Mestaaehehe Mountain Fire Lookout
USFS · Lookout/Cabin · Dispersed · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Lookout/Cabin
- Reservations
- fs.usda.gov
- Nearest dump station
- Rocky Mountain National Park Dump Station · 47.3 mi
- Coordinates
- 39.6797, -105.4933
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
The Forest Service's Fire Lookout on Mestaa'¿¿hehe Mountain (pronounced mess-taw-HAY) is available for rent year round. The site is located directly off of Colorado Highway 103 west of Bergen Park and sits at the summit of Mestaa'¿¿hehe Mountain, which also is an active communication tower site in Clear Creek County. In addition to being an active communication site, the Mestaa'¿¿hehe Mountain area is a popular dispersed recreation area with hiking, recreational target shooting, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and camping. The unique structure is constructed of native granite, 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 rental includes an electric stove, refrigerator, and heat; beds; table and chairs; dishes; and incinerating toilet, and can accommodate four people per night. *Please be aware that visitors are expected to clean and maintain the incinerating toilet to ensure proper operation of the unit. Failure to keep the facility clean could jeopardize the rental program. Besides offering the unique experience of staying in a fire lookout, Mestaa'¿¿hehe Mountain will give renters panoramic views of Denver, Mount Blue Sky and other snow-capped peaks. Visitors should be prepared for high altitude conditions. Summertime temperatures average 70 degrees but can drop as low as 30 degrees at night or during the frequent summer afternoon thunderstorms. High winds frequently occur. Winter storms can limit access to the site and visitors should be prepared to snowshoe or cross-country ski 2-3 miles to the lookout. Renters should also be prepared with winter camping equipment in the event of storms or power outages. There will be no refunds for weather conditions. Always check the appropriate weather forecast before visiting. The parking are
From the USFS.
Is Mestaaehehe Mountain Fire Lookout free?
No. Mestaaehehe Mountain Fire Lookout charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through fs.usda.gov.
How do I get to Mestaaehehe Mountain Fire Lookout?
From Interstate 70, take Exit 240 (Colorado 103) and drive south over the bridge, for 19 miles. Turn right onto a dirt road, Forest Service road 192.1 and continue for one mile where you will come to a locked gate. Park below the gate in the designated parking area (do not block the gate) and proceed on foot one mile up the road to the Lookout Tower. During the winter park off the right hand shoulder of the road and continue on foot on the road to right, heading southeast for two miles where you will come to a locked gate. Pass around the gate and continue for one more mile to the Lookout Tower.
Nearby
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
