By:
Submission
The Squaw Mountain Lookout is located directly off of Colorado Highway 103 west of Bergen Park and sits at the summit of Squaw Mountain, which is an active communication tower site in Clear Creek County. In addition to being an active communication site, the Squaw Mountain 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.
Hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic driving, picnicking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are all easily accessible while staying at the lookout.
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.
Besides offering the unique experience of staying in a fire lookout, Squaw Mountain Lookout will provide visitors outstanding panoramic views of the Great Plains, Denver, Mount Evans, Pikes Peak, Longs Peak and other snow-capped peaks.
Mount Evans Recreation Area, Mount Evans Wilderness Area
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.
This is one of the best views on t front range. It’s a 3.6 mile round trip with 875 feet of climbing. No need for snowshoes unless it’s after a snow yet be prepared for wind. Only advice- do not drive up the road. I saw a high clearance keep that was stuck after trying to help another vehicle that had no business on the road.
Great hike, warm day and good conditions. Not much snow on the sides of the trail. Light wind day and great visibility
Stayed july 25th - 27th, and it was awesome. Views of lightning all along the front range.
Pika live in the rocks below the tower.
Ash pan for the incinerating toilet was filled up and baked in like an unholy casserole, so we dumped that and hauled it out with the trash.
It's hard to book, I only got two days because someone canceled.
Amazing views at the top. Not a hiking trail as much as just a dirt road. Really enjoyed our post-workday hike there! Was great right around sunset as well.
It's beautiful. However, there were just 2 beds upstairs, and they put 2 others downstairs in the kitchens. we were 4 girls and it divided our group... the 4 beds should be upstairs. This doesn't make sense... otherwise, it had power, and we could get the heater going on ... the kitchen had a boiling pot, and even a microwave for my surprise... stove and fridge... the toilet was hard to get down to due too much ice in the steps , but its eletric and works ... beautiful views from the tower
