About Jersey Jim Lookout
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](https://jerseyjimfoundation.org/). 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
- Fees: $50 / night. Rental fees are used to maintain the facility. Additional contributions are welcomed.
- Season: Mid-May – Mid-October
- Managed by: San Juan National Forest, FS
- Where: 12 mi northeast of Mancos, CO · 37.4973, -108.184
- Winter: the road at camp is closed to cars in winter; plan to ride, ski or snowshoe in.
Official page for this camp (fees, closures, booking)
Weather by month
Typical daily highs and lows (°F), 1991–2020 NOAA normals. Best months: Jun–Aug (comfortable days, mild nights, little rain). Nights below freezing: Oct–Apr.
Fly over it in 3D, check today's weather and fire news, plan the drive and print a trip plan.
Trails near camp
| Trail | Open to | From camp | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Mancos | ATV road | at camp | 18.2 mi |
| Turkey Crk | ATV road | 0.1 mi | 3.0 mi |
| Aspen Loop | ATV / OHV, Dirt bike | 0.1 mi | 19.8 mi |
| Clampett Mill | ATV / OHV, Dirt bike | 1.4 mi | 2.5 mi |
| Morrison | Horse, ATV / OHV, Dirt bike | 1.8 mi | 11.6 mi |
| West Mancos | Horse, ATV / OHV, Dirt bike | 2.0 mi | 11.2 mi |
Straight-line distance from camp, from Forest Service, BLM, state and OpenStreetMap trail data.
Good to know
Verizon 4G · AT&T 5G · T-Mobile 5G
From the carriers' FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous.The Milky Way casts shadows and the sky is crowded with stars.
Class 1 of 9, from NASA/NOAA night-light data.Stargazing nearby: Hovenweep National Monument (Colorado part) (Dark Sky Park), 24 mi.
Dump station: 23.8 mi
Nearest of each within 25 miles, straight-line.Camps nearby
- Dispersed spot · 10 mi NE of Mancos 1.9 mi
- Transfer Campground 2.5 mi
- Dispersed spot · 7 mi NE of Mancos 4.6 mi
- West 7.5 mi
- Echo Basin Ranch RV Park 7.8 mi
- Mancos State Park campsites 8.3 mi