Squaw Mountain Fire Lookout is located in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Idaho Springs, CO. The area features mountainous terrain with elevations that can affect temperature, with highs reaching around 70°F in summer and lows dropping to 20°F in winter. Nearby attractions include Mount Evans Scenic Byway and Echo Lake, offering opportunities for hiking and sightseeing.

## Overview

 The Mestaahehe (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 Mestaahehe 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. 
## Recreation

 Hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic driving, picnicking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are all easily accessible while staying at the lookout. 
## Facilities

 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, its 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. 
## Natural Features

 Besides offering the unique experience of staying in a fire lookout, Mestaahehe 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. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area, Mount Evans Wilderness Area 
## Contact Info

 For facility specific information, please call (970) 295-6600.

Squaw Mountain Fire Lookout

Searching for the best camping near Idaho Springs, CO? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Idaho Springs is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Idaho Springs, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Idaho Springs

The Best Camping Near Idaho Springs, Colorado

The fire tower has two levels with 2 twin beds on each level. I recommend staying in the top level as the views are amazing. Look one way, you can see downtown Denver. Look another, Pike's Peak. Another, Mount Evans. It is windy up at 11,500 feet and it rattles the windows at times, but again...the views. The space itself is only about 20' x 20' but you are never bored as the scenery changes in every direction every 5 minutes. You have to reserve the tower well in advance but it is definitely worth it. I must mention there is also about a mile hike up to the tower with your gear but again, it is definitely worth it.

Photos of Squaw Mountain Fire Lookout

Real photos from real campers