Jersey Jim Lookout Tower

About the Home

Live a little bit of history and enjoy an incredible view in Southwestern Colorado with an overnight 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. The Jersey Jim was home to U.S. Forest Service fire lookouts from the 1940's to the 1970's. An historic log book inside its cab, or living quarters, chronicles their experiences. The Tower was renovated and saved from demolition in 1991 by the Jersey Jim Foundation, a non-profit volunteer organization, which operates and maintains the Tower under permit with the San Juan National Forest. The renovated tower is located 14 miles north of Mancos on Forest Road #561, a well-graveled forest road accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles. Travelers should watch for livestock and wildlife and keep speeds under 30 miles per hour. The Tower cab includes the original furniture and propane heating and lighting. Guests must bring their own supplies. Water is available from a hand pump at Transfer Campground 4 miles before the Tower on Forest Road #561.  Visitors are asked to follow basic rules of sanitation. Trash should be bagged and removed from the premises. Hiking and scenic driving opportunities abound nearby. Visitors should be prepared for high altitude conditions. Summertime temperatures average 75 degrees but can drop as low as 40 degrees at night or during thunder storms. Available within an hour's drive via U.S. Highway 160 (part of the San Juan Skyway) are Mesa Verde National Park, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Train and the Anasazi Heritage Center. Information on the San Juan National Forest and nearby attractions can be found at the Mancos Visitor Center and Dolores Ranger District just minutes away. Gas, groceries, hardware, motels, restaurant, churches and medical services are also available in Mancos. No more than 4 (adults) are permitted at one time at the Jersey J