Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout
Open — Open year-round for reservations through Recreation.gov at $80 per night. Winter snow accumulation may require snowshoeing or skiing 2-3 miles to access the lookout.
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.
Fire Restrictions
There are currently no fire restrictions in place on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.
Area Closure Surrounding the Devils Nose Target Range
Safety closure surrounding developed shooting target range.
Permanent Recreational Shooting Order
Permanent recreational shooting order for the Canyon Lakes, Clear Creek, and SulphurRanger Districts of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee NationalGrassland, described in the Forest Order detail below.
Weed Free Forage Products Order
Places restrictions on possessing, storing, or transporting any hay, hay cubes, straw, grain, or other forage or mulch product in the restricted locations
NFS Road 500 Motor Vehicle Prohibition
Prohibits using any type of motor vehicle on the Described Road
Cave Closure and Restrictions
Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes WNS and to protect bat species during critical biological periods
Bear-Resistant Food Storage Required
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the risk of adverse interactions between bears and humans, protecting wildlife and public health and safety
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland Occupancy and Use
Order covering prohibitions on multiple topics including camping, campfires, dog leash requirements, and more
Forest Camping Stay Limit
Order prohibiting camping for more than 14 days in a 30-day period or more than 30 days in a 365-day period
Winiger Ridge/68J Designated Dispersed Camping Order
Camping, parking, and fire restrictions within the described area, roads, and trails
Rawah, Comanche Peak, Neota, Cache la Poudre Wildernesses Restrictions
Restriction in Rawah, Comanche Peak, Neota, Cache la Poudre Wildernesses
Rainbow Lakes Road and Ceran Saint Vrain No Camping Order
Camping and parking prohibitions within the restricted area
Maxwell Falls and Cub Creek Occupancy and Use Restrictions
Restrictions on occupancy and use in the restricted area
Canyon Lakes and Clear Creek Ranger District Shooting Restrictions
Shooting restrictions for Canyon Lakes and Clear Creek Ranger Districts
Lookout Tower Road Closure
Restrictions on going into or being upon the National Forest System Road and Lands in the Restricted Road/Area
BRD/CLRD Flood Area Closures
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety due to flood damage
Flood Related Shooting Closure
Prohibitions on discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun in the Restricted Areas
Barbour Fork/Soda Creek Road
Area closure of a portion of Soda Creek Road and the Barbour Fork Trailhead to dispersed camping, fires and use after sundown or before sunrise
Closure of Portion of Forest System Road 96 (east of Baker Draw Designated Shooting Area)
Prohibits using any type of motor vehicle on the restricted road
West Chicago/Hefferman Gulch - Camping/Fires Closure
Restrictions on camping and campfires in the restricted areas
Road and Area Closure around Baker Draw Designated Shooting Area
Prohibits going into or being upon the Restricted Area and being on the Restricted Roads.
Canyon Lakes Developed Trail Restrictions
Travel restrictions on developed trails in the restricted area
Canyon Lakes Occupancy & Use Restrictions
Restrictions on camping, fires, and boating in the restricted area
South Nederland Shooting Closure
Prohibits discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun in the Restricted Area
Pawnee Shooting Closure
Prohibits discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun in the restricted area
Motor Vehicle Travel at Loveland & Berthoud Pass Ski Areas
Vehicle restrictions in the restricted area
Motor Vehicle Travel and Developed Trails
Restrictions that apply to motor vehicle travel and developed trail use
Main Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area
Prohibited acts in the Main Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area within the Pawnee National Grassland
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
Pursuant to 36 CFR, Section 261.50(a) & (b), the following Act is prohibited within all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountian Region, Forest Service, U. S.
Arapaho National Recreation Area
Occupancy and use restrictions for Arapaho National Recreation Area
Ram’s Horn Closure
Prohibitions on going into or being upon the area commonly known as Ram's Horn between April 1 and July 30, of each year.
Boating Restrictions
Pursuant to 36 CFR, Section 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland until further notice: 1.
About
The Mestaa'ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout is a distinctive granite structure constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1940s, perched at over 11,000 feet on the summit of Mestaa'ėhehe Mountain in the Arapaho National Forest. The 14x14-foot cab is completely lined with windows on all sides and surrounded by a catwalk atop a one-story stone base, offering unobstructed 360-degree views of the Great Plains, Denver metro area, Mount Blue Sky, Pikes Peak, Longs Peak, and numerous other snow-capped peaks. This fire lookout rental provides a unique overnight experience with modern amenities including an electric stove, refrigerator, heat, beds, table and chairs, dishes, and an incinerating toilet. The facility accommodates up to four guests per night. Visitors should note that the lookout sits on an active communication tower site located directly off Colorado Highway 103. Access requires a one-mile hike from the parking area below a locked gate during summer, or up to 2-3 miles via snowshoe or cross-country ski during winter when accumulated snow limits vehicle access. The high-altitude location demands preparation for rapidly changing weather conditions, with summer temperatures averaging 70 degrees but dropping to 30 degrees at night, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and high winds year-round. Winter visitors should bring winter camping equipment in case of storms or power outages. The surrounding area offers excellent hiking, wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities.
Directions
From Interstate 70, take Exit 240 (Colorado Highway 103) and drive south for 19 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 192.1 and continue for one mile to a locked gate. Park in the designated area without blocking the gate and proceed on foot one mile to the lookout. Winter access: Park along the right shoulder of Highway 103 and continue on foot for approximately 2-3 miles to the lookout.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $80 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| lori.denton@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (303) 567-4382 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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