Devils Head Lookout
Pike National Forest
Elevation: 9708
Status: Staffed
Year Built: 1912, reconstructed 1951
Structure Type: 1912: non-standard, 1951: L4
Devils Head Lookout is probably the best-known lookout in Colorado. The L4 cab is perched high on rock outcrop, with a few flights of stairs leading to the cab. The lookout used to be accessible only by ladder. Living quarters are below the outcrop. This lookout was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
Getting there: From Sedalia along US 85 south of Denver, take CO 67 west for 12 miles to Rampart Range Road. The intersection is well marked. Take Rampart Range Road 11 miles to the turnout for Devils Head Lookout and campground. Follow the signs and veer right to the tower trailhead. The hike is 1.4 miles and requires 960 feet of elevation gain.
Further reading about Devil's Head Lookout:
- National Historic Lookout entry for Devil's Head Lookout.
- Pike National Forest Devil's Head Campground information.
- Douglas County Historic Preservation page for Devil's Head Lookout.
- The Colorado Springs Gazette published a story on August 21, 2009 about Bill Ellis, long-time Devils Head lookout. It is no longer available online, but could perhaps be found by subscribing.
- Denver Post story of July 11, 2011 about the Ellises and Devils Head.
- Forest Fire Lookout Towers of the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests and Rocky Mountain National Park.
