nearest water source is a hand pump at Transfer Campground, four miles back down Forest Road 561. Stays are limited to two nights maximum. Pets, children under 8, smoking, alcohol, and open fires within the fenced area are prohibited.
Directions
From Mancos, drive 14 miles north on Forest Road 561, a well-maintained gravel road accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles. Keep speeds under 30 mph and watch for livestock and wildlife.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| jerseyjimfoudation@gmail.com | |
| Phone | +1 (970) 882-7296 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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