The original fire lookout at this location was constructed in 1907 as a simple platform.
It is the last remaining fire lookout tower in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests.
The lookout structure is anchored directly into the native Pikes Peak granite summit.
The location is part of the Rampart Range, a significant sub-range of the Colorado Front Range.
Forest Service personnel occupy the cabin during the summer months to monitor for lightning strikes and smoke.
Devil's Head Lookout is a functional fire-spotting tower located at an elevation of 9,748 feet in the Pike National Forest. The current structure was built in 1951, replacing earlier lookout designs at this site. Visitors reach the summit via a 1.4-mile trail that gains approximately 950 feet in elevation. The final ascent requires climbing 143 metal stairs attached to the granite rock formation. On clear days, visibility extends to the Continental Divide and the plains of eastern Colorado. It is one of the few remaining active fire lookouts in the United States that remains staffed during fire season. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The landing of the metal staircase provides the most comprehensive view of the tower against the mountain backdrop.
Bring layers, as temperatures at the 9,748-foot summit are significantly lower than at the trailhead.
Carry at least two liters of water, as there are no potable water sources on the trail.
Check local weather forecasts for lightning risks, as the summit is highly exposed to storms.
Do not attempt the final staircase during high winds or if lightning is visible in the distance.
The trail and tower are generally inaccessible during winter months due to heavy snow; the lookout is only staffed during the summer fire season.
Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion; do not disturb the lookout staff during their active monitoring duties.
