Jersey Jim Fire Tower

Show on map 970 882-7296 jerseyjimfoundation@gmail.org

Jersey Jim Foundation, P.O. Box 1032
Mancos, CO 81328

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

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Largest party: 4 people
Equipment: CAR, CARAVAN/CAMPER VAN, Hammock, PICKUP CAMPER, Tent

Directions

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 12 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

2 reviews

5 stars

Helen K

Loop:Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

A Magical, Unique Experience (With a Few Practical Tips!) It’s completely true what others say—securing a spot here is worth the years-long wait. Staying in the Jersey Jim tower is an incredibly unique and magical experience. You get a beautiful meadow carved out just for you, absolutely stunning views, and wonderful wildlife walking right around the property. The surrounding aspen trees are beautiful, and I can only imagine how incredible they must look when the leaves change in the fall. That being said, if you are visiting in the heat of the summer like my August trip, here are a few practical heads-ups to help you prepare: Heat & Ventilation: The sun pours in during the morning and afternoon, making the inside of the tower very hot. Since there is no electricity, I highly recommend bringing a battery-powered fan to keep the air moving. Friendly (but flying) Visitors: To cool the tower, your only option is opening the doors and windows. Just be aware there is a very active hornet population during the day. They will wander inside, though you can easily guide them back out. At night, the hornets sleep, but the moths take over and will fly in through any open windows. Food Storage: The provided refrigerator had a bit of a musty, moldy smell during my stay, so I chose not to use it. You might want to plan an alternate way to keep your perishables cold, such as keeping a reliable cooler down in your vehicle. Carrying Gear: The stairway up to the tower is very narrow. Be cautious, pack thoughtfully, and take your time when carrying your equipment and gear up and down the stairs. Overall, it is an unforgettable place to spend time. Just come prepared for the rustic reality of a fire tower, and you will have an amazing trip!

Whitney H

Loop:Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

I have been trying to get a reservation here for years. It was so magical and I can't wait to go back :)

Availability

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