Facility · Colorado ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
San Juan National Forest (NF) · Open Access
Live a little bit of history and enjoy an incredible view in Southwestern Colorado with an one- or two-night stay at the Jersey Jim Fire Lookout Tower. Formerly used to detect fires, the live-in tower rises from an aspen-lined meadow in the San Juan National Forest at almost 10,000 feet above sea level.
The Tower cab includes the original furniture and propane heating and lighting. Guests must bring their own supplies. Water is available from a hand pump at Transfer Campground four miles before the Tower on Forest Road #561.
Correspondence and Contributions can be mailed to: Jersey Jim Foundation P.O. Box 1032 Mancos, CO 81328
From Mancos: The renovated tower is located 14 miles north of Mancos on Forest Road #561, a well-graveled forest road accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles. Travelers should watch for livestock and wildlife and keep speeds under 30 miles per hour.
37.49730, -108.18400 · 37°29'50.3"N 108°11'2.4"W
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 4.3 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 2.9 | 2.8 | 1.1 | 4.4 | 3.7 | 3.2 | 2.8 | 3.2 | 3.8 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Jersey Jim Lookout also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Jersey Jim Lookout's operator.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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