Mark Roper
Benchmark Lookout, 2002
Administering the National Forests of Colorado: An Assessment of the Architectural and Cultural Significance of Historical Administrative Properties
1994 photo of Benchmark Lookout
Benchmark Lookout
San Juan National Forest
Elevation: 9264
Status: Standing
Year Built: 1970
Structure Type: 16'4"x16'4" R2 flattop cab with catwalk
on 42' wood tower
Benchmark Lookout at the end of FR-493 was an active lookout, but as of 2012 is no longer staffed. The 42' wood tower with 18x18 cab was built in 1970 to replace the nearby Glade Mtn. lookout.
Getting there: The first half of the road is gravel suitable for cars, but high waterbars and rocks suggest high clearance for the second half.
Visit the National Historic Lookout entry for Benchmark Lookout for Benchmark as well as these news stories from the Dolores Star and Durango Herald:
- "Technology can’t replace human factor at fire lookout towers"
- "Benchmark Lookout on historic register"
- "Still on the Lookout"
See also the introduction to Administering the National Forests of Colorado: An Assessment of the Architectural and Cultural Significance of Historical Administrative Properties and the description of Benchmark Lookout in the San Juan National Forest inventory in the same document.