About Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Shooting
Skiing
Year-round
Hiking
Shooting
Winter
Skiing
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Cabin Interior
- Kitchen
- Heating
Views and Setting
- View
Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO
- 4 guests
Site Details
Reviews (164)
What Guests Are Saying
Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout offers a unique and breathtaking experience with stunning views and clean, well-equipped accommodations resembling a hotel rather than typical camping. Visitors appreciate the easy hike and thoughtful amenities, including a stocked kitchen and comfortable sleeping arrangements, making it suitable for families. However, some guests noted issues with privacy due to unaware hikers and suggested clearer signage, as well as improvements for the incinerator toilet usage.
What Guests Are Saying
Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout offers a unique and breathtaking experience with stunning views and clean, well-equipped accommodations resembling a hotel rather than typical camping. Visitors appreciate the easy hike and thoughtful amenities, including a stocked kitchen and comfortable sleeping arrangements, making it suitable for families. However, some guests noted issues with privacy due to unaware hikers and suggested clearer signage, as well as improvements for the incinerator toilet usage.
Review Summary
Samantha H
VerifiedFebruary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO
A beautiful and unique experience! I read the reviews about the heaters not being as efficient this winter and prepared by packing plenty of layers and warm clothing for the night. It was extremely windy, but we stayed surprisingly warm throughout the night. There were a lot more amenities available than we were expecting and it was so much fun skiing out. I also liked that they had some games up there, but we also brought some up. The handle to the coffee pot was broken, but it was nice to still be able to have coffee in the morning and enjoy the sunrise with 360 views. Can't wait to go back!
Samantha H
VerifiedFebruary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO
A beautiful and unique experience! I read the reviews about the heaters not being as efficient this winter and prepared by packing plenty of layers and warm clothing for the night. It was extremely windy, but we stayed surprisingly warm throughout the night. There were a lot more amenities available than we were expecting and it was so much fun skiing out. I also liked that they had some games up there, but we also brought some up. The handle to the coffee pot was broken, but it was nice to still be able to have coffee in the morning and enjoy the sunrise with 360 views. Can't wait to go back!
Diana M
VerifiedFebruary 10, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO
After pulling out 3 cars that were stuck and trying for almost 4 hours to get to the spot to park in my 4WD truck, I was unsuccessful. I requested if I could move my stay to another day bc I don’t want a refund, I’d like to stay, but was told no. Unfortunately, I did not know I would be trying to get there for almost 4 hours or I would have cancelled/modified my reservation. But absolutely no understanding or customer service from recreation.gov. Just beware. $88 for nothing! Very disappointing.
Diana M
VerifiedFebruary 10, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO
After pulling out 3 cars that were stuck and trying for almost 4 hours to get to the spot to park in my 4WD truck, I was unsuccessful. I requested if I could move my stay to another day bc I don’t want a refund, I’d like to stay, but was told no. Unfortunately, I did not know I would be trying to get there for almost 4 hours or I would have cancelled/modified my reservation. But absolutely no understanding or customer service from recreation.gov. Just beware. $88 for nothing! Very disappointing.
Robin B
VerifiedJanuary 26, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO
Love this place, but wish there wasn't a shooting range so close by. It is very disturbing to be out in nature and hearing gun shots nearby. This fire tower is amazing but the gun range should be shut down.
Thomas S
VerifiedJanuary 26, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO
Beautiful views 360 degrees. You will need "Yaktrax" to get down to incinerating outhouse toilet safely IF it's icy and might benefit from a sled to pull equipment up to tower, depending upon how much you are taking and the season.
Robin B
VerifiedJanuary 26, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO
Love this place, but wish there wasn't a shooting range so close by. It is very disturbing to be out in nature and hearing gun shots nearby. This fire tower is amazing but the gun range should be shut down.
Thomas S
VerifiedJanuary 26, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO
Beautiful views 360 degrees. You will need "Yaktrax" to get down to incinerating outhouse toilet safely IF it's icy and might benefit from a sled to pull equipment up to tower, depending upon how much you are taking and the season.
Elizabeth M
VerifiedJanuary 25, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO
Fun place to spend some time with friends! Easy snow shoe to the fire tower and spectacular views. A nice change of pace.
Blake L
VerifiedJanuary 25, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO
great views. appreciate the new hard wired heater.
Location & Directions for Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout
Po Box 3307, Idaho Springs, CO 80452 United States
Elevation: 3,491 ft
Getting There
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 mi. Turn right onto Forest...
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 mi. 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 mi 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.
Highway access
Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout is accessible via Interstate 70, with Exit 240 leading to Colorado Highway 103, which is approximately 19 miles south from the exit.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 19, 2026