Mestaa’ĖHehe Mountain Fire Lookout
Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee Ng
The Mestaa’ėhehe (pronounced mess-taw-HAY) Mountain Fire Lookout is located directly off of Colorado Highway 103 west of Bergen Park and sits at the summit of Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain, which is an active communication tower site in Clear Creek County. In addition to being an active communication site, the area is a popular dispersed recreation use area with hiking, recreational shooting, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and camping. The lookout is a unique structure constructed of native granite which is situated at over 11,000 feet elevation and was built in the 1940s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The cab measures 14 feet by 14 feet and is completely lined by windows on each side and surrounded by a catwalk, all of which sit on top of a one story stone base.
The lookout contains an electric stove, refrigerator, and heat; beds; table and chairs; cookware and dishes; and an exterior incinerating toilet. Please be aware that visitors are expected to clean and maintain the incinerating toilet to ensure proper operation of the unit. The lookout can accommodate four people per night. Guests will need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as their own sleeping bags/bedding. This is a pack it in, pack it out facility; guests will need to carry out all trash and clean the facility prior to leaving.
During the winter months, the facilities will be cold. In the lookout, there are two small wall heaters, and one space heater. However, with the weather conditions, it’s not always possible for them to keep the place consistently warm. At 11,000 feet it can also be extremely windy. Please come prepared for the extreme winter weather conditions that can happen during your stay.
Need to Know
Please read:
- There will not be staff cleaning in between visitors to the lookout, all renters must thoroughly disinfect and clean before they leave.
- Pack out all trash and anything brought up during your stay, please do not leave food, supplies or other items behind.
- We will offer disposable items for eating. However, renters are encouraged to bring their own supplies.
- Follow instructions for the incinerating toilet and do not burn disposable wipes or other cleaning items.
- If you are sick or have been exposed to COVID 19, please stay home, cancel your reservation and a refund will be provided.
Entry to the lookout is by combination lock and key and the combination will be printed on confirmation letter
- There is no water; guests must provide their own water for drinking, cooking and washing.
- There is no tent, trailer or RV camping at the site.
- Please pack out all trash and clean cabin before departure.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Doors should be locked and all personal items removed upon departure.
- The lookout is a non-smoking facility.
This location is an active communication site and contractors frequently visit the site to service and make repairs to antennae.
- During the frequent summer lightning storms, stay in the lookout and do not touch metal furnishings; the lookout is equipped with a lightning protection system.
- During the winter months, visitors should be prepared with winter camping equipment in the event of storms or power outages.
- Snowmobiles and other off-road vehicles are not allowed from the parking area.
- In case of emergency there is a guest book of instructions of what to do including the location of the nearest emergency facility.
- Cell phone coverage may be limited depending on your cell phone company provider or location.
- There are no refunds for weather. Please plan for extreme winter conditions and wind chills.
Natural Features
Besides offering the unique experience of staying in a fire lookout, Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Lookout will provide visitors outstanding panoramic views of the Great Plains, Denver, Mount Blue Sky, Pikes Peak, Longs Peak and other snow-capped peaks.
Nearby Attractions
Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area, Mount Evans Wilderness Area
Recreation
Hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic driving, picnicking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are all easily accessible while staying at the lookout.
Contact Information
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PO Box 3307 Idaho Springs CO 80452
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 303-567-4382
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
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.
