Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout

Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout view from upper cab
Fire Lookout Tower 4
Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout
Fire Lookout Tower
Visitor

Featured amenities

Kitchen Kitchen

About Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout

The Mestaa’ėhehe (pronounced mess-taw-HAY) Mountain Fire Lookout is located directly off of Colorado Highway 103 west of Bergen Park and sits at the summit of Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain, which is an active communication tower site in Clear Creek County. In addition to being an active communication site, the 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 ft elevation and was built in the 1940s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The cab measures 14 ft by 14 ft 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.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Shooting

Shooting

Year-round
Skiing

Skiing

Winter

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 1 to Oct 31

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Kitchen Kitchen

Cabin Interior

  • Kitchen
  • Heating

Views and Setting

  • View
Missing information?

Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO

✨ Hut
  • 4 guests

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Parallel
View 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.

Review Summary

4.5
164 reviews
5
76.8%
126
4
11.0%
18
3
6.1%
10
2
2.4%
4
1
3.7%
6

Samantha H

Verified

February 17, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO

5

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

Verified

February 17, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO

5

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

Verified

February 10, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO

1

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

Verified

February 10, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO

1

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

Verified

January 26, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO

4

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

Verified

January 26, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO

5

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

Verified

January 26, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO

4

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

Verified

January 26, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO

5

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

Verified

January 25, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO

4

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

Verified

January 25, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO

5

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...

Nearest town

Idaho Springs, CO - 9.9 mi

About 33 min to downtown

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

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Explore Idaho Springs, CO

Population: 1,986

Nearby larger city

Arvada, CO

Approx. 23 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 7,533 ft

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