The Squaw Mountain Lookout is located directly off of Colorado Highway 103 west of Bergen Park and sits at the summit of Squaw Mountain, which is an active communication tower site in Clear Creek County. In addition to being an active communication site, the Squaw Mountain area is a popular dispersed recreation use area with hiking, recreational shooting, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and camping. The lookout is a unique structure constructed of native granite which is situated at over 11,000 feet elevation and was built in the 1940s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The cab measures 14 feet by 14 feet and is completely lined by windows on each side and surrounded by a catwalk, all of which sit on top of a one story stone base.
From Idaho Springs and Interstate 70, take Exit 240 (Colorado Highway 103) and drive south over the bridge on Colorado 103 for 19 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 192.1, a dirt road and continue for one mile where you will come to parking area before a locked gate. Proceed on foot one mile up the road past the locked gate to the Lookout Tower. Do not block access to any of the gates. Winter Access: Interstate 70, take Exit 240 and drive south over the bridge on Colorado 103 for 19 miles to Forest Road 192.1. Park at pull off or along the right hand shoulder of the highway and continue on foot on the road heading up for one mile where you will come to a gate. Pass around the gate and continue for one more mile to the Lookout Tower.
Entry to the lookout is by combination lock and key and the combination will be printed on confirmation letter; please call the Idaho Springs Visitor Center at (303) 567-4382 four days before arrival to confirm combination. Office hours are Monday to Friday, except holidays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is no water; guests must provide their own water for drinking, cooking and washing. There is no tent, trailer or RV camping at the site. Please pack out all trash and clean cabin before departure. Due to the height of the tower and the rocky terrain around the lookout, this location is not recommended for small children. Pets are not allowed. Doors should be locked and all personal items removed upon departure. The lookout is a non-smoking facility. Squaw Mountain is an active communication site and contractors frequently visit the site to service and make repairs to antennae. During the frequent summer lightning storms, stay in the lookout and do not touch metal furnishings; the lookout is equipped with a lightning protection system. During the winter months, visitors should be prepared with winter camping equipment in the event of storms or power outages. Snowmobiles and other off-road vehicles are not allowed from the parking area. In case of emergency there is a guest book of instructions of what to do including the location of the nearest emergency facility. Cell phone coverage may be limited depending on your cell phone company provider or location. There are no refunds for weather. Please plan for extreme winter conditions and wind chills. Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
