Tim Worth
Deadman Lookout, 2002
Old Deadman Lookout (~1941)
Deadman Lookout
Roosevelt National Forest
Elevation: 10710
Status: Active
Year Built: 1939, rebuilt 1961
Structure Type: 40' (original), CL100 steel 55' (current), with 14x14 cab
The original L4 structure was located near the present day parking area, on a low rock outcrop near the NGS benchmark "Deadman." The current steel tower, built in 1961, is staffed by volunteers in the summer months, and is open to visitors from 10-4 on weekends. There are an outhouse and picnic facilities nearby. Good views of Rocky Mountain National Park to the south, and Bald Mountain to the north.
How to get there: From CO 14 at Rustic, head north for ~5 miles on RD 69. Make a left (west) at RD 162, which curves north and heads moderately uphill. After ~9 miles, make a left (west) at well-marked Deadman Hill Rd. Take this ~14 miles to the Deadman Tower turnoff (FR170). Drive north 3 miles to the tower. All roads are good gravel, suitable for passenger cars. Deadman Road closes mid-November most years, and typically opens by April to late May, depending on snow conditions.
Visit the National Historic Lookout entry for Deadman Lookout.