Facility Details - SPRUCE MTN FIRE LOOKOUT TOWER, WY

Overview

Perched atop a forested mountain, Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower offers visitors a unique lodging experience in Medicine Bow National Forest in southcentral Wyoming. Historically occupied as a fire lookout, the 55-foot tall structure was renovated and opened to the public for overnight rental in 1977.

The lookout is typically open from June through September. Guests can drive directly to the lookout. Several amenities are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in some of their own supplies and gear for a comfortable stay.

Natural Features:

The lookout offers panoramic views that include Medicine Bow Peak, Rob Roy Reservoir, Jelm Mountain and the southern end of the Snowy Range. Snowdrifts melt in June, welcoming the arrival of wildflowers that splash color on the rocky, timbered hillsides. Wildlife species such as elk, deer, black bears, cougars, squirrels, foxes and bats are supported by the area's diverse forest habitats.

At an elevation of 10,003 feet, guests should be prepared for high altitude conditions. Summertime temperatures average 70 degrees fahrenheit, but can drop as low as 30 degrees at night or during thunderstorms.

Recreation:

The area around the lookout offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting. The lookout is also ideal for guests who simply want to relax and enjoy picnics, campfires and stargazing at night.

Rob Roy Reservoir is a six mile drive from the lookout, offering opportunities for fishing, boating and water skiing. Gold panning is a popular activity in Douglas Creek, which is connected to the reservoir.

Facilities:

The lookout cabin is furnished with two single beds with mattresses and can accommodate up to four guests. Inside amenities include a table with chairs, cookware, dishes, utensils, cleaning supplies, a propane heater, propane cook stove and oven, propane refrigerator and propane lights.

An outhouse with pit toilet is provided, and a campfire ring is located at the base of the lookout. Firewood is provided. Additional camping is allowed on-site, though the area is rocky. A hoist (pulley and rope) is available to transport gear to the tower cabin.

There is no water or electricity available at the site. Guests must bring enough water for drinking, cooking and washing.

Other items to bring include sleeping bags, flashlights or lanterns, towels, dish soap, matches, toilet paper, a first aid kit and garbage bags. All food and trash must be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Bed(s) With Mattress Birding Boat Ramp Cabin Rentals Campfire Rings Cleaning Supplies Cooking Pots Cooking Utensils Fire Extinguisher Firewood Hiking Horseback Riding Hunting	Lookout Tower Mountain Biking Off-Road Vehicle Trails Pit Toilets Propane Heat Propane Lights Propane Refrigerator Propane Stove Star Gazing Table & Chairs Trails Wildlife Viewing
Within 10 Miles
Boating Creek Access Fishing	Gold Panning Lake Access Water Skiing

Know Before You Go

Water and electricity are not available at this facility
Guests visit the tower at their own risk; safety rules must be followed
Please call the Laramie Ranger District office at (307) 745-2300 prior to your stay to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit
Maximum of 4 persons, including at least one adult over 21 allowed in tower
Additional camping is allowed on the site, with a total of 10 occupants at the site
A manual for operating lights and stove available in the lookout tower
The cabin is a no-smoking facility
No alcohol, smoking, drugs, fireworks or firearms in or around the tower
Please clean cabin upon departure
Saddle and pack stock must be kept at least 500 feet from the base of the tower; hay brought must be certified weed-free
Facility available by reservation only; no first come-first serve stays available
Learn more about Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.20306, -106.21667
41°12'11"N, 106°13'0"W

From Laramie, Wyoming, take Highway 130 west toward Centennial, Wyoming. Turn south on Highway 11 through Albany, Wyoming. Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower is located 7 miles west of Albany on Forest Service Road 500, a well-graveled road accessible by 2-wheel drive vehicles.

The road (Forest Service Road 500) to this lookout may have logging operations during daylight hours during your stay. Please read and respect the signs posted at the entrance road for further instructions upon entering this site. If you have questions, call the Medicine Bow National Forest, Laramie District Office during the week at (307) 745-2300.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

SPRUCE MTN FIRE LOOKOUT TOWER
2468 JACKSON STREET
LARAMIE WY 82070

Phone Number:

Information: (307)745-2300

SPRUCE MTN FIRE LOOKOUT TOWER, WY