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Perched atop a forested mountain, Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower offers visitors a unique lodging experience in Medicine Bow National Forest in southcentral Wyoming. Historically occupied as a fire lookout, the 55-foot tall structure was renovated and opened to the public for overnight rental in 1977. The lookout is typically open from June through September. Guests can drive directly to the lookout. Several amenities are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in some of their own supplies and gear for a comfortable stay. Recreation The area around the lookout offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting. The lookout is also ideal for guests who simply want to relax and enjoy picnics, campfires and stargazing at night. Rob Roy Reservoir is a six mile drive from the lookout, offering opportunities for fishing, boating and water skiing. Gold panning is a popular activity in Douglas Creek, which is connected to the reservoir. Facilities The lookout cabin is furnished with two single beds with mattresses and can accommodate up to two guests. Inside amenities include a table with chairs, cookware, dishes, utensils, cleaning supplies, a propane heater, propane cook stove and oven and propane lights. An outhouse with pit toilet is provided, and a campfire ring is located at the base of the lookout. Firewood is provided. Additional camping is allowed on-site, though the area is rocky. A hoist (pulley and rope) is available to transport gear to the tower cabin. There is no water or electricity available at the site. Guests must bring enough water for drinking, cooking and washing. Other items to bring include sleeping bags, flashlights or lanterns, towels, dish soap, matches, toilet paper, a first aid kit and garbage bags. All food and trash must be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving. Natural Features The lookout offers panoramic views that include Medicine Bow Peak, Rob Roy Reservoir, Jelm Mountain and the southern end of the Snowy Range. Snowdrifts melt in June, welcoming the arrival of wildflowers that splash color on the rocky, timbered hillsides. Wildlife species such as elk, deer, black bears, cougars, squirrels, foxes and bats are supported by the area's diverse forest habitats. At an elevation of 10,003 feet, guests should be prepared for high altitude conditions. Summertime temperatures average 70 degrees fahrenheit, but can drop as low as 30 degrees at night or during thunderstorms. Charges & Cancellations Refunds for cancellations may be processed on a case-by-case basis. There are no refunds for reservation processing fees. Please be aware of changes in weather and road conditions prior to arrival and plan accordingly. ADA Access: N
From Laramie, Wyoming, take Highway 130 west toward Centennial, Wyoming. Turn south on Highway 11 through Albany, Wyoming. Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower is located 7 miles west of Albany on Forest Service Road 500, High clearance vehicles are advised for accessing the Tower.
The road (Forest Service Road 500) to this lookout may have logging operations during daylight hours during your stay. Please read and respect the signs posted at the entrance road for further instructions upon entering this site. If you have questions, call the Medicine Bow National Forest, Laramie District Office during the week at (307) 745-2300.
Have been trying to book this for a year, but everyday I am outsmarted by the VRBO bots.
Do you walk into someone else's campsite and sit down at their picnic table or try to look into their sleeping area? No? Then why do it here?
This is a paid, reserved area with posted signs saying as much and a locked gate at the entrance, but that doesn't seem to stop people from walking around the site, looking in your car windows, walking up the tower stairs, or sitting down at the picnic table even when you're standing right there. We went for a short walk one evening and came back to someone up at the top trying to pick the lock to access the tower cabin!
The tower itself is wonderful. Great 360-degree views and perfect for watching the sunset. Fridge doesn't work, but the stove and the lights do. You will get woken up early by the sun since there are no curtains.
Road was a bit rocky the last part getting to the tower, but overall the dirt roads were in good shape to get there.
