Overview

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.

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.

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

Mesa Verde National Park, Durango to Silverton Railroad, Anazasi Heritage Center, Four Corners Monument

Important Notices

• KEY PICK UP!!!

  • You must pick the key up at the P&D Grocery, Mancos, Frontage Road.

  • Store closes at 8:00. There is no other way to get in after that.

  • Pick up by Noon-12:00 p.m. of later on day of check in.

  • DROP OFF - NO LATER THAN NOON-12:00 p.m. on day of check out.

  DISCLAIMER/WAIVER FORM: You will be required to sign a disclaimer/waiver form at the P&D Grocery at key pick up. No signature, no key.

  SAFETY RULES: Renter and party agrees to abide by the following safety rules to avoid potential hazards: Steep stairs, Trap Door on Deck, Deck is 55 feet above ground, Lightning Storms:

  • Overnight stay is restricted to a maximum of 4 (four) persons, including at least one adult over 21 years of age

  • Children under 8 years old ARE NOT allowed in the Tower

  • NO pets

  • Smoking, alcoholic beverages, drugs, fireworks and firearms ARE NOT permitted in or around the Tower

  • Nothing is to be thrown from the Tower deck

  • Sleeping on the deck, sitting on the railing, horseplay, or unruly behavior is prohibited

  • Use handrail when ascending or descending the stairs

  • During lightning storms, stay in the cab and DO NOT touch metal furnishings

  • Instructions for lighting the propane lamps, stove, refrigerator and heater as well as additional information on lightning are provided in the Information Manual at the Tower and should be read immediately upon arrival.

  Other common sense suggestions:

  • No open fire inside the fenced area

  • No livestock within the fenced area

  • Observe Forest Service fire restriction, etc.

  • If you use candles, please watch them carefully and do not allow wax to drip

  • CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF. This includes appliances, floor, etc. Remove all trash from premises. No burning of trash on site.

  A copy of these Safety Rules will be available at key pick up site - a signature is required.

Directions

<p>The Tower is 14 miles from Highway 184 on a two-wheel drive graveled road subject to adverse weather conditions. At Mancos, Colorado, Highway 184 north, about 1/2 mile turn right on Montezuma County Road 42. County Road turns into Forest Service Road 561. Landmark references: Four miles on FS 561 is Transfer Campground. Seven miles on FS 561 is Aspen Guard Station. </p>

Contact Information

Phone: 970 882-7296

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip