Such an amazing experience! I was so pleased with everything that was available for us to use, from the cleaning supplies to the pots and pans to cook with, we had everything we needed and more. Quite the boujee "backpacking" trip!

3-21-23 We were thankful that a Snowcat had packed 99% of the trail after our last big snowstorm. Walking within the packed tracks made it so that we only needed to use spikes to access the tower. I found gaiters to be helpful, especially during the last little stretch up to the tower inaccessible by Snowcat, but but snowshoes are not needed at this time. The tower was in immaculate shape! Thanks to all of the renters before us who helped keep it that way! I had read some mildly concerning reviews before our trek up, so I was pretty much expecting the worst (smells, rodents, insects, peering strangers, etc.) but experienced none of that! According to the guest book, it seems like renters during warmer months experience these things more. We didn't see any mice, there were no funky smells, everything was nice and clean, including the fridge and stove. The kitchen area is well-stocked thanks to previous renters leaving essentials like salt, pepper, garlic powder, soap, paper goods and other cleaning items behind. There was a working microwave, coffee maker, and electric tea kettle. We did not need our jet boil, so it was nice to be able to save fuel there. We were very careful about what electronics we plugged in as to not trip any circuits, but we did not have any issues with the wall heater upstairs, an additional plugged in heater + a phone charger. The tower gets WINDY at night. I mean like REALLY windy. Think window slapping, bed shaking, howling, whistling wind. It was unnerving at first but with some earplugs and enough exhaustion I was able to fall asleep. The steps to the incinerating toilet are treacherous, but someone was kind enough to shovel their way down there and clear enough of a path for the rest of us. I'd think still bringing a trekking pole down there with you and/or spikes would be majorly helpful. I would not want to do that at night. The guest book is a hoot! Overall, a wonderful experience, I cannot wait to return to this magical place.

3-21-23 We were thankful that a Snowcat had packed 99% of the trail after our last big snowstorm. Walking within the packed tracks made it so that we only needed to use spikes to access the tower. I found gaiters to be helpful, especially during the last little stretch up to the tower inaccessible by Snowcat, but but snowshoes are not needed at this time. The tower was in immaculate shape! Thanks to all of the renters before us who helped keep it that way! I had read some mildly concerning reviews before our trek up, so I was pretty much expecting the worst (smells, rodents, insects, peering strangers, etc.) but experienced none of that! According to the guest book, it seems like renters during warmer months experience these things more. We didn't see any mice, there were no funky smells, everything was nice and clean, including the fridge and stove. The kitchen area is well-stocked thanks to previous renters leaving essentials like salt, pepper, garlic powder, soap, paper goods and other cleaning items behind. There was a working microwave, coffee maker, and electric tea kettle. We did not need our jet boil, so it was nice to be able to save fuel there. We were very careful about what electronics we plugged in as to not trip any circuits, but we did not have any issues with the wall heater upstairs, an additional plugged in heater + a phone charger. The tower gets WINDY at night. I mean like REALLY windy. Think window slapping, bed shaking, howling, whistling wind. It was unnerving at first but with some earplugs and enough exhaustion I was able to fall asleep. The steps to the incinerating toilet are treacherous, but someone was kind enough to shovel their way down there and clear enough of a path for the rest of us. I'd think still bringing a trekking pole down there with you and/or spikes would be majorly helpful. I would not want to do that at night. The guest book is a hoot! Overall, a wonderful experience, I cannot wait to return to this magical place.

Easy hike from the road to the tower, beautiful views and comfortable area to hang out in. Had fun with all the board games and very thankful for the heaters.

Easy hike from the road to the tower, beautiful views and comfortable area to hang out in. Had fun with all the board games and very thankful for the heaters.

2nd time visiting the lookout and had an absolutely wonderful time!

2nd time visiting the lookout and had an absolutely wonderful time!

Wonderful place. The fire tower was clean, warm, and well furnished. Excellent 360 views.

Wonderful place. The fire tower was clean, warm, and well furnished. Excellent 360 views.

As long as you realize that you are going into the outside and may encounter outside things, this is such a beautiful stay. Yes, temperature fluctuates and rodents will rodent. And in Colorado, outside does not always mean alone. Only one hiking group was rude and loud trying to use the fire tower. The rest were respectful. The incinerating toilet is a fire hazard because the rodents are making nests out of toilet paper all around the toilet. We didn’t bring big enough trash bags to hike out all the waste left from previous guests and the electric to the upstairs didn’t work. Who cares. Gorgeous views, storms and clear skies, perfect temperatures, wonderful stay. Absolutely awe-inspiring and we will be back. Note: there are a couple of times where the trail seems to split, always stay to the right.