Jersey Jim Lookout is a live-in fire tower in an aspen-lined meadow in San Juan National Forest near Mancos, Colorado — almost 10,000 feet up, with a deck 55 feet above ground. Overnight use still prints $50 per night as of September 10, 2026.
The Jersey Jim Foundation renovated the tower in 1991 and still operates and maintains it. Starting April 30th, 2026, stays book on Recreation.gov for one to two nights. Maximum stay is 2 nights. Operational hours: Mid-May to Mid-October.
Timber Legs, Mint Cab
Low angle under blue sky: timber legs, mint cab, a flag on the deck rail. That deck is the 55-foot line Recreation.gov prints.
Looking straight up the timber frame to the cab. The climb and the height are the hard part of this overnight.
The Wraparound Deck
Cab corner and wraparound deck at sunset over the forest. From here the meadow and the aspens sit under the tower.
Looking down: the tower’s own shadow across the meadow and road, aspens, distant peaks. Almost 10,000 feet is the elevation line as printed.
Views From the Cab
One lookout view over forested ridges — the reason the fire finder sat up here.
Another ridge line from the same cab. 360-degree windows wrap the room.
Inside the Cab
Original furniture. A double bed and dresser. Dining table seats four. Historic fire finder. Propane heating and lighting; propane refrigerator; oven/stove — named only as printed. No electricity or running water.
Overnight is restricted to a maximum of 4 persons with at least one adult over 21. Children under 8 are not allowed. NO pets. Key pickup at P&D Grocery, Mancos, Frontage Road (store closes at 8:00; disclaimer/waiver required).
Directions as printed: 14 miles north of Mancos on Forest Road #561. San Juan National Forest / Mancos, Colorado.
For another Forest Service lookout overnight on Tiny House Talk, see Calpine Lookout: A 1934 CCC 14-by-14 Cab, $75 a Night.
Would you take a $50 night in a 55-foot San Juan fire tower — propane heat and lights, no running water, max two nights — or is the climb past what you’d book?
Highlights
- Jersey Jim Lookout — San Juan National Forest / Mancos, Colorado
- Live-in tower in an aspen-lined meadow at almost 10,000 feet
- Deck 55 feet above ground
- Overnight Use: $50 per night as of September 10, 2026 (FS + Recreation.gov)
- Maximum stay 2 nights; book on Recreation.gov starting April 30th, 2026
- Operational Hours: Mid-May to Mid-October
- Jersey Jim Foundation renovated 1991; operates/maintains the tower
- Cab: original furniture; propane heating and lighting; no electricity or running water; sink; propane refrigerator; oven/stove; dining table seats four; double bed and dresser; 360-degree windows; historic fire finder
- Max 4 persons; at least one adult over 21; children under 8 not allowed; NO pets
- Key pickup: P&D Grocery, Mancos, Frontage Road (closes 8:00; disclaimer/waiver required)
- 14 miles north of Mancos on Forest Road #561
- Pages visited September 10, 2026
Learn More
Jersey Jim Lookout — San Juan National Forest — $50 per night as of September 10, 2026.
Forest Service: fs.usda.gov — Jersey Jim Lookout
Recreation.gov: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10388459
jerseyjimfoudation@gmail.com (spelling as printed on FS)
Dolores Ranger District: (970) 882-7296 · 29211 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323
Jersey Jim Foundation: P.O. Box 1032 Mancos, CO 81328
Photos: USDA Forest Service / San Juan National Forest / Recreation.gov. Pages visited September 10, 2026.
Explore More
- Calpine Lookout: A 1934 CCC 14-by-14 Cab, $75 a Night
- Fire Tower Chalet Cabin in Pennsylvania
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Alex
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