Jersey Jim Lookout Tower

1 night minimum, 2 night maximum

Live a little bit of history and enjoy an incredible view in  Southwestern Colorado with an overnight 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 Jersey Jim was home to U.S. Forest  Service fire lookouts from the 1940's to the 1970's. An historic log  book inside its cab, or living quarters, chronicles their experiences.  The Tower was renovated and saved from demolition in 1991 by the Jersey  Jim Foundation, a non-profit volunteer organization, which operates and  maintains the Tower under permit with the San Juan National Forest.
 

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. 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  4 miles before the Tower on Forest Road #561. Water and supplies can  be hoisted up to the cab via a pulley. Visitors are asked to follow  basic rules of sanitation. Trash should be bagged and removed from the  premises. Hiking and scenic driving opportunities abound nearby.  Visitors should be prepared for high altitude conditions. Summertime  temperatures average 75 degrees but can drop as low as 40 degrees at  night or during thunder storms. Available within an hour's drive via  U.S. Highway 160 (part of the San Juan Skyway) are Mesa Verde National  Park, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Train and the Anasazi Heritage Center. Information on the San Juan National Forest and nearby  attractions can be found at the Mancos Visitor Center and Dolores Ranger  District just minutes away. Gas, groceries, hardware, motels,  restaurant, churches and medical services are also available in Mancos.

No more than 4 (adults) are permitted at one time at the Jersey Jim Fire Lookout Tower (NO children under 8 years old); all must named in the Rental/Disclaimer Agreement.

One room – Small kitchen area with a refrigerator, cookstove and oven. There is a sink with a table and 4 chairs. One full bed, you may need to bring a mattress or cot for additional guests. Jersey John (outhouse) is located at the base of the tower.

Cabinet with pots/pans, serving and dinner dishes, glassware/cups, silverware and coffee pot. Propane heater also. There IS cell service, but no Wi-Fi service. Mops, brooms, buckets and cleaning supplies are all provided. You will need to bring groceries, drinking water, all personal toiletries, towels/wash clothes and all bedding including pillows.

Outdoor charcoal grill and picnic table. All trash must be kept within the buildings and removed when you depart. No potable water – bring your drinking/cooking water.

It is the YOUR responsibility to thoroughly clean the accommodation before you leave in preparation for the next guest. A cleaning fee will be charged in the event a volunteer has to do the cleaning. The keys must be returned to the P&D Grocery store upon departure and on time. Failure to return the keys will result in a replacement fee.