Entry No. 18 — the Fort Collins file — filed under: historic
Deadman Fire Lookout Tower
Built by Civilian Conservation Corps crews in 1937–38 and replaced with the current 55-foot steel tower in 1961, Deadman Lookout stands at 10,710 feet in Roosevelt National Forest above the Laramie River Valley. On clear days the observation cab — still fitted with an original Osborn firefinder, a circular sighting device manufactured before 1975 — delivers panoramic views stretching 110 miles into Wyoming. Volunteer hosts staff the tower on a summer schedule, walking visitors through the history of fire detection and the women like Bernice George who spotted blazes here during the 1940s. The original CCC wooden-tower footings are still visible on a short walk east of the current structure.
The move: Drive the scenic gravel road together, climb 54 steps to the glass-enclosed cab, and take turns using the Osborn firefinder to locate distant peaks across two states. Arrive mid-morning on a Thursday or Friday to beat weekend crowds; bring a picnic for the tables below and plan around afternoon lightning.
📍 Before you go Open July through Labor Day (volunteers staffed Thursday–Monday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.); snow can delay opening past July 4. No potable water on-site; bring your own. Vault toilets available. Free to visit; donations accepted. Passenger cars can manage the gravel road but go slowly. Clear out before afternoon thunderstorms — visitors must leave the tower during lightning. Dogs allowed on leash. No overnight stays.
- 📍 Red Feather Lakes
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: Forest Road 170, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545 (Roosevelt National Forest, approx. 12 miles west of Red Feather Lakes village on County Road 86/Deadman Road, then 2 miles north on FR 170)
Hours: Added 2026-06-11 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4
last checked: 2026-06-11