Jersey Jim Lookout Cabin
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Typically open late May through mid-October, weather permitting. Reservations open starting March 1 through the Jersey Jim Foundation website.
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.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
Falls Creek Closure Area, Camping, and Motor Vehicle Travel Restrictions
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R.
Dolores River Restoration Project Closure Order
The Dolores Ranger District has issued a Forest Closure Order for Dolores River Restoration Project located on "The Beach" for the construction of instream structures and bank improvements.
West Fork Road and Bridge Closure Order
The Pagosa Ranger District's West Fork Bridge is closed by Forest Order due to damage during the October 2025 flood events. Forest Road 648 (West Fork) is closed at location identified by this order.
Multiple roads and trails damaged by flooding on SJNF
In early October, severe flooding events created ongoing safety and access concerns for Forest users on the Columbine and Pagosa Ranger Districts of the San Juan National Forest.
Lemon Reservoir Restrictions
The following act is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters on the Columbine Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest:
Cascade Flume Safety Closure
Area closure: The purpose of this Order is for public health and safety during the Cascade Tacoma Flume repair. The recent failure of the flume resulted in infrastructure damage and a landslide that has destabilized the Described Area.
McPhee Reservoir Prohibitions
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters on the Dolores Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest:
Mancos/Dolores Camping Restrictions
The following are prohibited on the National Forest System Lands on the Mancos-Dolores Ranger District, San Juan National Forest.
Forest Orders
Visit our Forest Order page for a list of all the current Forest Orders: Closures, Fire Restrictions, and Camping, Occupancy, and Use Restrictions.
About
Jersey Jim Fire Lookout Tower stands as a preserved piece of Forest Service history in the San Juan National Forest, offering a unique overnight rental experience at 9,830 feet elevation. Built in the 1940s and actively used for fire detection until the 1970s, this 55-foot treated timber tower was renovated in 1991 by the Jersey Jim Foundation, which continues to operate and maintain it under permit. The tower's 15x15-foot cab features original furniture, propane heating and lighting, a small kitchen area with refrigerator, cook stove, and oven, plus a full bed. An outdoor charcoal grill and picnic table are available at the base. Jersey John, a vault toilet, is located at ground level. The setting provides panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains from an aspen-lined meadow. Guests must be self-sufficient, bringing all food, drinking water, bedding, towels, and personal supplies. Water is available from a hand pump at Transfer Campground, located four miles before the tower on Forest Road 561. The well-graveled forest road is accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles. Stays are limited to one or two nights, and the tower books quickly when reservations open each March.
Directions
From Mancos, travel 14 miles north on Forest Road 561, a well-graveled forest road accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles. Water is available from a hand pump at Transfer Campground, located 4 miles before the tower on FR 561.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| 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) 676-1147 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Jersey Jim Lookout |
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