Pawnee National Grassland

Date: June 21, 2013

IDAHO SPRINGS, Colo. –The Clear Creek Ranger District is celebrating the addition of the Squaw Mountain Fire Lookout on the Arapaho National Forest near Idaho Springs to the list of U.S. Forest Service treasures available to the public. Starting August 1, 2013, members of the public will be able to rent the lookout for overnight stays.

The Squaw Mountain Fire Lookout is listed in the National Historic Lookout Register and is available for overnight rental starting August 1, 2013 throughout the year. Renters will have the chance to experience staying in a fire lookout with an incredible panoramic view of Denver, Mount Evans and other snow-capped peaks.

Volunteers from the Colorado and Utah chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association have been working with the U.S. Forest Service since 2007 to restore the lookout to its historic state. The lookout tower contains a 1930s era fire finder and historic photos depicting the life of a Forest Service fire lookout.

Celebration activities include a ribbon cutting ceremony and speakers at 10 a.m. June 28 with elected officials, partners and the FFLA. Shuttle services will be provided to the lookout for the ribbon cutting ceremony. After the ribbon cutting, the FFLA will remain on site to staff an open house until 3 p.m. on June 28 and June 29 where visitors can hike in to see the lookout. The path to the lookout is about a mile of steep terrain from the parking area-sturdy shoes and drinking water recommended.

Squaw Mountain is the first fire lookout tower available for rent near the Front Range.

“We think people will enjoy this one-of-a-kind opportunity to spend a few nights in a historic lookout that is situated in a rustic, beautiful setting,” said Deb Ryon, acting Clear Creek District Ranger.

The fee is $80 per night plus a $9 reservation fee. The Squaw Mountain Lookout accommodates up to four people and includes an electric stove, refrigerator, heat, beds, table and chairs, dishes and outdoor toilet. Guests must hike a mile from the parking area on a steep dirt road to the Lookout, packing in all water and supplies. Guests must pack out all garbage. Fees generated pay for lookout operation and maintenance.

Once the lookout is open, people will be able to make reservations online by visiting the National Recreation Reservation Service at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Directions to the parking area: From Interstate I-70, take Exit 240 (Colo. Highway 103). Drive south on Colo. Highway 103 for 18 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 192.1, a dirt road, and continue a mile and park in designated parking area. Do not park near the gate.

For more information or questions please call Clear Creek Ranger District Visitor Center at (303) 567-3000.

You can find directions to the cabin here.