Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands

USDA Forest Service
Pike & San Isabel
National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche
National Grasslands
2840 Kachina Drive
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-553-1400

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
719-553-1404

Devil's Head Lookout Tower

*NOTICE: The tower is open only when staffed mid-May to October 1. Please contact the office at 303-275-5610 for more information.

History

The original fire lookout structure was built in 1912. It consisted of a table with a fire-finder bolted to a rock. The location was chosen because of the 360o panoramic view it offers of the Pike National Forest. A glass-enclosed lookout was built in 1919, the same that Helen Dowe became the first woman fire lookout ranger in the U.S. Forest Service. The tower was reconstructed in 1951 with the help of 100 men and 72 mules of the 973rd Construction Battalion from Fort Carson.

Devil's Head remains as the last of the eleven original Front Range lookout towers. In 1991, the fire lookout was designated on the National Register of Historic Places.

Operation

When you reach the tower you will immediately become aware of the tremendous vantage point it offers. In fact, on clear days, mountain peaks over 100 miles away are visible. The tower's location is even more significant because of the fact that the area south and west of the tower has a very high frequency of lightning strikes. During a typical summer, we experience from 30 to 40 fires caused by lightning. From the vantage point of the tower, the fire lookout ranger is able to spot these fires very soon after they begin. This enables us to quickly dispatch fire crews to contain the fires. The tower is usually staffed mid-May through mid-September.

Trail

Interpretative signs have been placed along the trail to explain the role of fire in the forest. Along the way you will see many types of wildflowers, shrubs and trees.

For your comfort and safety we ask you to observe the following:

• Stay on the trail to help prevent erosion.

• Do not cut across switchbacks.

• Do not climb the stairs to the tower when lightning is occurring in the area.

• There is a limit of 10 people in the tower at a time, and you may be asked to leave in an emergency situation.

• While climbing the stairs, children must be under adult supervision and control at all times.

• Dogs must be on a leash at all times while on the trail.

• Horses are permitted on the trail but discouraged due to heavy foot traffic.

• Motorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted on the trail.

The trailhead begins at the Devil's Head campground.  There is a parking lot where you can leave your car and begin the hike.  We hope you enjoy your hike up to the fire lookout tower. The trail to the tower is 1.4 miles and has an elevation gain of 940 feet. Hiking time up to the tower is from 45-90 minutes, depending on your pace. There are several rest stops with benches and tables along the trail for your comfort. When you reach the base of the tower, you are welcome to climb the steps up to the actual fire lookout room. Bring along your own drinking water since none is available along the trail or at the tower. A toilet is located near the base of the tower.

Click on the photo for a larger printable photo.

Photo courtesy of Mike Henry

Devil's Head Lookout is located in the Rampart Range Recreation Area.