Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout Near Idaho Springs, CO

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Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout view from upper cab

Featured amenities

Kitchen

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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

Year-round

Shooting

Year-round

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

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

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Reviews (164)

Verified Only

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

Review Summary

4.5

164 reviews

76.8%

126

11.0%

6.1%

2.4%

3.7%

Linda J

Verified

January 15, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO

Staying at the Fire Tower was a beautiful experience! Parking down below was easy, hiking in was easy, carrying 50 lb of stuff was difficult, but doable and totally worth once we arrived at the Tower and were greeted by three gorgeous, curious mountain goats. Loved the 360 degree inside/outside remarkable views. Great experience, highly recommend!

Linda J

Verified

January 15, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO

Kevin F

Verified

January 6, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO

The new heaters did not heat the building enough. We prepared for winter camping in case electrical went out and were still freezing the whole night. Bring back the old heaters!

Kevin F

Verified

January 6, 2020 • Stayed at: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO, Loop: Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire LO

The new heaters did not heat the building enough. We prepared for winter camping in case electrical went out and were still freezing the whole night. Bring back the old heaters!

Location & Directions for Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout

Po Box 3307, Idaho Springs, CO 80452 United States

Elevation: 3,491 ft

Map of Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout location at Idaho Springs, CO, United States

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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

Closed for Season

Campground / RV park

Echo Lake

Morrison, CO

Echo Lake Campground is situated in central Colorado's Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, near Echo Lake and Mount Blue Sky. It offers activities such as hiking, fishing, and scenic drives, particularly along Mount Evans Road.

10 RV Sites

13 Tent Sites

4.0 (100)