Planning a dispersed camping trip near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Colorado camping adventure.
Trailhead located on the Continental Divide and on the Grand/Boulder County line. There is parking for about 15 vehicles. The trailhead provides access to the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness Areas, James Peak Special Interest Area, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, and the Moffat Railroad historical sites.
Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.
Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.
Know Before You Go
Check the weather and road closures before heading up. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps. Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days within any continuous 30-day period at any location within the same 20-mile radius. See Order Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.
The Mestaa_____hehe (pronounced mess-taw-HAY) Mountain Fire Lookout is located directly off of Colorado Highway 103 west of Bergen Park and sits at the summit of Mestaa_____hehe Mountain, which is an active communication tower site in Clear Creek County. In addition to being an active communication site, the area is a popular dispersed recreation use area with hiking, recreational shooting, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and camping. The lookout is a unique structure constructed of native granite which is situated at over 11,000 feet elevation and was built in the 1940s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The cab measures 14 feet by 14 feet and is completely lined by windows on each side and surrounded by a catwalk, all of which sit on top of a one story stone base.______ The Fire Lookout is open for reservations. We are excited to open the lookout, but wanted to share the following updates with renters: -There will not be staff cleaning in between visitors to the lookout, all renters must thoroughly disinfect and clean before they leave. -Pack out all trash and anything brought up during your stay, please do not leave food, supplies or other items behind. -We will offer disposable items for eating. However, renters are encouraged to bring their own supplies. Reusable utensils/cups will not be provided. -Follow instructions for the incinerating toilet and do not burn disposable wipes or other cleaning items. -If you are sick or have been exposed to COVID 19, please stay home, cancel your reservation and a refund will be provided.
Hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic driving, picnicking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are all easily accessible while staying at the lookout.
The lookout contains an electric stove, refrigerator, and heat; beds; table and chairs; cookware and dishes; and an exterior incinerating toilet. Please be aware that visitors are expected to clean and maintain the incinerating toilet to ensure proper operation of the unit. The lookout can accommodate four people per night. Guests will need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as their own sleeping bags/bedding. This is a pack it in, pack it out facility; guests will need to carry out all trash and clean the facility prior to leaving. During the winter months, the facilities will be cold. In the lookout, there are two small wall heaters, and one space heater. However, with the weather conditions, it___s not always possible for them to keep the place consistently warm. At 11,000 feet it can also be extremely windy. Please come prepared for the extreme winter weather conditions that can happen during your stay.
Besides offering the unique experience of staying in a fire lookout, Mestaa_____hehe Mountain Lookout will provide visitors outstanding panoramic views of the Great Plains, Denver, Mount Blue Sky, Pikes Peak, Longs Peak and other snow-capped peaks.
For facility specific information, please call (970) 295-6600.
Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area, Mount Evans Wilderness Area
$80 / night
Trailhead located on the Continental Divide and on the Grand/Boulder County line. There is parking for about 15 vehicles. The trailhead provides access to the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness Areas, James Peak Special Interest Area, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, and the Moffat Railroad historical sites.
