Jersey Jim Lookout

Live a little bit of history and enjoy an incredible view in Southwestern Colorado with an one- or two-night stay at the Jersey Jim Fire Lookout Tower. Formerly used to detect fires, the live-in tower rises from an aspen-lined meadow in the San Juan National Forest at almost 10,000 feet above sea level.

History: The Jersey Jim Lookout Tower is named after an early cattleman who ran Jersey cattle in the area. Today, cattle are still grazed in the area under permit. Many nearby trails were established by loggers seeking timber or by miners accessing hard-rock ore deposits in the La Plata (Spanish for silver) Mountains. Hesperus Peak, a sacred mountain to the Navajo Nation, is visible, as is Sleeping Ute Mountain of the Four Corners. The Jersey Jim Lookout Tower was home to U.S. Forest Service fire lookouts from the 1940s to 1970s. Historic log books chronicle their experiences. Check out the: 1938 Lookout Cookbook 

The tower was renovated and saved from demolition in 1991 by the Jersey Jim Foundation, a nonprofit local volunteer organization, which operates and maintains the tower under permit with the San Juan National Forest. Rental income is earmarked for maintenance of the facility to offer this unique experience to the American public.

What to Expect: The Tower cab includes the original furniture and propane heating and lighting. However, there is no electricity or running water. A sink, propane refrigerator, and oven/stove are in the kitchen area. Guests must bring their own supplies. The dining table seats four, and there’s a double bed, and dresser. With windows all round, views are 360 degrees.

In the middle of the cab is the historic fire finder, which early lookouts used to spot fires, and which you can use to orient yourself to surrounding landmarks. In the cabinet below are materials offering information about the tower and the area.

Nearby attractions: Popular trails on the San Juan National Forest, which are accessible from Forest Road #561, include the Sharkstooth, Gold Run, Transfer, West Mancos Canyon, Box Canyon, Chicken Creek, and Aspen Loop trails. As you drive up, you will be following the western slope of the La Plata Mountains. At the Transfer Campground, you may want to make a stop at the West Mancos Canyon Overlook to take in the view or walk the nearby Big Al Trail, which leads to a deck overlooking the same canyon. 

Correspondence and Contributions can be mailed to: Jersey Jim Foundation P.O. Box 1032 Mancos, CO 81328

At a Glance