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: Staffed
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 is an active lookout. 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 Registry entry for Benchmark as well as these 2009 stories from the Dolores Star: