How much does camping cost at Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout?

Camping fees at Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout range from $80/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout first-come first-served or reservation?

Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout before I book?

Yes! Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout?

Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout?

Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout have?

Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout?

Pets are not allowed at Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout

4.12

83 reviews

PO Box 3307

Scenic Views

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

11,000 ft

Price

$80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

11,000 ft

Price

$80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout

$80.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

LOOKOUT: $80.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

303-567-4382lori.denton@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO Box 3307

Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout

PO Box 3307

Nearby places

Bergen Park (approximately 19 miles south), Denver (approximately 40 miles east), Evergreen, and Idaho Springs.

Driving directionsFrom 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 a 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: Park at a pull-off or along the right-hand shoulder of the highway before continuing on foot for one mile to the Lookout Tower.

Weather at Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout

Current alerts(15)

Cell phone coverage may be limited depending on your cell phone company provider or location.
Doors should be locked and all personal items removed upon departure.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best balance of weather and activities — expect crisp, clear mornings and comfortable daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s F at 11,000 ft, with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Trails are mostly free of snow from late June through September, making hiking, wildlife viewing, and sunrise photography ideal, while long daylight hours maximize time on the summit. Weekends can be moderately busy, but the lookout still feels w Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Late‑season views and sunsets are excellent; limited direct info but peak season runs into fall.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 1 to December 31 each year.

About Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout

Mestaa'Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout sits at 11,000 feet in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Idaho Springs, offering a historic cabin rental with sweeping alpine views. Operated by the USDA Forest Service, this former fire lookout tower provides a rare overnight stay in a working piece of Colorado mountain history. Guests come for sunrise photography, wildlife watching, and the solitude of a high-elevation perch above the treeline.

The Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout offers a unique camping experience within a historic fire lookout structure. The facility is designed for overnight stays and does not support tent or RV camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best balance of weather and activities — expect crisp, clear mornings and comfortable daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s F at 11,000 ft, with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Trails are mostly free of snow from late June through September, making hiking, wildlife viewing, and sunrise photography ideal, while long daylight hours maximize time on the summit. Weekends can be moderately busy, but the lookout still feels w Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation11000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAncient granite formations dominate the summit, creating a moonscape where only hardy alpine plants grow. The lookout bridges two landscapes: the Continental Divide's rugged peaks to the west and the Great Plains stretching east. From this perch, visitors watch golden eagles ride thermals at eye level while mountain goats navigate nearby slopes. The surrounding peaks reveal Colorado's violent tectonic past, where colliding forces thrust these mountains skyward millions of years ago.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe fire lookout includes two twin beds upstairs and bunk beds downstairs, accommodating up to four guests per night. The kitchen is equipped with an electric stove, fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. The lower level is warmer and suitable for food storage, but may have issues like mice infestations.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The Fire Lookout accommodates up to four people per night.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via the contact center.

AccessibilityThe fire lookout is accessible via a one-mile hike from the parking area. Accessibility for disabled campers is not explicitly mentioned, and the steep hike may pose challenges.

Site SizeThe lookout cabin measures 14 feet by 14 feet.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to frequent hikers and visitors who may ignore signs indicating occupancy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring warm clothes, food, water, and extra blankets during winter months. Secure the catwalk gate to enhance privacy.

Best CampsitesThe lookout itself is the only option. Upper-level windows frame the views and hold beds, while the lower level contains bunk beds and kitchen facilities. Reviews consistently mention the stunning sunrise and sunset panoramas, though mice occasionally appear and hikers often ignore occupancy signs on weekends.

Need help booking Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout provides a unique camping experience at over 11,000 feet with panoramic views, rustic facilities, and a historic fire lookout structure built in the 1940s. The amenities include an electric stove, refrigerator, heat, beds, table and chairs, cookware, and dishes. However, campers must pack their own water and bedding as no water is provided on-site. An exterior incinerating toilet is available, but guests must clean and maintain its operation. Winter conditions can be extreme, with cold temperatures and high winds making the heaters insufficient at times.

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Campers staying at the Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic driving, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The panoramic views from the lookout are a highlight of the camping experience.

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. An incinerating toilet is provided instead.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

83 reviews

Satisfactory

Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout receives mixed reviews due to its stunning views and unique experience juxtaposed with issues such as lack of privacy, extreme weather conditions, occasional facility problems, and uninvited visitors.

Review Summaries

Based on 83 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers consistently praise the incredible panoramic views and the unique, historic nature of the site. Many note that the experience is especially memorable during sunrise and sunset.

Based on 83 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include lack of privacy due to hikers ignoring signs, inadequate heating during winter conditions, mice and other pests, and limited amenities requiring self-sufficiency.

Based on 83 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site reviews indicate the upper level as a preferred sleeping area due to warmth and views but note the bunk beds downstairs are often avoided due to odor and mice.

Based on 83 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest bringing warm clothing, sleeping bags rated for cold temperatures, plenty of water, and cleaning supplies. Many recommend avoiding weekends and holidays to reduce interference from...

Based on 83 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight challenges with heating and extreme winds but also praise the serene snowy landscapes. Summer reviews often mention overcrowding due to hikers and occasional wildlife...

Based on 83 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The views are amazing and the location is epic!" - Brian Baker "Do not trust GPS! Stay on Squaw Pass Rd until you get to mile marker 19, go left!" - Rosemarie Miller "Can't get any reservations for...

Based on 83 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews do not directly address accessibility features, but the steep hike and extreme weather conditions may pose challenges for campers with disabilities.

Based on 83 reviews