Devils Head Fire Lookout (9,748′), Front Range
Devils Head Lookout was the last of the seven original Front Range lookout towers in continuous use since the 1800’s. It was closed in 2018 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Bill Ellis and his wife operated the lookout over the last 25 years, and many visitors remark that their discussions with Bill were the highlight of their trip.
The tower was typically staffed mid-May through mid-September. Located in the Pike National Forest, in the Rampart Range Mountains, the lookout is close to Castle Rock. Situated at 9,748 feet, views extend 100 miles in every direction on clear days.
There are many 4×4 and hiking opportunities close by, such as Spruce Mountain and Mt Herman.
Trail Stats
- Trailhead: Devils Head Lookout
- Round trip: 2.8 miles / 4.5 km
- Elevation: 8,797′ – 9,748′ / 2,681 m – 2,971 m
- County: El Paso
- Agency: U.S. Forest Service
- Nat’l Forest: Pike
Trail Pictures
Winter road closure
Winter road closure
View from the lookout
View from the lookout
A look inside
A look inside
Arriving at the lookout
Arriving at the lookout
Stairs to the top
Stairs to the top
View west
View west
Meadow below the fire lookout
Meadow below the fire lookout
Ranger summer cabin
Ranger summer cabin
Devils Head Fire Lookout
Devils Head Fire Lookout
Through the narrow portion
Through the narrow portion
Great views
Great views
Nearing the meadow below the fire lookout
Nearing the meadow below the fire lookout
An overlook
An overlook
Looking back down the trail
Looking back down the trail
Clear crisp morning
Clear crisp morning
The half way mark
The half way mark
View to the west
View to the west
Fresh snow on the trail
Fresh snow on the trail
A nice April day
A nice April day
A creek crossing
A creek crossing
Devils Head area
Devils Head area
On the lower trail
On the lower trail
Sign on the lookout
Sign on the lookout
The trailhead
The trailhead
A winter wonderland
A winter wonderland
A snow roller
A snow roller
GPS Track with Elevation
Video Tour
Trail Directions
The trail begins in the picnic area adjacent to Devil’s Head Campground and ends at the lookout, the last of the seven original Front Range Lookout towers still in service. The 1.4 mile long trail takes approximately 45 to 90 minutes on a one way hike, with an elevation gain of 940 feet. There is a bathroom at the base of the tower. Once there, there are 143 steps to get to the actual fire lookout.
Trailhead Directions